Tired is a big mood in itself—some even find themselves constantly in it. However, feeling tired and looking tired are two very different things. Ridiculously busy days and an off work-life balance can have us feeling exhausted more often than not, but we can’t afford to constantly look it. Everyone has found themselves in a situation where a long work day and an important evening event clash and looking anything less than radiant is not an option. Celebrity makeup artist Mitesh Rajani shares a step-by-step makeup routine to looking well-rested, especially on the days when you really haven’t been able to get much of it.
Moisturise well
Well-moisturised skin automatically looks healthy and less tired. I love using a water-based moisturiser to prep the skin before starting with makeup. A water-based moisturiser adds the plumpness and suppleness to the skin while taking care of dry patches and keeps skin smooth, almost as if you used a primer.
LSA loves: Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
Colour-correct your way to brightness
Use a peach colour corrector followed by a concealer to instantly brighten the under-eye area and make your face look more awake. If your skin has pink or red undertones, you can try a yellow colour corrector as well. That way, your undereyes look upbeat and bright – even if you have put in long nights.
Matte Vs Glossy
In my opinion, matte skin with a little bit of a highlight looks a lot brighter than all-over glossy skin that can add heaviness to your look. In any case, matte skin is in these days – it gives a more polished, sophisticated look. Powdering and taking away excess oil, especially from the under-eye and cheeks definitely helps. I love the Secret Brightening Powder by Laura Mercier that gives you a glow like no other.
LSA loves: M.A.C Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
Blush well
A hint of blush on the apples of the cheeks instantly makes your face radiate. The Becca Beach Tint Water Resistant Colour For Cheeks & Lips is an absolute winner for this only because it’s so lightweight and effortless and gives a natural flush.
LSA loves: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip & Cheek – 002 Pink Tie
Kohl away
It’s common to hear a lot of Indian girls and women say that they feel like they look sick without kohl, making it a no-brainer. I tend to use more brown kohl as opposed to black so it softens the look. LSA tip: Try using a brown kohl to add soft definition to your lower lid, leaving the inner corners blank. Then, use a dash of highlighter on the corners to instantly open up the eyes. You look instantly fresh and bright.
LSA loves: Tom Ford Eye Kohl Intense in Metallic Mink
Healthy bronzing
While I’m against overdoing bronzer, give your face a little definition by dusting it on your high points to make the skin look healthier. I love the Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder and Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer – both give you a warm glow that looks refined.
LSA loves: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer
Full coverage?
When it comes to makeup to look fresh, ensure that you’re not using anything that’s very heavy or full coverage as that can drag your skin down even further. Keep it sheer and lightweight when it comes to foundation. A stick foundation works in this case.
LSA loves: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Lip balms, tints and oils
Stick to a lip balm followed by a soft pink lip tint or a rosy nude lipstick in a soft matte formula to keep your makeup looking light and seamless. Lip oils and tints add a dewy look and a lip balm just a hint of colour so you look like you’re fresh and just effortless.
LSA loves: Sephora Color Adapt Lip Balm – 02 Unique Orange
Mascara madness
Definitely use a volumising mascara to open up your eyes—always curl your lashes before you do—but skip applying it on your lower lashes; it can make your eyes look smaller.
LSA loves: Smashbox Super Fan Mascara – Black
Glow from the inside
Apart from makeup, ensure you keep yourself well hydrated to feel fresher on the inside as well—it really does reflect on the outside. Once you’re home from said event, however tired you may be, take all of that makeup off and at least moisturise your skin before you hit the sack; you’ll sleep much better too.