Top tricks: How to fake 8 hours sleep

When was the last time you had 8 hours sleep? {You’re probably so tired, you can’t remember!} I hear you! I am so bone tired right now. So tired. So Nikki from bellaMUMMA has collected this advice to help you & me fake 8 hours of beauty sleep… because if you look like you’ve slept, it may just make you feel {a little} like you have!

re-energise your skin

RUB YOURSELF RADIANT: Exfoliate your skin in the shower to remove the tired outer layer of skin and reveal newer, fresher skin. Smooth your scrub on in a circular movement for at least one minute to re-energise skin and get the blood flowing.

MAX-UP THE MOISTURE: Tired skin is dry skin crying out for moisture. When you’re tired and your face looks dull, you need to max-up your moisturiser to revive the skin. Choose a richer formulation and don’t forget to apply plenty of eye cream.

BAG MORNING AFTER EYES: To reduce redness and swelling around your eyes after a big night, soak cotton balls in cold milk, squeeze out excess and place over closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes.

recharge your body

SHOWER POWER: Just before taking a shower, sprinkle a few drops of essential oils into the bottom of your shower, close the door, run the hot water and inhale.
* For a morning-after mood-boost – try a reviving blast of rosemary with a few steadying drops of lavender.
* To re-refresh and revitalise – try a few drops each of rose and geranium to gently balance out your energy levels.

WATER BOOST: While in the shower alternate blasts of hot and cold water to pep up your circulation and boost energy.

wake-up with make-up

FORGET FOUNDATION: Thick foundation will sit in sleep-deprived lines and make them look more obvious. Use a tinted moisturiser instead, or mix a dollop of foundation with your moisturiser and apply.

GO NAVY: Brush navy mascara onto lashes to energise eyes – the blue casts a reflection, making your eyes sparkle. Then apply black mascara just to the tips of your lashes to make the whites of your eyes whiter.

CURL GIRL: When you’re sleepy you’re eyelids tend to droop a bit. Use an eyelash curler before your mascara to open up eyes and make you look more awake.

BRUSH UP: Brush your eyebrows up using an eyebrow gel to enhance the arches and wake up your whole expression.

COLOUR BEWARE: Stay away from pink and purple shades of eyeshadow – they emphasise bloodshot eyes.

GET CHEEKY: Put some healthy colour back into your cheeks. Pick your natural shade by looking in the mirror and giving your cheeks a couple of pinches – the colour your cheeks change to, is the true shade of blush for you.

RASPBERRY ALERT: Wearing raspberry coloured lipstick draws attention to your mouth and away from tired eyes, giving you an instant face. For a softer look, choose a rosy lipgloss.

wardrobe wake-up

Don’t be tempted to wear your favourite slouchy clothes when you’re tired – you’ll just feel frumpy. Dress up a little to boost your energy and your mood. Wear materials that breathe, like cotton and avoid anything to restrictive. Also stay away from wearing primary colours and black that can drag you down. Instead wear white or pastels to give you a luminous glow.

water vs. coffee

Don’t be tempted to drink countless cups of coffee to get you through the day. Coffee is dehydrating and the more dehydrated you become, the more tired you’ll look and feel. Instead drink plenty of water or green tea to hydrate the body to relieve lethargy and plump up the skin. And try to eat plenty of fresh fruit which is high in energy-boosting vitamins rather than reaching for comfort foods that contain empty kilojoules.

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