6 Ways To Look Refreshed First Thing In The Morning, No Makeup Required

⏰⏰

As much as you'd all love to say you woke up like this:

The reality looks a lot more like this:

Whether you're a morning person or not, looking perked up and pulled together isn't always an easy task in the AM. Or is it?

With a splash of water to your face, a flip of your hair and a brightly colored blouse you'll be ready to take on the world.

We've curated a list of go-to hacks -- no makeup required -- that will get you out the door feeling flawless, or pretty damn close to it.

1. Splash ice water on your face.
It's the oldest trick in the book, and it works. Fill your sink with the coldest water possible, add a few ice cubes to get the temperature down even more, and splash the water on your face. It instantly tightens pores and shrinks little capillaries, making your skin appear more even. Plus, it makes you feel more awake, which will definitely affect the way you look.

2. Hit the gym.

Nothing will make you look and feel more awake than exercise. Go for a quick walk, hop on the elliptical machine, or do a few rounds of Sun Salutations. Any exercise that gets your heart rate up is great. When your blood is pumping and your endorphin levels increase, you'll have more energy. Plus, it adds some color to your cheeks—no blush required.

3. Head to your kitchen.

If bags under your eyes are a problem, take a trip to your kitchen. Put two spoons in the freezer for 10 minutes, and then apply one to each eye while you recline on the couch. The cold helps calm inflammation. Cold cucumber slices work in a similar way. Relax with a slice on each eye for five to 10 minutes to relieve irritation, redness, and puffiness.

4. Flip upside down.
For a 10-second hair fix, bend at the waist and flip your hair upside down. Use your fingertips to scrunch your strands at the roots, reviving your texture and volume. This trick has the added bonus of rushing some blood to your face, making your cheeks look pink and vibrant.

5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Dehydration is one of the worst offenders when it comes to looking tired. Skin looks gray or sallow and wrinkles become more prominent when you haven't had enough water. To plump up your cells, simply increase your water intake. Aim for eight glasses per day.

6. Wear color.
Black may be slimming, but it doesn't help you look more awake. On days you're tired, skip the black top and wear your favorite skin tone-flattering color. It will instantly make your face appear brighter and less tired.

Also on HuffPost:

They Cleanse Gently, Once A Day

What Women With Great Skin Do Every Day

Are you ready to start taking better care of yourself? Sign up for our newsletter and join our Look Good, Feel Good challenge to supercharge your beauty and grooming routine and develop healthy habits. We’ll deliver tips, challenges and advice to your inbox every day.

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE