Tips on How to Perk Up Tired-Looking Skin

Are you tired of looking tired? For many people, a tired-looking face just adds to their overall sense of dissatisfaction. If you are chronically tired and it shows on your face, quick cover-up tips will only go so far in giving you an energized look - you probably need to address the underlying cause of your tiredness, such as getting more rest, reducing stress, getting regular exercise, or eating a more healthful diet.

Those are good prescriptions for long-term skin health, but even if you are doing all the right things health-wise, everyone has a tired day now and then. That's when it's time to give your face a lift. Here are some tips.

1. Massage

Massaging your face can help increase circulation and give you a more rested look. Facial massage can be done just about anywhere, but the technique is more specific. Sources suggest the following method:

* Sitting comfortably, cup your palms over your closed eyes. Relax and breathe deeply. Do this for about a minute. If you like, rub your palms together first to make them warm.

* Then cover your face with your hands - fingertips on your forehead and the base of your palms on your chin.

* Move your hands slowly back and down so that your fingertips end up on your temples. Repeat this about 5 times, keeping your arms and shoulders relaxed.

* With your fingertips, gently massage the outer edges of your eyes using small circles. Repeat about 10 circles.

* Continuing to use a gentle, circular motion, massage the edges of your mouth, your chin, and below your chin. Relax your jaw, opening and closing it slowly if necessary, while you do this. Do this for about a minute.

* Using a "walking" motion, run your fingertips over and around your ears, including gentle strokes on your ear lobes. Do this for a minute or so.

* Gently stroke your fingers along the underside of your eyebrows and from the area between your brows up to your hairline. Repeat this about 10 times.

2. Exfoliate

Using a gentle salt or sugar scrub can help increase facial circulation and remove dead skin cells, making you look more awake. Ground almonds, oats, or other exfoliants are fine, too. Whether you make your own or buy a commercial brand, the point is to promote a healthy glow to your facial skin.

3. Make-Up Tips

To help perk up a tired face, try getting some color where it would be if you felt more energetic. Rosy cheeks look energised, as does a touch of color on your chin and forehead. Using pearlescent or "shimmer" blush helps make skin luminous. The same goes for foundation and powder - a shimmering effect tends to look lively and energised.

For eye shadow, try frosted colors to add reflective light to tired eyes. To minimise shadows and circles under the eyes, use a thick concealer, such as the kind that comes in stick form.

4. Masks

If you have time, using a mask to wake up your face is said to be effective. Experts recommend applying a mask weekly to prevent a tired face, but if you need to perk it up for just one day or a special event, look for masks that contain deep moisturising ingredients and astringents to help tighten skin.

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