Disguising sleep deprivation

Spending the night soothing your teething bub has an unjust way of showing the following morning – usually in the form of a pale, lacklustre complexion; tired, red eyes; bags and dark circles. Thankfully, a few magical make-up tips can have you looking fresh as a daisy in no time…

The first step to looking fabulous again is a nourishing moisturiser (preferably one that contains skin hydrating hyaluronic acid). This will help plump the skin and boost a lifeless complexion.

For an enviable glowing skin tone (you know that first-thing-in-the-morning radiance that childless women exude) illuminiser is a must.  Containing optical diffusers to radiate light away from the skin, illuminators help to conceal dark circles and dull skin tone. Use a tinted one or mix it with your foundation (this makes thicker foundation easier to spread) for a bright and more even skin texture.

A radiance boosting/concealing pen (such as Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Illuminating Pen or Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen) is also a godsend. I realise child care costs, surging petrol prices and the recent interest rate hike make such products more of a splurge than an essential buy, however, it’s well worth it. Miss your next hairdresser’s appointment (you can still look groomed with a sleek up ‘do) and put the money you’ve saved towards this little weapon. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

 “Concealer is a tired mum’s best friend!” says beautyheaven’s resident make-up artist and mum Cassandra Rae Ferguson. “It’s extremely helpful in covering under-eye circles, under-eye bags, blemishes and uneven skin. I find that cake/stick concealers are best as they stay put, but remember to blend well to avoid noticeable spots of concealer which only highlight that which you are trying to conceal!”

A common mistake when trying to obscure marks of tiredness is going overboard with your make-up. This just draws attention to those telltale signs of sleep deprivation.

However, Cassandra once told me that applying a bright lipstick can instantly ‘lift’ the face and draw attention away from tired eyes and lacklustre skin, especially if it has a glossy formula.

But despite all the make-up tricks in the world, nothing is as good as a sound night’s sleep. Here’s hoping…