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

Are they the most ‘grammable eye masks on the market? Yes. Are they some of the most effective? Also yes. Less slippy than others we’ve tried, these paper masks are drenched in hydrating and smoothing glycerin, panthenol, aloe leaf juice, and calendula extract to do battle against tired eyes. The gold foil fabric helps trap the serum so it sinks in thoroughly leaving you refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

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.

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 currently 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.

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 brow putty 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. Then, with the angled brush, fill them in as light or dark as you prefer. Expensive professional brow tint? Never heard of her.

I learned about this holy grail product from my personal shopping guru (and host of Gee Thanks, Just Bought It) Caroline Moss who calls it “my you-can-only-bring-one-thing skincare item.” Its vegan collagen and patented alguronic acid plumps and hydrates to give your skin a bouncy, fresh look that can be paired with an additional moisturizer. Granted the results aren’t instant but many report seeing a visible difference in about a week or so.

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 a year and half and it’s nowhere near used up!

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 Rainbow pH Tinted Lip Balm from Winky Lux uses your own pH to give a “your lips but better” flush. 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.