Beauty, style and posture hacks to look awake when you’re exhausted

New research shows the UK’s sleep crisis is severe: the average person loses the equivalent of 18 days’ sleep a year and one in four people get just an hour’s rest a night. Fashion and beauty experts offer quick, science-backed fixes to appear more alert even when you feel exhausted.

Skincare that wakes the face starts with facial massage to boost circulation and drainage: glide palms from the centre of the face outwards and down to the collarbones, pat cheeks, and alternate quick and slow blinks to revive the eyes. Use a caffeine eye cream and an instant‑tightening eye product to de‑puff, add a mild exfoliating acid (lactic or mandelic) to brighten, and follow with a hydrating sheet mask—chilled ones reduce puffiness and plump skin.

When you’re low on sleep, lighter makeup works best. Begin with a pearlised primer to diffuse shadows, swap heavy foundation for a tinted moisturiser, and apply concealer only where needed. Eye drops can instantly brighten whites, curling lashes or using false lashes opens the eye, and brushing brows upwards then setting with gel lifts the face.

A higher blush placement in warm peach or coral tones mimics natural colour and adds lift. Hair and scent also affect how awake you look. Washing the front section, flipping your head and adding texture spray, or styling a high ponytail or mid‑nape bun creates lift; very low, slick styles can pull the face down.

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Sports, United States, Culture, Beauty, Sleep, Skincare, Makeup