5 Steps to a Bright Morning (even if the night wasn't so nice)

Ever have those parental nights where your kids (or partner) keep you up all night? Of course in the morning you don't get to sleep in. You have to be on top of everything like you got a full 8 hours (remember what that felt like? Me either.). You are the rockstar mother who does everything, you should look like her too. Here are a few easy tricks to fool everyone (including yourself) that you feel as good as you look. (You don't need kids or partners keeping you up. These tricks work for anyone who's had a bad night's sleep and needs a quick fix in the morning.) 

 1) Wash your face with cool water. Washing with water that is to hot or cold can actually be damaging to your skin, and may cause flare-ups for rosacea patients. To hot can cause flare-ups in your skin, dilating your blood vessels making you look red and more tired. A cooler temperature can jumpstart your day. If you can, step outside or stick your face out of the bathroom window for a little fresh air on your still wet face. 

2) Use an eye cream to decrease puffiness and brighten those under eyes. My favorite is actually a men's product by Kiehl's, but it works fast and does the trick. We're going for fast and effective here. Second, use a concealer to cover any redness or discoloration on your face. My favorite is the Playstick from Benefit. It's everything in one shot. Swipe, blend and be done. (Remember to only use your ring fingers to blend. Pushing to hard can damage the thin skin around your eyes.) 

  

3) Next up, line your inner eye with a lighter color. It will take away the redness and make your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more awake. Avoid using white because it will look to harsh. Try a skin tone or cream color, I've used Stila's Kajal eyeliner in Topaz.

4) Next, remember to fill in your eyebrows. A little color around your eye makes you look more awake and put together. A polished eyebrow can make or brake an entire look. 

 5) Without a lot of time some products can do double duty. A light blush can work not only as a cheek enhancer but also as an eye lift. A little pink in the crease of your lid will help lift and brighten.

Done! 5 minutes and no one will know you didn't get any sleep last night. :)