5 Makeup Tricks to Make You Look Less Tired

Whether the craze of the holidays have taken away some sleep or simply the daily grind, the good news is that there are makeup tricks to help give your complexion a pick-me-up. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brighten your complexion, open up your eyes, and look more awake—no matter how much (or how little) sleep you got last night.  

First thing's first: Choose skin-loving, clean makeup like RMS. Our skincare and makeup work with you skin, not against it, so it's left better than it was before you applied your makeup. Our products are designed to bring life back to your skin,” says Rose-Marie Swift, founder and master makeup artist. “With the right techniques, you can fake that eight hours of sleep in just minutes.”  

Now, let’s dive into the tricks to create a well-rested, wide-awake look.  

Step 1: Brighten Your Complexion  

A dull complexion can make you look more tired than you feel. To wake up your skin, start with a clean, hydrated base.  

Prime with Radiance  

Begin with the ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer to create a smooth, hydrated canvas. This lightweight primer locks in moisture (for 24 hours!) while providing a subtle, dewy glow—perfect for faking a good night’s sleep.  

Even Out Your Skin Tone  

For a natural, luminous finish, use the UnCoverup concealer. This multitasking product blends seamlessly into the skin, covering redness and dullness while letting your natural radiance shine through. Find your shade (or consult one of our Artist Experts) and apply it sparingly to avoid looking overdone.  

Pro Tip: Apply to the center of your face and blend outward to keep the coverage natural and skin-like.  

Step 2: Open Up Your Eyes  

Your eyes are the key to looking more awake, so let’s brighten, lift, and define them.  

Neutralize Dark Circles  

Tired eyes often come with dark under-eye circles. Dab UnCoverup under your eyes to neutralize discoloration—only applying it where you need it. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your foundation for a brightening effect. Blend it out with your fingers or a brush for a seamless finish.  

Highlight Your Inner Corners  

A pop of highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes can instantly make you look more awake. “The Living Luminizer is my go-to for brightening,” says Rose-Marie. “It reflects light beautifully without being glittery.” Tap a small amount into the inner corners of your eyes for a soft, radiant effect.  

Curl and Define Your Lashes  

Curling your lashes is an instant eye-opener. Follow up with a coat or two of the Straight Up Volumizing Mascara to lift and define. This clean formula not only volumizes but also nourishes lashes for a healthier look over time.  

Pro Tip: Wiggle the mascara wand at the base of your lashes before sweeping upward for maximum lift.  

Step 3: Add a Healthy Flush  

A pop of color on your cheeks can do wonders for making you look more awake and vibrant.  

Use a Multitasking Product  

For a fresh, rosy glow, reach for the Lip2Cheek in a bright shade like Smile or Demure. These creamy pigments are easy to blend and give your cheeks a healthy, dewy flush.  

“Lip2Cheek is all about adding life to your face,” says Rose-Marie. “When you apply a little color to your cheeks, it changes everything.”  

Pro Tip: Smile and tap the product onto the apples of your cheeks, blending upward toward your temples for a natural lift.  

Step 4: Illuminate Strategically  

Highlighter isn’t just for adding glow—it’s also a secret weapon for creating dimension and making your skin look more awake.  

Add Glow to High Points  

Using the Living Luminizer, lightly tap the product onto the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. This subtle radiance creates the illusion of healthy, well-rested skin.  

Pro Tip: Apply highlighter in thin layers to build up the glow gradually without overwhelming the skin.  

Step 5: Perfect Your Lips  

A soft, hydrated lip completes the look and ensures you appear polished and put-together.  

Choose a Hydrating Gloss  

Opt for a hint of color and shine with the Legendary Lip Oil. Shades like Adrianna or Amber add just the right amount of tint while keeping your lips moisturized for up to eight hours, and also helping to repair your lip barrier. 

Pro Tip: If you want extra definition, pair your lip oil with the Go Nude Lip Pencil (in the shade closest to your natural lip color) to subtly outline your lips.  

Bonus Tips for Looking More Awake  

- Stay Hydrated: While makeup works wonders, drinking water and using a hydrating skincare routine can help keep your skin plump and refreshed.  

- Use Cool Tools: If your eyes are puffy, try placing cool spoons or a chilled jade roller under your eyes before applying makeup.  

- Focus on Brows: Groomed brows frame your face and can instantly lift your look. Use the Back2Brow Pencil to fill in sparse areas and create definition.   

Looking well-rested doesn’t have to take a full eight hours of sleep. With these five simple makeup tricks you can brighten your complexion, open up your eyes, and add that fresh-faced glow—all while using clean, nourishing formulas.  

Want help finding the perfect shades to brighten up your face? Reach out to our incredible Artist Experts for a free consultation! They’ll help you with everything from shade selection to application tips.