Fake Awake: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Looking Well-Rested with Byoma, Grace & Stella and Anastasia!

Tired of looking tired? Same. Honestly, I’ve reached that phase of life where I can get a full eight hours, wake up at a decent time and still look like I’ve been trapped in a Netflix binge-fest with zero sleep and a minor existential crisis. Especially around the eyes — those f-ing traitors... So I went on a mission to find a few easy fixes that don’t involve filters, sunglasses indoors or just giving up and going back to bed.

 

BYOMA De-Puff + Brighten Eye Gel - 20ml - $18.99 - If your under-eyes are saying jet lagged even when you're well-rested (and haven't actually even been travelling), this one’s for you. A cooling, gel-serum hybrid that instantly hydrates, de-puffs, and brightens thanks to a powerhouse blend of Tri-Ceramide Complex, Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. It works instantly and over time, like the dependable skincare BFF we all deserve. Plus it's dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, fragrance and alcohol-free as well as vegan & cruelty-free. So basically: no nonsense, no irritation, and no more "Are you okay?" from strangers. 

 

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca. 

 

 

Grace & Stella Restoring Eye Masks - 6 pairs - $13.95 - these magical little jelly patches are like a venti coffee for your face. Whether you were up all night, sobbing over your ex’s Instagram or just living life, they perk up tired eyes with a mega-dose of retinol - to smooth fine lines; ceramide - keeps crow's feet in check; and glycerin - helps fade dark circles and puffiness. Basically, they’re nap time for your eyes before the rest of you goes to sleep - apply 20 minutes before you go to bed, remove and just rub any remaining serum into the skin and be prepared to wake up looking well rested!

 

Available at amazon.ca and graceandstella.com. 

Okay, let’s be real: if you still look tired even after skincare, the answer is distraction.Cue this all-star mascara...

 

Anastasia Lash Brag Volumizing Mascara - $35 - an ultra-volumizing, jet-black miracle in wand form. It’s bold, it’s black, it’s dramatic and it makes you look like you’ve had a double espresso and a decent life plan. The hourglass brush grabs every lash (even the awkward ones), lifting and volumizing like your life depends on it. No flakes. No smudges. Just boom, instant “I woke up like this” lashes.with an hourglass-shaped brush that hugs every lash like it knows you’re too tired to deal with falsies - and builds full-bodied, high-drama lashes faster than you can say “I just need five more minutes.” 

 

What’s inside?  acacia senegal gum - brings the volume (and not in a shouty way); rice bran wax - lifts, defines and lengthens - kind of like contour, but for your lashes; and paraffin + synthetic beeswax -  thickens things up without clumping or flaking out mid-afternoon. And because we care about more than just vanity, it's paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free and full of absolutely zero drama (except on your lashes, where it belongs).

 

Not ready for a full-size commitment? There’s a mini for $20.50 - perfect for your purse, your pocket or your “I’ll try anything once” mascara mood.

 

Available at Sephora stores across Canada and online at sephora.ca.

 

 

Moral of the story: Your eyes may be tired, but you don’t have to look it. Between some puff-busting skincare and a show-stopping mascara, you can fake 8 hours of sleep like an absolute pro. Just don’t forget your coffee.. and just to be safe, make it a double!

 

 

- Lisamarie -