Genius tricks for looking fresh when you're anything but
Modern life can be tough. It's hectic from sunup to sundown and occasionally all the way through from one to the next. That can be a blast - but it can also leave you looking just that little bit worse for wear.
That's cool. You don't have to look perfect at all times, but if you're heading to the office or even dropping the kids at school, you'll feel better if you look just a little fresh. This is how to make that happen.
Exhaustion often shows under the eyes first and foremost. But don't panic. You can hide any dark circles here with a touch of creamy concealer. Makeup guru Bobbi Brown recommends a yellow-based product here.
"It's the most flattering shade on all colourings," she says. Apply under the eyes but also, in the very inner corners too. This will help to hide any redness.
Try Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer, $52.
If you want to camouflage your weariness a pop of colour is perfect. We have it on good authority that actress Margot Robbie favours a hint of silver shimmer to the eyes when she's struggling to look fresh. And damn does it work!
Try a touch along the upper lash line. If you're very tired you'll likely be a little shaky. Forget the perfect application and instead smudge with a finger. If you still need a pop of brightness, try Margot's second trick and apply a brightly-coloured mascara. She opts for blue, but rich purple is pretty too.
We like Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Ballet Baby, $35.
The number one way to look like you're well-rested and energetic, even when you're anything but, is to apply a rich, hydrating product to the skin that will soothe, soften and also brighten.
There are plenty of gorgeous foundations that will do this but on days like this you want something dead easy. We recommend a tinted moisturiser or colour correcting cream. Our favourite, It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte SPF40, $61.
And last, but definitely not least, lip colour. In fact, if you choose the perfect lip shade you can possibly even get away with all of the afore-mentioned steps altogether. To us, that can only mean one hue - red. A true, bold 'I am woman, Hear me roar' red will get you through any kind of scenario - no questions asked.
You may already have a red that rocks - no questions asked. In which case, apply it and charge! And if not, try the following: they're all excellent.
Sephora Collection Color Lip Last Lipstick in All You Need Is Red, $19 or Kat Von D Beauty Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Hexagram, $29.
