For those of you who don't know, I used to be the art intern at Glow Magazine (now folded, R.I.P.). Back in the day, summer 2016 to be exact.., I wrote a piece titled "The Beauty Tricks I Use to Look Well Rested" for glow.ca. It was all about the products I was using at the time to look like I had slept a full 8 hours the previous night when in reality it was closer to 5. I have come a long way since summer 2016, and now I would like to share with you (because technically that post no longer exists other than here) an *updated* version of that list of products.

A few things to keep in mind: I have not developed better sleeping habits since then, nor have I become a beauty expert well versed in all the beauty products on the market right now. I have however, along with my fave products from Deciem, found a skin regime that works better for me than it did last summer. It's a work-in-progress...

The Regulars

These two products have been, and will remain, my holy grails when it comes to eye creams. There is one for day time and one for night time, both equally important. You skin is most susceptible to skincare products when you're sleeping because that is when your body does most of its repairing. So it makes sense to have really reliable products for night time in order to get the most out of your "beauty sleep" (quite literally). I use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream every. single. night, especially since I am the kind of person to force my tired self to wash my face and apply products even when my bed is calling my name. As I'm sure you can tell, I am serious about my skin, so naturally I only use the best of the best. This eye cream honestly has it all: it's thick and creamy so you can tell it is doing its job, it contains the same natural ingredients as the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (which I have also used) such as lavender and evening primrose that boost the skin's natural radiance, and it smells heavenly. This guy is a regular for sure!

Another product that is "kind of a big deal" is Origins' GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. This one is nostalgic for me because it is a product my mom has used for as long as I can remember stealing it from out of her bathroom cabinet (thanks mom). The thing I like most about Origins products is that everything they do, they do with the planet in mind. They launched a Plant-A-Tree initiative with American Forests' Global ReLeaf to aid in reforestation, they don't test their products on animals and are advocates for ending animal-testing completely, their packaging is all environmentally friendly and avoids unnecessary waste, and they even use earth friendly renewable energy with a goal to have net zero carbon emissions by 2020. More of my money for you Origins, you go Origins. Anyway, this eye cream is honestly a God-send. It's intended for use on all skin types and the active ingredient is caffeine, just like your morning cuppa'. That means that it is formulated to give your eyes that extra boost and rid your under-eyes of unsightly bags and puffiness. Did I mention it's luminescent? Who needs highlight anyway?

The Heavy Hitters

And when the regulars just aren't cutting it, enter: The Heavy Hitters. These masks are my hidden gems. They stay stashed away under my sink until the days where I get even less than 5 hours of sleep and I wake up looking like a character from The Walking Dead. Lise Watier, man, you did me right with this one. These Bio Lift Eye Patches are so awesome and so popular, that 9 times out of 10 they are sold out whenever I need to restock. They are coveted by celebrities and are totally worth the investment. Boasting ingredients such as the exclusive Soya Phyto-Collagen, Aloe, Witch Hazel, and vitamin E, these patches reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of fatigue (just what I need). Any time your eyes need a pick-me-up, pop these bad boys on for 15-20 minutes and reveal your "mini eye-lift".

This Vichy Quenching Mineral Mask is also one of the big dogs in my bullpen (baseball anyone?). It's another pricey one, but the hydration that this guy provides can't be beat. Sometimes, when I don't get enough sleep, my entire face suffers not just my under-eyes. When I wake up to dull, lack luster, tired looking skin, I pull this out and my face soaks. it. up. It's kind of like when you're really really thirsty, you finally get some water and it's gone in less than 10 seconds. This mask is a tall refreshing glass of water for your skin. It instantly hydrates and soothes, and feels extra light due to its gel texture. This one sure does motivate me to get out of bed in the morning.

The Obvious

When it all comes down to it, the best possible thing you can do is hydratecho'self. Turns out that drinking water helps not only your skin but your energy levels too, or so I've been told. In the last week or so, it has become my mission to drink one full grande Starbucks tumbler full of water every morning before I go to work. It's easier for me to do when it's in the tumbler because the straw makes it less tedious and more fun. I'm someone who has already replaced most of the liquids I consume with water anyway (because soda has chemicals and alcohol is for miscreants). but reminding yourself to drink that extra glass or two can make a huge difference. I'll let you know how that one pans out...

Let me know if you have any tips and tricks to help you look more well rested in the comments! I will never say no to skincare suggestions.