How to look awake when you’ve had no sleep

Do the holidays have you seeing less and less of the back of your eyelids? You’re not alone.

When the party season strikes, it can be deadly, and sleep deprivation can affect us mentally and physically. So if your schedule’s got you feeling like a hot mess (and looking like one, too!) but there’s still plenty of partying to go, you need to take action. STAT.

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In the spirit of powering through (at least on the outside), these are the essentials you’ll need. From dealing with bloodshot eyes to concealing blotchy skin, here’s how to look awake and fresh when you’ve had no sleep. ‘Tis the season, after all…

THE ISSUE: PUFFY EYES
THE SOLUTION: COOL IT

They say your eyes are the window to your soul, so if that’s really true, they’re also a dead giveaway that you’re struggling with life. Puffy eyes are usually the result of fluid accumulation, which is why crying or drinking (or both) tend to leave you looking swollen. Puffed-up peepers looove cooling remedies that help tighten the skin around the eyes, which constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation. So you’ve got a few options: Pop two spoons in the fridge for 10 minutes and then apply them to the puffy area, slice up a cucumber and rest the slices over your eye area (it’s cliched, but works!) or use a product with anti-inflammatory ingredients that’ll soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

bh loves: Clinique All About Eyes Rich™, Avon Anew Vitale Eye Gel Cream, Molton Brown Anti-Fatigue Bai Ji Eye Gel, Arbonne Calm Soothing Eye Gel, Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch, Ella Bache Fruit d’Eclat Roll-On Eye Contour Serum

THE ISSUE: BLOTCHY SKIN
THE SOLUTION: CONCEAL WHERE NECESSARY

Those three (or was it four?) glasses of Champagne you had last night might have been a good idea at the time, but now your skin is looking dull, dehydrated and far from fabulous. But as far as tending to aggravated post-party skin goes, the trick is to conceal the inflammation, while also letting it breathe. Apply a dewy, hydrating foundation as needed. Concentrate on the centre of the face where you’ll typically find the most discolouration.

bh loves: Rimmel London #instaflawless, Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, Estée Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Sheer Tint Release Moisturiser SPF 15, Models Prefer DD Fresh Face Daily Detox

THE ISSUE: BLOODSHOT EYES
THE SOLUTION: WHITEN AND BRIGHTEN

Puffiness isn’t the only thing our poor eyes are subjected to after a little holiday debauchery, but it is something we can fix in a sinch. First, use eye drops. This antihistamine will alleviate any irritation and add moisture to your ducts to keep them refreshed. Next, line your waterline with a flesh-toned eyeliner, followed by three dots of liquid highlighter – on the tear duct, browbone and centre of your lids – for a dewy finish that will divert dark shadows and instantly make your eyes appear more awake.

bh loves: Clear Eyes, Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Precision Eye Liner, INIKA Organic Certified Organic Light Reflect Cream

THE ISSUE: BODY ODOUR
THE SOLUTION: FRESHEN UP

The stale stench of last night’s antics will still be hovering the next morning, so jump in the shower to instantly wake yourself up and wash away your sins. A scented body wash will kickstart the revival process and remove any telltale signs of the night before (what entry stamp?). Post-rinse, spritz a fresh and fruity perfume to give you back a li’l energy and ensure that fresh feeling goes the distance. Lastly, anyone who’s been out having a good time will be sporting evidence in the form of bad B.O. Since excess alcohol makes us sweat more than usual, it pays to be diligent in the deodorant department.

bh loves: Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Wash, DKNY Be Delicious, Dove Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

What tips and tricks do you have for looking awake throughout the party season?