Fake 8 hours of sleep with these must-have makeup products

When your relationship with sleep is a little, how do you say, ‘estranged’, having some makeup heroes in your bag will do wonders for that ‘fake it till you make it’ fresh face. But if you’re short on time and reckon your heavy makeup days are behind you, it can be hard to know where to go . Here’s where the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look comes in. It’s all about getting that effortless glow in minimal time, celebrating freckles and flushed cheeks whilst brightening and softening your complexion. With sheer and hydrating formulas, the result looks like your skin, just with some bonus snooze hours. You don’t have to worry about eye makeup or chunky mascara, instead keep it minimal with a glowy base and kiss of colour on your lips and cheeks. 

The world of makeup and all its flashy trends can be head-spinning, so here are a few of our golden recs for fudging a whole night of sleep. We’ve listed them in order of application (roughly) to make it even easier for you, plus added in some pro-tips along the way!

But before we get started…..

Skin prep is everything when you want that radiant finish, and you don’t need to look further than the Go-To Transformazing Sheet Masks. These serum-drenched masks are a speedy ten-minute hack for plump and glowy skin. 

Dripping wth juicy ingredients like niacinamide and kakudu plum, your skin is left bright and even-toned for a makeup base that makes all the difference. 

Pro-tip: Don’t let a drop of that skin-saving serum go to waste! Pat the remaining serum onto your face after you’re done with the mask. 

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer

$53

It’s a question that’s hit everyone’s makeup bag: what does a primer even do?

Primers are the ultimate all-rounders. They’re like that kid at the sports carnival that racks up a medal for just about everything. These little heroes help your foundation last longer and keep it from caking, but they’re also fab for the finish and feel of your makeup. 

The Pro Filt’r Hydrating Primer from Fenty Beauty is stunningly moisture-rich, melting into the skin for silk-smooth makeup application. It gives a filter-like blurring effect and softens any dry patches on the skin. 

Pro-tip: Pop this on before your foundation and start applying it at the centre of your face, blending outward.

Huda Beauty GloWish Multi Dew Skin Tint

$58

We’re finally in the era of makeup that doubles as skincare (how good) and this moisture-packed skin tint is the epitome. 

With a dewy finish and sheer formula, it evens out and brightens your complexion for a second-skin look. Damascus Rose Oil soothes, clarifies and binds moisture to the skin, whilst Red Bell Pepper Extract protects it agains blue light.

Clean makeup that looks out for skin health? It’s a yes from us. 

Pro tip: As another plus, you can simply sweep this one on with your fingers! No brush needed (phew, one less thing to clean.)

Rare Beauty Positive Light Under Eye Brightener 

$42

Our undereyes are a dead giveaway for rough nights, so getting a brightener is key for that fresh, wide-awake look. 

Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Under Eye Brightener is a total standout, delivering heaps of hydration and colour-correction for sleepy souls. It’s pretty sheer (giving a really natural look) but can be built up if needed. You can also wear it by itself for a quick and easy morning touch up! It gives a gorgeous lifted and brightened effect, with a metal cool-tip applicator for a soothing feel. 

Pro-tip: Apply 2-4 dots to the undereye area, and tap to blend with your fingertip. You can keep building it up for more coverage. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Bronzer

$56

A creamy, golden bronzer is the gateway to that sun-kissed glow we’re all pining for.

This weightless cream formula by Anastasia Beverly Hills warms up the skin, creating soft contour and definition for a natural shaping effect. It stays true to colour (none of that annoying oxidising) and has a lovely second-skin finish. With flexible coverage, you can opt for a soft glow or more bold definition. 

 Pro-tip: a little goes a long way with this one, so start small! You can use either your fingers or a brush to apply it, working along the cheekbones, temples, forehead and jawline.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand

$60

I’m sure you’ve seen this one all over TikTok (or heard your tween talking about it non-stop), but is it worth the hype?

 Let me assure you that the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand is the liquid blush you need in your kit. It’s super creamy, blends like a dream, and gives the perfect rosy glow to your cheeks. 

Go for a soft dash of peach with the shade “peachgasm,” or a more sunkissed wash with “pinkgasm.” 

Pro tip: Charlotte Tilbury always recommends using, “one dot for DAY, two dots for DATE, and three dots for DISCO!” Start with one dot on the apple of your cheek and pat it upwards with your finger. 

Clinique Almost Lipstick

$46

Adding a wash of colour to your lips without going glam may seem like a distant dream, but this hydrating balm is a prayer answered.

It’s a sheer, glossy slip of colour that feels nourishing and soft. Don’t be put off by how it looks in the tube – this one is almost chameleon-like in flattering a bunch of different skin tones.

 There are two shades, the richer Black Honey or subtler Pink Honey. 

Pro-tip: You can easily layer this lippy for more dramatic results.