Makeup Artists Taught Me This 3-Minute Trick to Looking More Awake

If you've ever had someone say to your face, "You look tired," you know how irksome and annoying it can be. The phrase might seem well-meaning and empathetic, but I already feel exhausted, so I don't need extra confirmation from an outside source. Yeah, I'm tired. What are you going to do about it? If it doesn't involve tucking me into bed and allowing me to forget everything on my to-do list, I don't want to hear it!

While the best solution for "looking tired" is to get more sleep, it's not doable all the time. You might have to stay up late working on a big project for work. You might have a case of insomnia. And, you know, we all have those nights where we find ourselves losing track of time as we scroll through Instagram and TikTok.

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(Image credit: @sarahayang)

For a quick fix that might ward off anyone saying the dreaded phrase to you, I asked three celebrity makeup artists what to do to look more awake—like I got eight beautiful hours of sleep instead of four very restless ones. The big trick? Under-eye concealer, obviously. Okay, yes. Even a makeup novice could tell you that getting rid of those dark circles should be your first step. But it's not just about dabbing some concealer on and calling it a day. There's an art to it. Here are some tricks to keep in mind.

How to Apply Under-Eye Concealer

1. Moisturize

2. Apply an Eye Cream or Serum

3. Choose a Full-Coverage Formula

4. Think About Your Eye Makeup

5. Apply to This Area First

Concealer Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know how to prep and apply, there are a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid for a flawless, bright-eyed finish.

1. Overprepping

2. Choosing the Wrong Shade

3. Applying Too Much Concealer

4. Applying Concealer Too Close to the Lash Line

5. Forgetting to Set It With Powder

Other Makeup Artist–Approved Tricks to Look More Awake

While under-eye concealer is a good place to start, there are some other tricks to wake up your face. So I asked the makeup artists for more trade secrets.

1. Use Eye Patches

2. Try a Gua Sha Tool

3. Curl Your Lashes

4. Use a Beige Pencil on Your Waterline

5. Apply Mascara

6. Add Color

7. Don't Mattify Your Entire Face

8. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

The Best Under-Eye Concealers

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019.

In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot).

She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.