How Can I Make My Eyes Look Less Tired?

Seeking a tired eyes remedy or two that’ll help you look more awake? Ahead we’re explaining common reasons why eyes look sleepy (some might surprise you!) and teaching you how to improve tired eyes with and without makeup. Get ready to soothe, refresh, and brighten your eyes.

Why Do My Eyes Look So Tired?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do my eyes feel tired all the time?” you’re certainly not alone in your frustration. Before we jump into solutions, one of the first steps to visibly relieving tired eyes symptoms is to figure out what’s causing the issue in the first place. Here are common culprits.

Fatigue

It probably won't come as a surprise to learn that tired-looking eyes are caused by being, well, tired. (Beauty sleep is real!) In fact, we often can tell from someone’s eyes whether they’re tired or not. If you haven't had enough sleep lately—or the quality of your sleep hasn't been up to snuff—this can make eyeballs look glazed or red (bloodshot) and eyelids droopy. Puffiness can also occur, which can create shadows around your eyes that create the appearance of dark under eye circles.

Dehydration

When skin lacks moisture, it can make fine lines and wrinkles look more prominent. It can also create a lackluster, dull appearance. Drinking water and using hydrating skincare products, such as eye cream specifically developed for the thin skin around your eyes, can help make your eyes look less tired (more on that in a few).

Aging

Our skin goes through lots of changes as we grow older and wiser. This includes our delicate eye skin, which is thinner here than on many other parts of the body. Over time, skin loses its laxity which can cause a natural droopiness of the eyelids, and fat starts to dissipate, which can create a hollowed appearance and dark circles.

Fine lines and wrinkles also become deeper and more noticeable, and issues such as puffy eyes and eye bags can occur with more frequency due to weakened muscles around the eye.

Eye Strain

Did you know that there are six muscles attached to the eye that help them open, close, squint, and move around? Our eyes are built to work all day long, but extended use of modern inventions—including smartphones, computers, and bright lights—can cause muscle strain.

Symptoms of eye strain include:

• Sore eyes

• Tired eyes

• Dry eyes

• Watery eyes

• Blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Headaches

Allergies

Allergies are another common cause of tired eyes. They can cause an internal reaction that makes your eyes appear puffy, watery, and red. Some people also experience eye bags, which can lead to more pronounced dark circles. Mitigating allergies by avoiding allergens and taking antihistamines (under a doctor’s order) is the best way to combat tired eyes caused by allergies.

How to Hide Tired Eyes Without Makeup

Now that you understand why your eyes look sleepy, you can start taking steps that’ll have you looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. From using the right skincare products to giving your eyes a break from your smartphone, here are some tired eye remedies to try now:

1. Treat Your Body Well: If you often find yourself thinking, “my eyes feel tired,” this is a sign you could use more rest. The more rested and hydrated you are, the better you’ll look. More importantly, though, you’ll feel better!

2: Use an Eye Cream: Along with practicing self-care, using an eye cream can help if it seems like your eyes are always tired. IT Cosmetics’ renovated Confidence in an Eye Cream Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream will help you wake up your eyes with confidence. The vegan, lightweight formula features a 2% Super Peptide Concentrate along with cacao seed butter, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

This anti-fatigue powerhouse helps visibly address four common aging eye concerns: crow’s feet, dark eye circles, lack of firmness, and dryness. In an eight-week consumer study,*93% of people said their eyes felt nourished, 90% said their eye area looked smoother, and 88% said their eye area felt immediately soothed. Plus, the formula helps deliver 48 hours of hydration and provides an immediate brightening effect.

3. Stick with a Skincare Routine: Nip premature signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity, with an anti-aging skincare routine. And don’t forget to use sunscreen every day!

4. Give Your Eyes a Break: Too much exposure to the blue light on our smartphones, computers, and TVs can lead to eye strain, a newish phenomenon referred to as “computer vision syndrome.” Try to limit your screen time, making sure to take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. Eye drops can help with dryness.

How to Brighten Tired Eyes With Makeup

Along with following the remedies above, you can help fake a bright-eyed appearance with some makeup magic. After applying Confidence in an Eye Cream Anti-Aging Peptide Eye Cream, use a dot of Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer. It helps conceal dark circles and covers the look of fine lines. Plus, it won't crease or crack and lasts for up to 24 hours.

Follow up with your favorite IT Cosmetics CC Cream. For boosted radiance, try CC+ Cream Illumination Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+. It features micronized light-reflecting pigments that help skin look healthy and glowy—sans glitter or shimmer!

Can Confidence in an Eye Cream Be Worn Under Makeup?

Yes! The formula has been specially tested to be compatible with makeup application. Use the 3, 2, 1 method for a flawless experience—apply three dots of Confidence in an Eye Cream to your eye area, wait two minutes for the formula to absorb, then follow with one dot of Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer. Your eye area will be instantly transformed for an eye-awakened appearance.

Still want to learn more about how to relieve tired eyes? We’ve covered more tired eyes remedies in this overview of the common causes of puffy eyes. When you're finished there, learn how to cover dark under-eye circles like a pro. Finish with a swipe or two of Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara, a super-buildable formula that creates longer-looking lashes.

*Based on an 8-week consumer study.