7 Makeup Shortcuts to Look Less Tired

These seven pick-me-up beauty products will help you get a glowing, well-rested appearance before your first sip of coffee.

By Erica Metzger

January 02, 2019

Maybe your late-night Netflix habit is obvious or you're still recovering from the holidays. Either way, having dark circles and dull skin is no way to go through the day. Restore your complexion's radiance at home or on the go with our tips and techniques.

Image courtesy of Getty

Smart products like illuminating moisturizer and thickening mascara will have you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in no time, even if you're spent. Plus, they're all under $25!

Image courtesy of Kiehl's

Look-Awake Shortcut: Nourish Lips

Apply a coat of hydrating, tinted lip color before heading out the door. Kiehl's softening lip treatment goes on like a gloss, minus the stickiness.

Buy It: Love Oil for Lips, $19

Image courtesy of Ulta

Look-Awake Shortcut: Fake Thicker Lashes

Long, thick lashes with a natural-looking curl make eyes appear more awake (even when you don't feel that way). This mascara's whipped, creamy formula and its ribbed brush work in tandem to evenly coat and curl lashes without any clumps.

Buy It: Climax Mascara, $24

Image courtesy of Garnier

Look-Awake Shortcut: Brighten Dull Skin

Radiant skin looks youthful and healthy. A sheer tinted moisturizer with pearl pigments will give skin a subtle glow, and it can be used on its own or as a primer for foundation.

Buy It: Glow Boost Moisturizer, $12

Image courtesy of Sephora

Look-Awake Shortcut: Hide Dark Circles and Redness

Banish traces of a restless night with a high-coverage concealer. This liquid formula comes in 25 shades, so you can find the best natural-looking color match for your complexion in any season.

Buy It: Essential High Coverage Liquid Concealer, $22

Image courtesy of Bare Minerals

Look-Awake Shortcut: Define Your Eyes

Fighting tired eyes? A superfine eyeliner can fill in gaps between lashes and help make eyes appear larger and more awake.

Buy It: One Fine Line Micro Liner, $18

Image courtesy of Loreal USA

Look-Awake Shortcut: Shape and Fill Eyebrows

Full brows look youthful and fresh. Fill in patchy spots with a long-wearing gel that won't budge as you tackle the 9-5, and then some.

Buy It: Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel, $17

Image courtesy of Undone Beauty

Look-Awake Shortcut: Perk Up Cheeks

A swipe of a coral or pink blush can instantly brighten a dull complexion. If you're using a buildable cream formula, apply a small amount of product to cheeks and gradually increase to your desired level of rosiness. Toss it in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups– it also works on lips!

Buy It: 3-In-1 Cream, $6