How to Look Awake when You're Tired

So, I was running outside on a sunny, beautiful day (yesterday). I loved feeling the sun on my face and the impact of my feet slamming the sidewalk. I saw a couple approaching, and when they passed me, the girl turned to the boy and said, "Oh, she needs more sleep! She has bags under her eyes."


Ouch.


But I can't blame her. I do need more sleep. And I do have bags under my eyes. Next time I go for a morning run, I'll think twice before skipping the under-eye cover-up — especially after a night of waking up every couple of hours.


As I was making my way home from that bittersweet run, I thought I'd share some tips with you tired mamas and mamas-to-be on how to look more awake than you really are. You better believe I'm going to follow these a little more closely now.


Cover up those bags. It's called concealer for a reason, ladies. I like Mary Kay concealer because for $10, you get a tube that can last you a couple of years. I also like Maybelline's Mineral Power concealer because it's light and not cakey at all. If you have a concealer you love, please share.


Red is dead. When it comes to eyeshadow, avoid colors with red or dark pink tones — they'll highlight the red in and around your eyes. Light pink, on the other hand, is great for awake-looking eyes and glowing cheeks. Green (the 80s are back!) and white and creme are good eyeshadow colors too.


Rub it in. A gentle eye cream is a must for tired eyes. I currently use and like Neutrogena Radiance Boost, 
and I've heard good things about Aveda Tourmaline Charged and Garnier Anti-Puff. I'd love to hear what you gals use.


Ice, Ice Baby. Place a cube of ice or the corner of an ice pack under your eyes before applying makeup. It will constrict your blood vessels and reduce puffiness. 


Getting your blood pumping. Exercising for even for 20 minutes a day will do wonders for your energy level, your ability to sleep better and your circulation, which means looking (and feeling) less tired. Even if you can't go for a jog outside or fit in a session at the gym, just do some Pilates hundreds at home or a workout video to get some great benefits. I'm loving Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred — it's only 20 minutes long!


Catch some Zs. Maybe chasing them down, tackling them to the ground and  tying them up is a more accurate idiom for us, right? But the truth is, sleep (even a 15-minute catnap) is obviously the best way to look and feel less tired. Stay tuned for a post from Dayna on how to sleep better.


Until then, I wish you many days in this beautiful Spring (almost) weather without any comments on the bags under your eyes.

—Kim