Look awake with little sleep: simple beauty, style and posture hacks

New research finds the UK is in a sleep crisis: the average person in Britain loses the equivalent of 18 days of sleep every year, and one in four people get as little as one hour of rest a night. A beauty editor with more than 15 years’ experience shares quick, science-backed tricks to appear rested even when knackered, from skincare to styling and posture.

For skin, facial massage boosts circulation and drainage; experts recommend gliding palms from the centre of the face outwards then down to the collarbones, patting cheeks and alternating quick and slow blinks to revive the eyes. Eye creams with caffeine and products that form a tightening film can reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles.

Mild exfoliating acids such as lactic or mandelic help by lowering skin pH, dissolving overnight oils and increasing microcirculation; finishing with hydration—sheet masks chilled in the fridge and formulations with hyaluronic acid—plumps and soothes tired skin. Makeup should enhance rather than mask.

Use a pearlised primer to diffuse shadows, choose a tinted moisturiser over heavy foundation, and apply concealer only where needed. A yellow-based concealer a shade lighter than skin applied under the eye and in the inner corner helps brighten. Eye drops can instantly reduce redness and brighten the eyes; curling lashes or using false lashes opens the eye area.

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