7 steps to skin that looks like you've had loads of sleep

Ever gone for more than two days with less hours clocked up snoozing than you can count on two hands?

Maybe it’s because you’ve got a newborn, maybe you’re an insomniac, maybe you’re cramming for a deadline, or maybe you’re travelling and find it impossible to catch those zzzz’s.

The latter happened to me recently on an epic trip home to Sydney from a holiday in New York. The plane was stuck on the tarmac at JFK for 7 long hours, a 5 hour flight to LA was followed by a 21 hour layover as we’d missed the connecting flight, and the final leg home took another 13 hours. From door to door that travel vortex took 54 hours, yet amazingly my face didn’t look as exhausted as I felt due to a bunch of moisturising, softening, brightening, and long-lasting products stashed in my travel make-up kit. And these babies can do you the same face-favours back home when you’re just not able to clock enough hours sleep.

1. The Wonder Oil

Massage a few drops of this onto a cleansed face, and it’ll help to improve skin tone, elasticity and will give your skin a fresh glow. I’m using Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ $29 at the moment (as I’m a sucker for anything with a ‘+’ sign), but any brand of Rosehip Oil will do your skin huge favours.

TrilogyRosehip-Oil

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ $29

2. The Major Moisturiser

Slather this on over your Rosehip Oil to lock in moisture. I’m stuck on Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ at the moment – not only because it’s got that ‘+’ in it’s name – but because it also attracts moisture to your skin so it works harder on a tired face.

Clinique Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion +

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 50ml $29, 125ml $49 at Clinique counters nationwide,

or shop online: 50ml tube $29.82, 125ml $51.75.

3. Moisture-eyes

Tired eyes can get puffy, and wrinkles can seem to appear where you didn’t know they existed, so a great eye-cream is a must. I never get that fussed over which brand I use, but Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus saw me through my recent travels creating a visibly smoother finish.

Clinique repairwear laser focus

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus $49.15

4. The Power Primer

A great primer will illuminate your skin, and enhance the staying power of your makeup. Smooth on a light layer and apply foundation immediately. My current go-to is L’Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Primer $14.60, as it adds instant radiance.

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L’Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Primer $14.60

5. Light-Infusing Foundation

Think of this like a fancy Instagram filter that softens your skin and makes it glow. I’m onto my third bottle of L’Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation for it’s light coverage, smooth, easy application, and ‘lit-from-within’ technology. It also contains SPF 18 which is an extra plus.

loreal-paris-lumi-magique-foundation

L’Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation $14.68

6. The Long-Lasting Concealer

I’ve been using Lancôme Effacernes Longue Tenue Concealer (Long-Lasting Softening Concealer) since my first son was born in 2005. I use it under my eyes to cover up the black circles from lack-of sleep that have taken up permanent residency there, and so far it’s the only product I’ve found that goes on creamy, yet remains there all day – kinda like a stubborn child but without the pout.

Lancôme Effacernes Longue Tenue Concealer (Long-Lasting Softening Concealer)

Lancôme Effacernes Longue Tenue Concealer (Long-Lasting Softening Concealer) $53

7. Powder Perfection

A light dusting of powder will help to set your foundation, but it’s important not to go overboard or you’ll end up with a dry, cakey and extra-tired looking face. Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder gives a light finish that’ll do that job and cover shiny spots. Apply with a large facial brush for an extra fresh finish.

Revlon Nearly Naked

Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder $11.29

Top these basics with your favourite mineral bronzer under the cheekbones, a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks, light eye shadow with a lick of mascara and a fresh coloured gloss and you’ll be faking awake for hours.