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I’m a normal girl. I like to drink wine, sometimes I go out on week nights, and I usually spend way too much of my late evening watching Law and Order SVU re-runs. Unfortunately, I’m also a working girl, so these productivity distractions take away from my much needed beauty rest. Most girls say “beauty sleep” with a silly or pompous undertone, but since my body’s been tortured from health complications in the past, my face literally wears my body’s burdens more than anything. In layman’s terms, I look like a walking zombie when I don’t get enough rest. In order to overcompensate for dark circles and worn skin, I’ve come up with a routine of 9 skin care and makeup tips to hide the look of fatigue and/or anxiety.
I found this amazing new line of Neutrogena skin care at Target that works specifically to fight signs of anti-aging, so be on the lookouts for some of my hydration favorites during your shopping adventure. I’m seriously such a fan, and for the drugstore brand/drugstore prices? You can’t beat them.
To start, be sure you’ve got a crystal clean face. Apply Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel, side note: it smells amazing, evenly all over your neck and face. This miracle formula quenches and continuously hydrates your tired skin, locking it in so skin stays bright, smooth, and supple all day. It doesn’t leave behind an oily or greasy feel, so it’s a great base for any makeup routine.
PS- I apologize in advance if my face before completion scares any small children. This morning was a zombie morning.
Next, minimize dark circles with Neutrogena’s Rapid Dark Circle Repair Eye Cream. This nourishing eye cream works to make under-eye skin tone more even and diffuse the look of dark circles while light-reflecting minerals brighten your eyes. Plus, it twists out like a crayon, which during the early morning hours, seems a lot more fun than it sounds.
Next, lightly dab– not smear— on Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream to stimulate circulation. It contains Retinol SA, aka any wrinkle adversary’s best friend, and it works to fade the look of stubborn crow’s feat while brightening your under-eye area.
When I’m extra tired, my skin needs extra moisture. Plus, SPF is the cardinal anti-aging must have. I use Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15, since it’s non-greasy lotion formula is PABA-free and contains no drying alcohol. It goes on light and keeps my skin feeling extra soft and hydrated for the entire work day.
When my tired skin is screaming for air and moisture, the last thing I want to do is suffocate it with a cakey foundation that’s going to make me an oil pot of a hot mess. I use Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 for a healthy hint of bronze, and it gives just enough coverage to look natural while still hiding any puffiness or inflammation.
Highlighting is a powerful art form that not only maximizes your gorgeous facial features, but also makes your skin literally look like it’s glowing. It’s basically the key ingredient to any major “hide the hangover” makeup routine. I typically highlight my nose, chin, cheeks, under eyebrows, and T-zone, but your preferences can be your own.
I’m Italian, so the shine from all this excess moisture and makeup needs to be controlled. Use a translucent powder with a protein complex, like Neutrogena’s Shine Control Powder, to absorb oil throughout the day, keeping your skin looking shine-free for up to 8 hours without over-drying your skin.
When your skin is finally looking even and hydrated, move on to the eyes. I always apply a light, tannish shade around the top and bottom eyelids. You’re not looking for color; you’re looking for a subtle hint of highlight.
Next, take a nude colored waterproof eyeliner and line your lower eyelid. This is hands down the most noticeable and effective part of this step. Your eyes will instantly look brighter, wider, and more awake with very minimal application. Follow up with a dark brown or natural shade of mascara to give your eyes a natural look of youth and energy. Fill in your eyebrows, too, to draw attention away from your dark circles and into the {fake} dreamy sparkles in your eyes.
Choose a bright colored lipstick, grab some Starbucks, and the only person who knows you’re slowly dying of sleep deprivation/insomnia on the inside will be you– promise!
There you have it! Any questions? To find any and all of the products I used in this tutorial, head to Target and look for their new anti-aging skincare display (pictured below). Oh, and since anti-aging anything isn’t cheap, use these fabulous coupons for Neutrogena discounts on Cosmetics (here) and Facial Skin Care Products (here).
Did I miss any secret tips or products? How do you hide your tired eyes and look more awake on those difficult mornings?
I was compensated for this shop by Collective Bias, Inc. on behalf of Neutrogena for this #NewNeutrogena campaign. All opinions are mine alone.
Or you could just put on sunglasses. But seriously, amazing post.
pinkandnavystripes.com
Love this tutorial!! That moisturizer is amazing!
I feel like you wrote this post just for me! haha ugh… my skin needs an awakening lately in my dry desert life with too many kids and not enough sleep 😉 (and probably too much wine) I'm going to check out that Water Gel today!
My girlfriend loves this stuff. She NEVER lets herself run out.
oh goodness, what awesome tips! I definitely need to use them as I'm always looking tired as of late! #client
What a great line up! I love the pic and description of where to highlight to make you appear more awake! Nutragena mositurizing cream is my favourite!
I love Neutrogena products! Great tips I constantly feel like I look a zombie when I wake up from staying up to late at night as well!
When a cup of coffee isn't enough, these tips will save me from all the "Are you ok" questions. They sound like a lifesaver for my face!
great tutorial!
ladies in navy
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for sharing this post. I am using products of Neutrogena ever since and they really effective. I always spend working over time, so it can be very stressful. I learned a lot from here not to look fatigue from work.
Hi,
This tutorial is simple yet very effective. I don’t usually have the stress-looking face. Before I have dark circles, spots everywhere and even wrinkles, but now I look younger and more glowing because of Neutrogena products. Thanks!