Every now and again I feel bloody tired. And then I look in the mirror and realise that I look bloody tired too. I KNOW y’all know where I’m coming from there.
And isn’t it always the frikken way but when you’re feeling all soggy and deflated, you look in your diary and you have a mega day ahead that requires you to be all princess jolly-hockey-sticks. URGH. I tend to go on autopilot those mornings.
But as a makeup artist and #makeupaddict, I have learnt quite a few very awesome smoke and mirror tricks that help to wipe the layer of bleak off my miserable dial. And you know I do always feel better at the end. Whether I really look better is debatable. Maybe I just think I do. But that’s all that matters, isn’t it?
Anyway, I wanted to share my tips with you, because I know that right now there’s probably a few of you hunched over your phones or what-have-you devices, necking your giant skinny lattes thinking, “Christ, how am I going to get through the day feeling like such a doleful old cow?” (okay, they’re my words, not yours). Fear not, I’m here to help get you from wretched to reasonable (because you know that’s about all you can hope for when you are completely shattered).
Step One: Treat your skin with some love
This is really just about giving your face a bit of care before you apply any makeup. Preparation is the key to success here!
- Exfoliate, moisturise, use a serum.
- Very gently, pat on some eye cream.
- While you’re letting it do its thing, put some ice in a washer and press all over your face. I find the ice enlivening and it seems to tighten my saggy skin.
- Apply a good thick layer of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. If you don’t know about this product, don’t delay get thee to a shop and purchase a vat!
Step Two: Colour + Sparkle
This is where the smoke and mirror tricks really start!
- Apply your foundation, something light and not powdery or drying. On tired days, beware of foundation clinging to your creases and making you look a bajillion years older.
- Get out your Touche Eclat (another beauty essential) and paint gently under your eyes. Make sure you blend it well. Anything around the eyes, be super gentle. It’s TISSUE PAPER, that skin, and the rougher you are the the more you stretch it, it won’t go back into shape and you’re left with a foreskin under your eye. Not kidding.
- Use a big brush and put on your facial bronzer, don’t go too hard, you want to be naturally radiant not all Geordie Shore.
- Apply a light and slightly shimmery eye shadow to your top lid, get it right into the corners. This is a technique makeup artists use all the time – if you lighten the inside corners, the whole eye looks bigger and brighter.
- Apply it as an extra highlight along the cheekbones.Don’t go overboard, a subtle touch is needed here.
Step Three: Spruce up and blend, blend, blend!
I bang on about this but it truly is the secret to looking polished and it’s a step not to miss on days you’re tired. It’ll ensure you don’t walk about the door with smears of anything going on (never a good look).
- Use a sponge or a tissue and gently rub over your hairline and jawline to ensure you don’t have any visible lines of makeup or bronzer.
- Use your fingertips to smooth out any strong edges on the eyeshadow and to tidy up any fallout.
Step Four: Get your rosy glow going
I’m all about ‘fake it till you make it’ and on tired days, there ain’t gonna be no rosy cheeks happening, so I pretend! You do tend to take on a slightly sallow or even grey hue when you are really tired, so some bright colour will help.
- Use a blush and apply to the apples of the cheeks, I use a cream blusher in a gorgeous bright pink.
- Use your fingertips to make sure both apples are the same size and shape and well blended, with no visible edges.
- Apply a lipstick that you know suits you. I can’t read the label of the one I put on in the photo, it’s some cheap crap from the chemist! But Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Good Taste would do the job.
Absolutely love these tips! Even if I am only wearing lid primer and mascara, I highlight the inner corner of my eyes. I have a burn scar there as well so it really needs a bit of love.
Ain’t nobody got time for a foreskin under their eyes!
Hahaha no def no time for dick-eye. Thanks beautiful!!! Xxxx
You know me girls, I can’t leave the house without brushing my brows into place with a light gel and airbrushing them with a subtle brow powder. Finishes everything off perfectly
Oh I’m totally with you there Kim!!! Xxx
Oh what perfect timing, these magic tips are just what I need right now. Have had a hell week, to many 4.30 am sports trainings and issues with the homestay student. I’ve always relied on having that special piece of clothing to give me lift when feeling worn out, but has not cut it this week so will give your tips ago.
That sounds hellish Jenny! Hope the rest of your week turns out beautifully ?!?! MWAH xxx
I love these tips! I’ve never really known how to apply my shimmer eyeshadow and now I know! And I’m definitely trying the Ice Cube trick! Thanks!
Yay! I hope it works for you Eva xxxx
Gigi, you are such a beauty. Love these tips! I’m going to get my shimmery eyeshadow and bright lippie on tonight. Mwah! x
Great tips thank you!! I have a sick 4 year old and for the past six mornings I have felt a bajillion years old! I will definitely be adding eye shadow to the inner corner now – thanks! And the pink lip just makes it.
Hi, What is the shimmery eye shadow you use? Thanks 🙂