Fashion

10 Best Makeup Tricks for When You Feel Your Worst

by Erin Reimel

We all have those days when things just aren't going our way. Maybe you're feeling under the weather, so you were up all night sneezing instead of sleeping. Or maybe you're feeling sluggish because it was your best friend's birthday last night, and post-work cocktails turned into a night of dancing on tables and walking home barefoot (#nojudgement). Either way, there are definitely days that could use a more streamlined morning routine for when time is of the essence.

These things happen to the best of us, but waking up in the morning and getting ready can be a real nightmare if you're exhausted, hungover, or your skin isn't doing what you want. Luckily, there are some pretty quick fixes to your most common struggles when it comes to applying makeup in the morning. Healthy skin and full coverage aren't mutually exclusive, and makeup palettes are doing quadruple duty to keep all your essentials tucked into one little purse pocket. When you're not feeling your best, adding a little brightness to your look can really help.

So, stop worrying about playing catch-up with dehydrated skin or lips. Staying out every night until 3 a.m. probably isn't the best game plan, of course. But sometimes, you've got to let yourself have a little fun.

Problem: You Stayed Up Super Late, Now You Have Dark Circles

Solution: Bring life back to your look with formulas created with brightening in mind.

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector , $29, Amazon

You were up until 4 a.m. watching old episodes of Friends because the reunion is airing next week, and today you woke up with dark circles. Let the BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector give your eyes an extra boost with ultra-fine light-reflecting illuminators that cancel out darkness. Plus, it won't settle into fine lines, which is always a plus.

LORAC Pro Contour Palette Plus Contour Brush , $45, Amazon

If you're looking for extra brightness under your eyes, the LORAC Pro Contour Palette is the ultimate way to conceal a lack of sleep. The matte highlight colors are great for setting under-eye concealer coverage, while the shimmery highlights will draw attention to your cheekbones, instead. The hyper pigmented palette means no time-consuming layering, and the complementary contouring colors are great for mornings when you do have the time.

Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara , $24, Amazon

Once your dark circles are covered, the Smashbox Brightening Mascara can be used to brighten up eyes with Blue Prism Technology. Its blended titanium and dark blue pigment goes on flake-free, and the smudge-proof formula will lengthen top and bottom lashes for a more wide-eyed gaze. Plus, users say this mascara is unbeatable when it comes to holding a curl without clumping.

Problem: You Woke Up 45 Minutes Late, And You Need to Be At Work Now

Solution: Multitask by doing your makeup on the commute (or if you're driving, the office bathroom).

Autobalm Face Palette , $18, Amazon

So, you overslept. You don't need an excuse. Sometimes our bodies just need some extra rest. Luckily, Autobalm Face Palette has you covered. This tiny little compact is designed for getting ready on-the-go with its four double-duty products. The blush and highlighter work as eyeshadows and the two eyeshadows can be brow powder and eyeliner. You've got all of your makeup in this one place, so slipping the streamlined product out once you get to work is no big deal.

Benefit They're Real Mascara Travel Size , $12, Amazon

Once eyes and cheeks are complete, show your lashes some love. This long-lasting mascara had 94 percent of users seeing improved length, volume, and lift, which will make your coworkers think you actually had time to apply Kardashian-level lashes this morning. The travel sized tube is also easy to maneuver (aka: No need to worry about poking your eye when the guy next to you bumps your arm).

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Balm , $11, Amazon

You're feeling rushed, so you don't have time to apply your favorite liquid lipstick that takes 10 minutes of precise lining. Grab your Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Balm, instead. The perfect balance of pigment and soothing balm, this formula is packed with mango and shea butter. You won't even need to look in the mirror to apply it.

Problem: You Were Out All Night Drinking & Now Your Skin is Dehydrated

Solution: Give your skin much-needed hydration with moisturizing products that offer creamy coverage.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy , $36, Amazon

The First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy increases cell turnover and decreases puffiness in the skin beneath your eyes, which is further helped by its cold stainless steel applicator. The formula's light-reflecting pigment also works to wake up your under-eye area, making it look like you got your full eight hours of sleep.

Bare Minerals Complexion Hydrating Gel Cream, $26, Amazon

If your skin is feeling dry or tired, treat it to the perfect hybrid of an SPF-30 BB cream, CC cream, and tinted moisturizer. Bare Minerals Complexion Gel will revive your dehydrated skin with marine botanicals and olive-derived squalene, which replenish skin as they blur imperfections. Plus, its natural antioxidants and water encapsulations will give your skin the hydration it needs after one (or two) too many cocktails last night.

Stila Convertible Lip and Cheek Cream, $25, Amazon

Once you apply the base, your skin won't want a bunch of powder sitting on top of it all day. This Convertible Lip and Cheek Cream is ideal for the face, as its creamy consistency seamlessly blends onto the apples of your cheeks for natural warmth. If you swipe it across your lips, you'll also get a subtle pop of color that can help brighten your whole look. Users love how fresh and natural it looks, and a two-in-one product is always a go for those slow-moving mornings.

Beautyblender Original Blender Sponge , $20, Amazon

There's a reason you've seen the famous beautyblender before a million times: It's the easiest and most seamless way to get a line-less finish for creamy makeup. The versatile sponge blends your foundation, concealer, blush, and highlighter — making it look like you're not wearing makeup at all. Run under some water for a second and squeeze it out so it's damp, then start patting your products in.

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Images: Kaboompics/Pexels, Amazon (10)