Fake Awake: Look Bright-Eyed When Coffee is Not Enough

Updated: September 28, 2020

Redheads, there’s something about a poor night’s sleep that just makes your skin look dry and eyes tiny and dull. fortunately, this is an easily correctable condition. These ‘redhead friendly’ tips are particularly great for redheads with fair skin. Dark circles look very prominent against light skin as there isn’t as much pigmentation to help disguise them –– and some of us fair gals are practically translucent!

1. Color Correct

Using a color corrector will help to neutralize undereye discoloration and prevent that unattractive grayish cast that happens when you pile a light color over dark circles. Reduce the appearance of undereye darkness with a creamy peach-toned concealer for bluish dark circles or pink for greyish circles.

Simply pat on a light layer and blend foundation on top to match your skin, and then set with a light dusting of loose translucent powder.

Product picks: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes and Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer

2. Enhance

Brighten the inner corner of the eye with a soft peach or champagne eyeshadow or pencil. A little touch of shimmer here will light up your eyes and make them look brighter and more open.

Curling your lashes goes a long way, too!

Product picks: MAC Shroom Eyeshadow and Benefit Cosmetics Eye Bright Pencil

3. Clarify

When you’re tired, heavy dark eyeliner all around your eyes will just shrink them further. Instead, use a clarifying pencil on the rim of your lower lashline to counteract redness. This will also open up your eyes and make them look larger. Clarifying pencils come in a variety of skin shades and appear less stark than a pure white pencil. They’re also great for quick blemish concealing!

Product picks: Three Custom Color Light Clarifier and Tarte Fake Awake Eyeliner

4. Blush

Don’t pack on the powder when you’re feeling dull & drawn. Think sheen! A cream blush on the apples of the cheeks, blended well toward the temple, will add life and freshness to your skin. A cream bronzer on the high points of your face will add needed warmth.

Product picks: Stila Convertible Color and NARS The Multiple