Feeling tired doesn't mean you have to look it. We spoke to Smashbox global pro lead artist Lori Taylor Davis for her makeup tips to brighten skin, wake up your eyes and add a bit of radiance.

There are many reasons why you might look a little tired; dehydration, stress, burning the midnight oil and lack of sleep can all contribute to a dull pallor and the appearance of overall tiredness in the face. Although we recommend finding a way to address the root cause of your tiredness, we know that sometimes you need a quick fix to get through the day. We spoke to Smashbox global pro lead artist Lori Taylor Davis about how to make the most of your makeup to look fresh, radiant and alert.

Get hydrated
Dehydrated skin can make your face look dull, and flaky skin will add years to your visage, making you look tired and drawn. Keep your skin hydrated with a hydrating primer or primer oil that will add moisture. A facial essence can help throughout the day, too, as a skin pick-me-up.

Go nude (and bare)
“When you cover up skin a lot, it can look heavy and flat,” says Davis. “I find that matte foundation can make the skin look a little drab.” Anything that makes you look one-dimensional can contribute to a tired appearance, so skip foundations that offer full coverage or are too matte. Instead, take the time to lightly contour with cream-based products or use sheer foundations to help even skin tone without covering too much.

Know your colours
“Ruddy brown colours will make you seem more tired,” says Davis. Instead, focus on pink shades or warm colours that flush your skin. Determine whether you have a warm or cool skin tone and pick your colours accordingly, as wearing the wrong hues can also enhance any tiredness.

Radiance is key
“Bringing light to the face will help,” says Davis. Adding dimension and radiance will give you a fresh, youthful glow. Achieve it by applying highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones and the inner corners of your eyes. Pick lip colours that are extra creamy or stick with lip gloss.

It’s all about the eyes
“Brightening the eye area is going to make you look more awake,” says Davis. Covering undereye circles is key, but don’t forget your eyelids, since “redness at the lash line and veins on your lids can make you look like you haven’t had enough sleep.” Use a nude eyeshadow or an eyelid primer to conceal any spots. And fill in your eyebrows, says Davis. “Filling in your brows gives you that lift to make you look more awake and more alive.”

The five-minute makeup routine to look more awake
“Using highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes, a white or nude eyeliner on the inner rims and mascara on your lashes is the ultimate trick to looking instantly awake,” says Davis.

Toolbox



Tata Harper Very Illuminating Cheek Tiny, $52, sephora.com
Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer, $50, beautyboutique.ca
Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Liner in Bare, $23, sephora.com

Read more:
Combat dull skin and tired eyes with these skin-care tips
How to tone down red skin with makeup
How to apply makeup to dull, dry skin