Is anyone else psyched that December's over?
Don't get me wrong — in many ways, it is the most wonderful time of the year. It's just that after a month of shopping, over-indulging, and "family togetherness," I'm pooped. Even worse, I look pooped.
Since a rejuvenating vacation or trip to the spa isn't in the budget, I'm asking my go-to posse of beauty experts for their very best tips and tricks to look bright eyed and energized. Of course, I now have no excuse for looking like a schlep...and, I'm afraid, neither do you!
Get your glow on
Self-tanner can be a hassle in the winter, but you can still get a flattering, youthful glow with a quick face and body scrub. Exfoliating gets rid of dull, dead skin cells and helps products like moisturizer penetrate more effectively, according to dermatologist David Colbert, MD, and the skin experts at Dermalogica.
Try an exfoliating cleanser, like OLAY Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser, $14, and use upward, circular motions. Then rinse, pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer immediately.
Chill your eye cream
This tip is particularly great after you wake up, whether it's first thing in the morning or after a nap. Keep your eye cream in the refrigerator, and apply whenever you need a little post sleep pick-me-up.
Lighten the load
Avoid caking on foundation and powder — they can settle into your wrinkles and make your skin look dry, dull, and tired. Instead, bring out more of your natural glow with a sheer, illuminating foundation or tinted moisturizer. (Try COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, $7.)
Open your eyes
Trick everyone into believing you've gotten a good night's sleep with these three easy tips:
1. Groom your brows. Fill them in with light, quick strokes at a 45-degree angle with a sharp brow pencil. Then use a brow brush or clean toothbrush to sweep them up and into place.
2. Line your lower lids. A white or nude liner on the inner rim of your eye always does the trick. But if you're feeling particularly festive, try silver or gold.
3. Curl your lashes. It actually helps make your eyes look bigger. Don't forget to finish with a lengthening mascara.
Knock out dark circles
To detract from any fine lines, wrinkles, or discoloration around your eyes, dot and blend illuminating concealer just under the arch of your eyebrow and on the inner corner of each eye. You can also do this under the eye to help mask any dark circles.
Color yourself happy
If you have a lip-cheek stain in your makeup stash, use it! If not, all it takes is one product to put some joie de vivre back in your face: lipstick. Simply dab a peachy-pink or rose shade onto your lips and the apples of your cheeks (just be sure to blend well with your fingers). Try Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint, $24, or COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor, $5.99.
Twist away
No time to wash your hair? Take advantage of its lived-in state. First, give your roots a dose of dry shampoo to help soak up grease and boost body. Then, part your hair in the middle (no need to brush it). Starting above your ear, use both hands to gather and twist hair up and back like ropes toward the nape of your neck. Secure the roll with bobby pins placed in the "seam" along the way. Pin the ends in place and repeat on the other side. If your hair is long, gather it into a bun at the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic and bobby pins. Then set with hairspray.
Prefer braids? Try this instead.
Last-minute nails
I always end up skipping my nails when I'm crunched for time, which is a bummer if I'm heading to a party or wedding. To keep my nails from looking neglected, I follow CND nail stylist Roxanne Valinoti's quick tips: Remove any remnants of nail polish, trim and file nail tips, and add a bit of shine with a buffer (try CND Glossing Block, $6.90). Then, to soften cuticles, I apply hand cream — or a drop of olive oil if I happen to be in the kitchen.
More from TotalBeauty.com:
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10 Secrets I Learned at Makeup Artist School