While January is typically viewed as a slow month, mine has been anything but, and quite frankly it is only going to get crazier. With at least one speaking engagement on the books, plus a wine-tasting, the Dine Out Vancouver Festival (2 reservations and counting at time of publishing), AND some new work prospects all on the horizon I know that I am going to be having some very late nights, and consequently will be staring down the barrel of some very early mornings in the coming weeks.
Now, in my 20’s, hell, even in my 30’s, I would have not even batted a mascara laden false-eyelash at such a prospect, but now that I am in my 40’s I have realized that while my spirit may be willing, my body often has an agenda of its own. But, since we all know that I refuse to bow to the convention that tells us we must slow down as we age, I have come up with a fail-safe routine that has me looking like my head was on my pillow and my wine glass was empty for at least 8 hours the night before…even when nothing could be farther from the truth.
If the eyes are the gateway to the soul, then the under-eye area is the disgruntled old gatekeeper who is willing to spill his guts to anyone and everyone about what you have been up to if he feels you have been giving him the shaft. With this in mind, my post late night to early morning makeup routine is all about “the cover up”, and focusses squarely on coercing that surly old gossip into zipping his lip and putting up a united front.
Step 1
Primer is always the first step in any makeup routine, but Smashbox makes a fabulous one that is specifically made for the under-eye area. Step one involves slathering a fingertip full of Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer under each eye, focussing carefully on the outer corners where “laugh lines” tend to reveal themselves. This product not only primes the area for the next step, but also brightens and reduces the puffiness that can often follow an extra late night.
The Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer by Smashbox Not Only Primes Your Under Eye Area for Concealer, But Also Hydrates and Eliminates Puffiness.
Step 2
The next step is to carefully apply a quality concealer. This product needs to be thick enough to cover the inevitable dark circles, yet blendable enough not to settle in any fine lines that may be more prominent in tired, dehydrated skin. In addition, you need to ensure that any concealer you apply in this area is a shade lighter than anything that you would apply to your entire face as using a slightly lighter shade is essential in creating the illusion of youthful, rested skin.
Two of my favs, depending upon the severity of the collateral damage I am facing in the morning, are Boi-ing and Fake Up, both by Benefit. While Fake-up offers easy application in stick form and includes an outer layer of moisturizing goodness (and heaven knows on some mornings words like “easy” and “moisture” can be what keeps a gal going), if I am facing a code red type of morning then my go-to concealer is the rich and creamy Boi-ing. Carefully cover the area that was primed in step one with concealer, and ensure to let it set for a moment before moving on to step three. You want to mitigate the effects of any natural settling that may occur, and be sure that the product is blended and even before you proceed.
Benefits’s Fake Up Concealer Has a Moisturizing Outer Layer Perfect for Perking Up the Dry Skin Under Tired Eyes
Step 3
The final step of this process is the silver bullet which will not only keep that old gatekeeper at bay, but guarantee his undying loyalty until the time when you can slip discretely into your bed for a good night’s sleep. Benefit’s Ooh La Lift is an under-eye brightener that gives the illusion of lift by brightening and illuminating the area with just enough oomph that you look wide awake and rested, without risking the disco-glitter glare that is a hazard when using many all-over illuminators.
Carefully dot the product under each eye, then blend upwards, toward the outer corner, with a foundation brush. While the brush is not a necessity, I find it gives a much smoother look than just blending with a fingertip. Finally, place a small dot of the product between your nose and the inner corner of your eye, blending in a half moon circle, ensuring of course to not actually get any product into your eye.
Benefit’s Ooh La Lift is an Brightener and Illuminator Formulated for Under Eye Wear
And there you have it! 3 easy steps that will have you looking rested, alert, and fully prepared to flip the bird to your middle-aged body the next time you find it giving you grief when you order “just one more” glass of wine on a Wednesday night.
Do you have any tricks for disguising your own late night rabble rousing the following morning? If so, please hit the comment button and share them below!
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