We are all pretty much aware of the wonders make-up can do to make us look fresh and well-rested, but why put in so much effort when there are ways to look fresh naturally? Here are some tips taken from stylecaster.com that will naturally and brighten up your mornings:
Drink as much water as you can during the day
Try keeping a large water bottle at your desk throughout the day and refilling it each time you’re done. Water hydrates our organs and our brain, so we’ll not only feel more awake, but look it, too. Plus, all those trips to the water cooler and the bathroom will keep you moving.
Use ice-cold water or cold spoons
Splashing your face with ice-cold water as you get up shocks your brain, and opens up your eyes. If you’re really dedicated, place two spoons in the fridge or freezer the night before and lay them on your eyes in the morning for a cooling, de-puffing fix.
Wear the right color
Black won’t do you any fresh-faced favors, as it can cast dark shadows on your face, while the wrong shade of white will make you look washed out. Here’s a quick breakdown of the colours you should wear:
If you’re cool-toned: Choose jewel tones: shades of blue, pinks, purples, blue-greens, magentas, blue-based reds, or pure whites.
If you’re warm-toned: Choose earth tones: yellows, oranges, browns, chartreuses, army and deep greens, orange-based reds, or ivory.
Practice the 20/20/20 rule all day
If you stare at a computer all day with no breaks, try practicing the 20/20/20 rule, which doctors say reduces eye strain and redness: Take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
Eat or smell a grapefruit or an orange or a lemon
Whereas white-flour and sugar-laden foods will drag you way down in the morning, citrus fruits pick you up, as they’re packed with vitamin C and can increase energy and alertness. Simply smelling it can also trick your brain and shake up your senses. Yes, lemon-scented body-wash will do.
Wear dark sunglasses
If you wake up feeling and looking groggier than usual, be sure to grab a pair of dark-lensed shades. This isn’t only to hide puffy, bloodshot eyes, but it also prevents your eyes from squinting, tearing, and swelling as a result of the bright light outside.
Use eye drops
Make an exception strictly on those days that you’re seriously zonked and your eyes show it, a few drops in each can help remove redness and puffiness. Beware that a prolonged use can cause irritation.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2014.
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