How to Not Look Tired

The next time you read a magazine and start to feel bad about the fact that you don't look as good as the models in the pictures--stop. What you see is not reality and the truth is that a team of experts--a hair stylist, colorist, makeup artist and stylist (at the bare minimum)--worked with the model for hours on end to make her look that way.

Fortunately, if you want to look less tired--and most women do--you don't need an entourage to look like a fresher-faced version of yourself. You can dramatically revive your appearance with the right products and a few simple strategies. Here's how.

Hydrate. Moisturizer plumps up your skin, temporarily decreasing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep your complexion consistently hydrated, and it will look smooth and radiant, not sallow and drawn. Normal-to-oily skin needs light, watery moisturizers, while drier types require a heavier balm. For extra dry patches, use face oil.

It?s also imperative to hydrate from the inside out. I drink 64 ounces of water a day. When I skimp, my complexion feels tight and looks dull.

Correct, then conceal. Some people are naturally bluer underneath their eyes, and others get shadowy when they're running themselves ragged. Whichever camp you're in, the solution for disguising dark circles is the same:

After letting your eye cream absorb, use your finger (or an ultra-skinny concealer brush) to apply my Corrector, a creamy pigment designed to cut through extreme green or purple darkness underneath the eyes. (If you have yellow undertones, go for a peachy shade. If you have cool undertones, try the pinkier bisque hues.)

Once you've blended the Corrector, layer the Creamy Concealer on top of it to even out the entire eye area. Choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your complexion, and look for a formula with a yellow tinge to it. I've found this looks most natural on all complexions, from fair to dark.

Apply both products under your eyes (getting as close to the lashes as possible). Also pat the pigment onto the dark areas between the top of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes.

Improve your skin tone. A great foundation or tinted moisturizer should make your skin look hydrated, smooth, and evenly toned--all hallmarks of well-rested skin. Look for formulas that are enriched with extra emollients and light-reflecting ingredients. They lend the kind of glow that typically comes from eight hours of rest.

Choose the right blush. Blush adds instant vitality to a sleepy complexion. To find the right shade, pinch your cheeks. The color that rushes to the apples is your ideal shade. (It sounds funny, but it works.)

Define your eyes. A thin stroke of black liner (applied as close to the lashes as possible) subtly adds definition to your eyes so they don?t look small and tired. A coat of black mascara over curled lashes also creates a wide-eyed effect.

For more information and to shop, visit Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.