It’s a rare luxury to get eight hours of sleep.

If it’s not running late for the commuter train than it’s staying up eating tortas on the back of a taco truck. Either way, sometimes you just need a little pick me up when caffeine just won’t cut it. This is my go-to look when I’ve had very little sleep and need to look put together to make an appearance at brunch with my parents. 

Prep:

Chug down a tall glass of water and cleanse your face with some cold water. Slap on a nourishing facial oil and use a jade roller to stimulate your face and reduce puffiness. Go in with a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to bring life and bounce to your skin. The COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream is a great option because it’s affordable and leaves skin feeling refreshed and dewy. Follow up with an eye cream that moisturizes and preps the eye for makeup. OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème is a product you’ve probably seen popping around on Instagram and for good reason. It leaves the skin around your eyes plump with collage and brightens with Vitamin C. 

Face: 

The goal is to look like you chugged nine glasses of water which means keeping base products to a minimum. You want to spot conceal any blemishes with concealer and skip any foundation. A liquid blush looks natural on fresh skin so if you got one then use it. I really like the NARS Liquid Blush in Torrid since you honestly need a small drop and gives off a natural, healthy coral flush. Use a stiple brush to apply the liquid blush to apply a seamless finish. It’s easy to go heavy handed but it’s fixable using a damp beauty sponge and patting it in. Highlight is key and one of my favorites to look like an awake, functioning member of society. I lean towards my tried and true Marc Jacobs Dew Drops in Fantasy.

Eyes: 

Give soft definition to your eyes with a brown eyeliner pencil. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Whiskey lasts a long time and stays put for my oily lids. For lashes, I focus on large, voluminous lashes. I am currently using L’Oreal Voluminous Primer and Waterproof black mascara. If you want something a bit softer, try the Benefit Roller Lash mascara. For brows, just brush them up with a clear gel. Anastasia makes a pretty great one if I do say so myself. 

Lips:

Lip gloss or lip balm. Plain and simple. The Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow is a keep in my heart and my back pocket.

And you’re done! You can do this look any time you need a pick me up or a really simple look. Don’t forget to take a water bottle! Keep hydrated!

How do you guys do your “wide awake” look? What items in your bag are a must have? Let me know in the comments below.