11 beauty products that make you look well-rested (even when you’re not)

As an elder Millennial, I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that “covering up” under-eye circles often looks worse than simply letting them fly free. Concealer settles into fine lines and piling it on doesn’t help. The fresher, more effective option? The hydrating Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream from YSE Beauty. A little bit skincare, a little bit make-up, it works both instantly and over time to help improve the look of dark circles and wrinkles. The formula itself is creamy without being too heavy and is a universal peachy shade that’s designed to balance out bluish tones. The oh-so-luxe applicator allows you to glide it on without tugging at delicate skin–just finish it off with a few taps of the ring finger. Some days I find it allows me to skip concealer completely, but even when I feel like I want more coverage, the extra hydration ensures my make-up isn’t working against me.

As someone who has put countless eye masks to the test, DRMTLGY’s Brightening Eye Masks are a real standout. For one thing, the jelly-like patches are instantly cooling which is always helpful in the de-puff department. (Even better if you store them in the fridge.) But more importantly, the active ingredients check all the right boxes. There’s caffeine to tighten the skin, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and niacinamide to brighten–all of which come together to make a real difference. And unlike others I’ve tried, they don’t irritate that delicate area at all.

If puffy eyes are your wake-up state, let me introduce you to The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution. A few drops around the eyes in the morning really help tighten skin to combat the puff. The thin serum isn’t greasy at all and topped with the rest of my routine, doesn’t dry my skin out at all.  I’m only halfway through my first bottle of this miracle elixir and can already say it’s a routine staple. And at less than $10 bucks a bottle, it’s a total steal.

Curled lashes are also a super easy way to open up the eye and in turn look more awake. Give them a quick squeeze before applying mascara and voila! Bright eyed and bushy-tailed. And while there are a ton out there, we have to get on board with the cult-favorite from Shiseido which is a bit pricier than the drugstore brands performs lightyears better.

Speaking of mascara, you’re going to want to apply one of those too. My baby lashes make black mascara a non-negotiable in my makeup routine–without it I’m rocking some serious sick day vibes. No thank you. While I’ve tried many, this one ranks as my favorite. The tubing formula doesn’t leave a single flake or smudge (a situation that only adds to the raccoon effect) and comes off with just a bit of warm water and gentle pressure. And bonus! It’s also the least expensive I’ve tested, too.

Don’t forget the brows! A defined and sculpted brow instantly opens up the eye area and gives the appearance of a good night’s sleep. I’m a big fan of this waterproof eyebrow definer which even the most novice makeup wearers can use. First, use the spoolie end of the cute little brush (which conveniently slides right into the compact) to comb out your brows and get them all headed in the right direction. The fill them in as light or dark as you prefer and blend again with the spoolie. Expensive professional brow tint? Never heard of her.

While most skincare is formulated for the long game, nothing’s more satisfying than instant results. Case in point? The Total Eye Lift Anti-Aging Eye Cream from Clarins. According to one Motherly staffer, “If you’re going to spend money on skincare, spend it here. I’ve tried everything from cheap to pricey and this is the only eye cream that really does what it says (and does it all!). Gets rid of puffiness, fine lines, adds brightness—plus you can use it on your lids which is ideal for puffy eyes/hooded lids AND it also works as an eyelash and eyebrow growth serum. Bottom line: Pry this one from my cold, dead hands—never going back!”

I can’t even begin to estimate how many concealers I’ve tried in my decades-long quest to banish my under eye circles. Even before kids they were the bane of my existence and now that I’m in my 40s, my list of product requirements is even longer. A few months ago I finally decided to bring in the big guns and move on up to the raved about IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer. I figured if it’s hard working enough to cover tattoos (!) it should be able to tackle my raccoon face. And my oh my does it deliver. The thick and creamy formula somehow manages to work like spackle but not look like spackle. (Beware. A little goes a long way.) Just warm up a tiny amount with your finger and gently tap your dark circles away.

As someone who often wakes up looking like death warmed over, it should be hard to say which potions, lotions and makeup products to credit with making me look alive. However, I can say without a doubt this is one of them. The highly pigmented Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick from Westman Atelier in Poppet gets full credit for bringing a healthy flush to my face from morning to night. Unlike powder blush, the creamy stick formula offers a hydrating glow and blends perfectly with just my fingertips. And yes, it’s definitely on the spendy side, but in my experience, I’ve used it daily for almost two years and it’s nowhere near used up! (Should I be concerned about this? Only time will tell.)

Yes, brightening your eyes definitely help you look more fresh faced, but the truth is, bringing some color to your lips goes a long way as well. If lipstick feels too fussy (or you’re like me and never want to wear it), the Lip Rehab Serum Oil from Wonderskin uses your own pH to give a “your lips but better” flush as well as an infusion of hydration that heals chapped lips incredibly fast. I’ve made all my friends try it to prove its magic and it hasn’t failed yet!

Struggling with puffy eyes? Same, sister, same. On the days I wake up looking like I slept in a cloud of pollen, this makes all the difference. Pop it into the freezer for about 15 minutes (just long enough for it to get crispy cold but not frozen solid) and then strap it to your head for as long as you have time. The icy chill is surprisingly relaxing and helps keep my pufferfish vibe to a minimum. Personally, I always use it with the plush side against my face, but you can also opt to wear it gel bead side in for a deeper chill.