5 fast-working beauty buys that will wake up your tired face like nobody’s business

Everyone has a ‘meh’ week now and then.
But if you’re struggling to erase the effects of a stressy situation, poor sleep, or a busy travel schedule from your face, it’s time to take action; just one small addition to your morning routine could help flick the switch from wrecked to refreshed.
When you look tired, you feel even more exhausted so if your seeking more energy, your face is a good place to start.
From invigorating serums to rejuvenating masks, these beauty finds are the missing ingredient you didn’t know you needed in your wellness routine.
Here are the ones to try now:
1. Cold comfort
Hand-luggage must-have for your next long-haul flight, Patchology’s Serve Chilled On Ice Hydrogel Mask contains a cooling cocktail of age-defying and revitalising ingredients to de-puff and hydrate your complexion in as little as five quick minutes. A complex of nine peptides, cloudberry oil and bakuchiol have been enriched into this awakening mask to hit the reset button on a tired face.
We keep one chilling in the fridge for late-night/hangover emergencies.
BUY IT: Patchology’s Serve Chilled On Ice Hydrogel Face Mask is €10 from Boots and Brown Thomas.
2. The blush everyone should own
One sweep of Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush delivers the perfect dose of radiant colour to the cheeks for an instant natural glow.
The spherical light-reflecting pigments in the fine-milled formula allow light to evenly bounce off the face.
Shade 10 is one of the best skin-enhancing blush tones we’ve come across.
BUY IT: Armani Luminous Silk Glow Blush is €45 from Brown Thomas Cork and online.
3. The Overnight Elixir
This exciting Kerry-born company does everything right, from hand-harvesting its key ingredient, Irish seaweed, to presenting each product in minimal sustainable packaging.
The brand’s Overnight Elixir Serum is a godsend for parched, travel-weary skin. Enriched with microencapsulated marine actives, marafucoidan and phytoMara, which neutralise free radicals, support dermal cell turnover and collagen and elastin production, hyaluronic acid and an array of vegan lipids including algal omegas, the lightweight serum drenches the skin in nourishment while you sleep.
BUY IT: Seabody Overnight Elixir Serum is €77 at Seabody.com and McCauley Pharmacy, Mahon Point.
4. A concealer with big benefits
IT Cosmetics is a brand we’ve come to trust for incredibly effective make-up with benefits. Their new Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum doesn’t disappoint. The buildable, medium-coverage formula features their exclusive Super Bright Serum with 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine for instant coverage now and the visible improvement of bare skin concerns over time.
Developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons, it’s clinically tested to fade the appearance of dark spots, and dark circles under the eyes while providing 24 hours of hydration.
We particularly love the travel-friendly, dual-ended applicator and soft kabuki concealer brush, which guaranteed a flawless blend on the go.
BUY IT: Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum is €29 at Boots and Brown Thomas Cork
5. An eye-opening mascara
Nothing revives a tired eye like a splash of cold water and a good mascara. Designed to mimic the look that can only usually be achieved by eyelash extensions, Falsies Surreal Extensions gives an effortless, surreal effect in next to no time at all.
The spiralled, extended helix brush is uniquely made with a combination of long, twisted bristles to catch and coat each and every lash, right from the root and all the way down to the tip, to make sure maximum volume can be achieved.
Simply apply it to both upper and lower lashes, let it dry and then keep building the layers for more an even more impressive finish.
BUY IT: Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Mascara IS €14.50, available nationwide