Let’s be honest, by the time November rolls around, the fatigue from an entire year tends to make itself known, especially right under our eyes. Whether it’s late nights finishing projects, festive season planning, or simply life catching up with you, under-eye bags and dark circles can start stealing the spotlight.
Luckily, there are easy and effective ways to disguise that end-of-year exhaustion and bring some brightness back to your gaze. Here’s how to fake a full night’s sleep (even if you haven’t had one in weeks).
Hydrate (inside and out)
Dehydration is one of the biggest culprits behind puffy, tired-looking eyes. Make sure you’re sipping enough water throughout the day, and give your skin some extra love with an eye cream that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or caffeine. These help plump and depuff the delicate under-eye area while giving your skin that fresh, awake appearance.
Pro tip: Store your eye cream or roller in the fridge — the cooling effect instantly soothes and refreshes.
Sleep, but smarter
If you can’t get more hours in bed, focus on quality rest. Sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes, which can lead to puffiness in the morning. And no matter how exhausted you are, always remove your makeup before bed; leftover product can irritate and inflame the area overnight.
Conceal like a pro
A good concealer is your best end-of-year ally. Start with a peach- or salmon-toned corrector to neutralise blue or purple shadows, then layer a brightening concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. Blend gently with your ring finger or a damp sponge. This helps the product melt into the skin for a natural finish.
Pro tip: Set it lightly with a fine translucent powder to prevent creasing throughout the day.
Brighten the rest of your face
Distraction is an underrated beauty hack. A subtle highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes, a touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks, and a healthy glow on your skin can draw attention away from tired areas and give you that “I just came from a spa” radiance.
Lean on cooling eye tools
Ice rollers, jade rollers, or even chilled spoons can work wonders first thing in the morning. Roll them gently under your eyes to reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation. It’s a small ritual that can make a big difference — and feels heavenly on tired skin.
Mind what you eat (and drink)
Salty foods and alcohol can cause fluid retention, which means puffier eyes the next morning. If you’ve got a big event or photos coming up, try to limit both the night before and instead opt for foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants — think berries, spinach, and citrus — to support collagen production and skin brightness.
Embrace a little self-kindness
Under-eye circles are part of being human and surviving the year! Don’t stress too much about them. A few lifestyle tweaks and clever makeup tricks can help you look refreshed, but giving yourself grace and rest will do wonders from the inside out.
The year might be coming to an end, but your glow doesn’t have to. With a few smart skincare and makeup moves, you can fake freshness while you finish strong and enter the new year looking bright-eyed and revived.
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Featured Image: Pexels
