How To Fake Looking Great Even When You're Tired

SPECIAL FROM Grandparents.com

When someone says, "you look tired," they might as well be saying, "you look old." Even if it's true, it stings—and it's not something you want to hear.

While there are countless reasons you might wake up looking tired—from lack of sleep to dehydration—you don't have to leave the house that way. Whether you have 30 seconds or 30 minutes, there are tricks you can try to immediately look more awake. And none of them involve a cup of coffee or a nap.

Splash Ice Water on Your FaceIt's the oldest trick in the book, and it works. Fill your sink with the coldest water possible, add a few ice cubes to get the temperature down even more, and splash the water on your face. It instantly tightens pores and shrinks little capillaries, making your skin appear more even. Plus, it makes you feel more awake, which will definitely affect the way you look.

De-puff (In Your Kitchen)If bags under your eyes are the problem, take a trip to your kitchen. Put two spoons in the freezer for 10 minutes, and then apply one to each eye while you recline on the couch. The cold helps calm inflammation. Cold cucumber slices work in a similar way. Relax with a slice on each eye for five to 10 minutes to relieve irritation, redness, and puffiness.

Caffeinate...With Your Eye CreamIf dark under-eye circles are a chronic problem for you, invest in an eye cream that contains caffeine. Caffeine increases circulation to help eliminate toxins and break up dark circles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help get rid of puffiness. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller, $12.99, is one of our favorites. The caffeinated formula comes in a roller ball applicator, which massages the skin to promote lymphatic drainage and get rid of bags.

Sing the BluesYou didn't have to quit blue eye makeup back in the 80's. With the right application techniques, some shades can look really modern—and brighten up your eyes in the process. Try navy or cobalt blue shadow or liner, and keep the color close to your lashes. (Using it all over will make you look three decades behind the times.) The blue counteracts redness, making your eyes appear brighter, whiter and less tired.

Flip Upside DownFlat hair can make anyone look tired and disheveled. For a 10-second fix, bend at the waist and flip your hair upside down. Use your fingertips to scrunch your strands at the roots, reviving your texture and volume. This trick has the added bonus of rushing some blood to your face, making your cheeks look pink and vibrant.

Amp Up your ArchesEyebrows frame your face and define your features. If your shape is straight across or overly rounded, your brows will make you look tired and older than you really are. For brows that make you look more awake, opt for a gentle arch. Use a few strokes of eyebrow pencil or powder to emphasize your natural arch—it's an instant eyelift.

Hit the GymNothing will make you look and feel more awake than exercise. Go for a quick walk, hop on the elliptical machine, or do a few rounds of Sun Salutations. Any exercise that gets your heart rate up is great. When your blood pumping and your endorphin levels increase, it gives you more energy. Plus, it makes your skin look healthier—no blush required.

Hydrate, Hydrate, HydrateDehydration is one of the worst offenders when it comes to looking tired. Skin looks gray or sallow and wrinkles become more prominent when you haven't had enough water. To plump up your cells, simply increase your water intake. Aim for eight glasses per day.

Wear ColorBlack may be slimming, but it doesn't help you look more awake. On days you're tired, skip the black top and wear your favorite skin tone-flattering color. It will instantly make your face appear brighter and less tired.

Try This 5-Minute Makeup RoutineMakeup is a fail-safe way to camouflage lack of sleep. Hide dark circles by patting on a creamy concealer in a shade that's slightly more yellow than your skin tone. The yellow counteracts purple or blue undertones beneath your eyes. Then, use a bright pink blush to bring color to your cheeks. A few swipes of mascara will make your eyes seem bigger. And if your lips are naturally pale, a pretty pink lip tint will instantly wake up your whole face.

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