Fake it till you make it

So this isn't really a DIY post but it's still something extraordinarily beneficial.  I work in a job where I occasionally have to be on call and often have late nights and early mornings.  Sometimes, I just don't get enough sleep.  Unfortunately, I still have to look wide awake and put together even on those nights when I'm up until 5am.  I have a few tried and true make-up tricks that help me look my best!

1.  Moisturizer. 

On days when I get little sleep, I always feel like my skin is so dry.  I make sure to layer on a nice SPF moisturizer on my damp face out of the shower.  I like Eucerin Everyday Protection SPF 30 this stuff soaks in quickly and doesn't have a scent.

2.  Benefit Erase Paste

This stuff is my secret weapon. It's a little pricey, but it lasts for a long time. I scoop out a small amount (half a pea size amount, maybe less) onto the back of my hand to let it warm up a bit.  I then dab it under my eyes using my ring finger.  It blends so well and I've never found anything else that covers up my dark circles quite as well!

3.  Bronzer

My skin tends to look chalky with little sleep so I compensate with a slightly darker bronzer than usual.  I like ones that have a little shimmer to give my skin a nice glow.  I sweep some onto a large kabuki brush and use it to give a little definition to my cheekbones, nose and chin.  I use the one I typically use in the summer (when my skin is darker) on days like this as it's not too dark but a little more so than my every day bronzer.

4.  Bright Blush

A slightly brighter blush wakes up my face.  Don't use anything too bright or you'll end up resembling a Tim Burton character.  My favorite is Nars powder blush in Orgasm.  It has gold flecks in it that really make you shine!

5.  Lip Color

I tend to look like death without lipstick but I really hate wearing it.  I've discovered lip stain and it is my saving grace!  Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain in Everbloom Kiss is my fave.  It's a perky pink and really brightens my complexion!

6.  Eyes

There are a few different tricks I have to brighten eyes:

     1.) Lipstain as eye color.  This sounds weird but sometimes I rub the above color on my eyelids.  The pinkish hue makes my eyes look brighter!

    2.) Gold shimmer shadow.  This really works!  It makes my eyes look so awake!  I sometimes layer the pink lipstain with the gold shimmer shadow for a rosy look.  My favorite gold shimmer is "Honey Pot" from Too Faced Natural Eye Kit

   3.) Using an iridescent neutral eye liner on the bottom lash line.  I use Revlon Colorstay Brow Enhancer in blonde.  The highlighter side is the perfect neutral for my skintone.  I dab a little in the inner corners and then rub it along my bottom lash line.  Don't put too much or you'll look like a Halloween character!


And when all else fails, drink a ton of coffee!