How to Look Less Tired: Quick and Easy At-Home Solutions

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Who wouldn't want to look less tired and more vibrant?

Are you wondering how to look less tired and more refreshed, even when you feel energetic? This ABZ guide offers simple solutions to combat fatigue and help you achieve a brighter, more youthful appearance.

Why we look tired with age

Aging is inevitable, but we can control its impact on our appearance. Adjusting your makeup techniques and skincare routine can lessen signs of fatigue and make you look younger.

If you have not changed your skincare or makeup routine in years, it might be time to reconsider. Your skin's needs change over time; acknowledging these changes is vital.

Ask yourself:

• Is your skin drier or thinner
• Has your skin tone changed
• Have your eyebrows disappeared
• Do your eyes look tired or puffy

You'd be surprised how something as simple as disappearing eyebrows or dull, dry skin can age your face and make you look older and tired.

So with that in mind, here are some beauty and lifestyle tips that'll help transform your appearance and make you feel more youthful.

How to look less tired: Skincare tips for tired skin

Tips to improve tired skin

As your skin ages, its texture and appearance change, making you appear fatigued. These skincare tips are tailored to help you reduce the appearance of tiredness and bring life back to your face.

And, if you're looking for product suggestions that are fun, unique, affordable, and actually help you look more awake, check out my list of skincare picks for tired-looking skin over 40.

1. Hydrate

Nothing makes you look more tired than dull, dry skin! One product you need to invest in is a good hydrating moisturizer.

Here’s what helps:

• Hydrating moisturizers to plump and soften dry, tired skin
• Face oils to lock in moisture and give skin a dewy glow
• Slugging for those using retinols or exfoliating peels
• Essential oils to soften fine lines and calm inflammation

These are small changes that make a big impact in how rested your skin looks. Note: Slugging is especially helpful for those who use retinols and chemical peels.

2. Massage & Exfoliate

After applying your moisturizer and serum, give your skin a quick massage to help products absorb better and boost circulation.

• Facial massage stimulates the skin, and you’ll see a fresher, more lifted look within minutes. Want to see the research?  L’Oréal did a great study on this—check it out on our massage page.
• I do a weekly sugar scrub to wake up dull, dry skin—and honestly, it makes a big difference in how my face looks and feels.

My personal tip: What worked for me

I started doing facial exercises consistently in my early 50s, and I’ve kept at it. The photo on the left was taken when I was 52—the one on the right is me at 62. No filters, no injectables—just regular facial massage, exercise, a variety of exfoliation methods (it's important to mix it up) and a good hydrating cream.

ABZ Tip: I also added a new lymphatic massage to help the double chin area.

I'm 52 in the before photo and 62 in the after. Face exercise/massage along with a high quality hydrating cream helps keep my skin looking less tired as I age.

3. Brighten, Smooth & Tone

Boost your skin’s radiance with these easy at-home brightening tips:

• Vitamin C serums – These visibly brighten dull skin, reduce brown spots, even out skin tone, and help build collagen. I use one every morning it’s one of those steps that really makes a difference over time.
• Kojic acid – Another great option for smoothing texture and giving your face a natural, healthy glow.

By adding these into your routine, you’ll not only know how to look less tired—but you’ll help your skin stay fresh, bright, and glowing.

Look More Energized with Makeup

Look less tired with these makeup tips, The right makeup techniques can enhance your features and make you appear more energized. Here are some easy anti-fatigue makeup tips:

Makeup can instantly refresh your face—especially when you focus on the features that tend to show tiredness first.

• Puffy under-eyes are the first thing I notice in the mirror. I’ve tested seven puff-eye serums, and a few of them really helped reduce swelling and smooth out that crepey skin. (You can see which ones worked best on my under-eye serum review page.)
• Eyeliner mistakes from your younger days can drag the eyes down. I switched to softer colors and lifting techniques that actually brighten my eyes instead of closing them off. These eyeliner tips for mature eyes show exactly how I do it now.
• Sparse brows can make your whole face look more tired. Filling them in with a pencil or powder adds instant shape and energy—I never skip this step anymore.
• Dull, flat skin tone is an easy fix. I use cream blush to perk up my cheeks, a touch of bronzer to warm things up, or a self-tanner with anti-aging ingredients when I want a beautiful glow. (I show how add to your routine.)

5. Makeup Primer

Consider using a makeup primer to create a perfect, hydrated canvas before you apply your foundation. A good makeup primer can do the following:

• Soften fine lines
• Add antioxidants and skin-loving vitamins 
• Be worn alone for a dewy, blurred finish
• Create a velvety, fresh look for older or dry skin

Watch this video on how a makeup primer works.

Lifestyle Routine

Sometimes, it’s not just about products—your habits matter too. I’ve found that when I clean up my diet, get enough sleep, and manage stress, my face looks way less tired.

Here’s why:

• Sugar and refined carbs can help peed up wrinkles. And studies prove they’re collagen killers.
• Smoking can worsen dark circles and dull your complexion.
• Not enough sleep slows skin repair regardless of how many beauty products you use. 

If you really want to look more refreshed, take a full-body approach. Skincare, makeup, and lifestyle all work together—and a few small changes can make a big difference.

Quick fix summary

Quick Fixes to Look Less Tired:

• Hydrate your skin
• Brighten with vitamin C or kojic acid
• Massage weekly
• Use anti-fatigue makeup tricks
• Fill in brows & add color

Look Less Tired: FAQ's

You might be interested in:

DIY Beauty Tips

Anti-aging foods and supplements for healthy skin.

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