While we’re told that eight hours of sleep is the key to waking up feeling and looking refreshed, who has the time? Especially during the busy Christmas period.
And with the end of the year fast approaching, you’re likely noticing eye bags that look more like over-packed suitcases and skin in desperate need of TLC.
“You can usually spot a lack of sleep instantly – the skin just loses that natural bounce and brightness,” Beauty Boost founder Samara Searle explains.
Thankfully, there are a couple of tricks that can minimise tired eyes and weary skin.
Read on for our step-by-step guide to faking eight hours of sleep – you know, for when coffee doesn’t cut it.
Step 1 to fake eight hours of sleep: Depuff weary eyes
If your skin is tired after a night out, it’s going to retain water near the eye area in an attempt to maintain hydration.
While we can’t stop this process, we can revive tired eyes by fixing those pesky bags.
“My number one trick is to apply a cold compress or eye mask straight from the fridge – it instantly helps with puffiness by constricting blood vessels,” Searle says.
“For darker-looking circles, use an eye cream full of caffeine and peptides to stimulate circulation and firm the skin.”
Step 2 to fake eight hours of sleep: Increase circulation
Improving your oxygenation and circulation levels is the beauty equivalent of hitting the skin’s refresh button.
When blood flow starts to ramp up, more oxygen can reach the skin’s surface – making a sad, flat-looking complexion appear brighter and more alive.
“Anything designed to boost circulation or oxygenation will bring your skin back to life,” Searle says.
While circulation boosters can range from gentle exfoliation to targeted hot and cold-water treatments, Searle suggests a couple of minutes with a gua sha tool or LED session to revive dullness.
Step 3 to fake eight hours of sleep: Hydrate
Get your tired skin a drink, stat!
“Sleep is honestly one of the most underrated beauty treatments you can give yourself. It’s when your skin repairs, rehydrates and resets,” Searle stresses.
“You can absolutely fake a few hours if you’re using the right ingredients and keeping your skin barrier strong. Look for products rich in peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide as they help mimic that rested, plump look.”
To give it a go at home, spritz your face with a mist, layer on a hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is still damp, before sealing it in with a radiance-boosting moisturiser.
Bonus points if you use products packed with peptides or niacinamide, as these will not only help you fake eight hours of sleep, but also strengthen your skin barrier.
