Last night, I stayed up all night. Been there, done that, right? Confession: I was watching Netflix, because I have master procrastination skills. That being said, I know if I keep this up, next week I actually will have to stay up all night studying (the price I pay for binge watching ugh.) All-nighters are pretty much a rite of passage for college students, especially Barnard/Columbia kids who are balancing so much already it’s almost inhuman. That’s probably why, once finals week arrives, it looks like the zombie apocolypse on campus. So how do some people end up looking so well rested? Aside from the sacred few who have good time management and get plenty of sleep, some girls are just better at fake-awake makeup! Here are all the tricks of the trade to make you look wide awake, even when you’re exhausted.
1. To brighten undereye circles
Image from Cosmopolitan.com
Apply under-eye concealer in a triangle, not from side to side!
2. For really dark circles, try this
Bobbi Brown Color Corrector
Sometimes, I get blue bags under my eyes so bad that regular concealer doesn’t work. Try orange or peach primer to balance out the blue tones. If you don’t have any, some people swear by orange/reddish lipstick, with powder on top.
3. Use Nude or White Eyeliner
Image from Shefinds.com
Nude or white liner on the water line can widen eyes to make you look more awake and alert! If you have paler skin, white is fine, but darker complexions should stick to nude because it’s a bit less obvious.
4. Highlight your eyes
Image from Makeup Geek
Putting shimmery white or nude shadow in the tear duct, under the brow bone, and right on the center of the lid can also make you look more awake!
5. Raise your brows
All images from the Beauty Department
A higher and more pronounced brow is more expressive and can give the impression of alterness. First, use a brow pencil and mascara brush to shape brows into a higher arch, then use white liner above and below the brow to accentuate!
6. Get Chilly
Wash your face with cold water; the cold reduces under-eye puffiness. If you know you’ll be up late, stick two spoons in the freezer, and rest them on the skin under your eyes in the morning to help get rid of bags – much more effective than cucumbers!
7. Curl and coat your lashes
Image from Elle.com
Upturned and long lashes are a definite way to look more awake – so when you’re really tired, don’t skip curling them before applying makeup. For really long and voluminous lashes, coat them in baby powder using a Q-tip after one mascara application, and then do a second coat of mascara – it can double your lash length!
8. Wear blush and bronzer
Deborah Collins
Indianvanitycase.com
A pop of pink and the subtle sparkle of bronzer gives you a glowing, vibrant look. Apply blush on the cheekbones, then sweep bronzer just below, and highlighter just above for a glow. I also recommend dabbing some blush and bronzer on the nose and forehead – anywhere the sun would naturally hit you.
9. Go Blue
Images via Pinterest.com
A subtle blue/navy eyeliner or mascara makes the white of the eyes pop, making them appear brighter. You can also purchase special “eye-brightening” mascara that has blue pigments in it, but is much more subtle.
Hopefully these all-nighter makeup hacks will keep you looking awake and refreshed – now get studying!