How do I not look like the walking dead?

[AnImaginaryCat]

I'm pretty much told at least once a day (feels like by everyone) "you look tired".

Probably because I am. I simply do not sleep well. Been an (unwilling) early waker my entire life. Now I'm cracking on and it's worse.

Anyway, I'm 47 and have serve hollow eyed look and not met a undereye concealer that makes a scrap of difference. (Though I admit I've no make up artist skills at all.)

I've a family wedding coming up and as always ith weddings bwvause of work/travel this means I'll be up late the night before and wake early the day of. I'll look horrendous. And this side of the family are horrible judgey types.

Please help. I'd just like to not look worse than my beautiful gran (who would be 98 if she were still alive).

Have you been to the GP and had your bloods done recently? I was similar and when my blood results came back, I had a severe vit D deficiency and anaemic. So after a few months of high grade of vit D and iron, I don't look so tired and washed out. Vitamin D and magnesium helps with your sleep so its worth working internally and externally to tackle the tiredness.

How are your iron levels? Try upping your water intake?

I was also going to suggest a visit to a Bobbi brown counter. Their concealers are pretty much the best for dark circles and they will help you find the right shades, show you how to apply etc. they are really good

Only wear colours near your face that really flatter your skintone. And I’d endorse the pp’s recommendation for Beauty Pie’s undereye concealer

Another vote for that Beauty Pie product - also they do tanning drops which brighten everything up in a subtle way. Best tip however is to up water intake massively for a few day’s beforehand- better than any expensive facial. Don’t go down the Botox route - you may have a smooth forehead and less crows feet but it nearly always makes the under eye area look worse. The lack of movement creates hollows and any lines that were there already look more obvious when surrounded by flat skin.

I'm crap with make up so no advice there but I had permanent dark circles and have found drinking more water and a good skincare routine have really helped - I think the products that have made the most difference are Tropic Glow Berry and Super Greens.

I invested in mesotherapy on my face for this reason. It made a massive difference to both hollows and darkness and brightened my whole complexion too. Only downside was it was expensive. It might me possible to get a variety of prices. Worth looking at.

The hollows under my eyes are so bad that I’m thinking glasses are a long term fix.

HRT....with getting iron/B12/thyroid checked at the same time

But pre HRT I was so fucking tired and couldn't sleep. 3 days in I felt so brilliant and wasn't wake 3/4 times every single night.

It's boring OP but I do think water really helps with general skin condition, tone, and depuffing.

I'd recommend the Dove Summer Revived body lotion ( v subtle/natural but slightly biscuity smell) or the Garnier Summer Body one (less subtle but smells nicer).

I also have a pink undereye concealer similar to the BeautyPie one (mines from Pixi) and really recommend it.

I use the Autograph Tan Luxe facial oil, mixed with my moisturiser, on my face - it's subtle but effective.

And that is where I run out of fucks to give, really 😃 I've given covering my grey and am letting it blend with my highlights. My teeth will never be super-white but I use a stain removing powder once in a blue moon. I enjoy shopping (do a lot on Vinted nowadays) but I'm just find there's a point at which you have to try and put more energy into enjoying your life than into worrying about your appearance (and I say that as someone who's suffered from acne and skin allergies for over twenty years).

Do you do much exercise? I'm not a fan but I find pilates once a week and a lot of walking make me feel better about myself. Best of luck to you ❤️

No hard in upping my water in take.

I think in reality I'd just like Pete not to tell me I look tired. I mean in now world that is a compliment is it. I do respond with "thanks for letting me know I look awful/shite*"

*delete as appropriate to company

Not 100% how much HRT costs (I'm not in the UK) but might fork out for a GP visit to inquire.

For same reason I'm not sure I can get all brands mentioned but I'll definitely look out for them (with my tired looking eyes 😫😄). Thanks for the suggestions!!

No harm. Not no hard!

Fake tan can add a healthy glow

I have very deep ingrained bags under my eyes and one eye in particular. I was asked by my boss if I had a black eye once as it's so bad. I've looked into the tear trough treatment but it's pricey. Any under eye concealer recommendations would be gratefully received !!

a peachy colour corrector under your concealer.

and wearing a flattering colour near your face.

I just bought the beauty pie colour corrector in both shades because I just can't figure out which one would be best for me. I only paid £13.36 for both though by using a £10 off code from Glamour magazine. Worth using if anyone wants to buy it. Would only cost the delivery fee of £3.36 if you only buy one.

Also need.to.remember to cancel the subscription within the free 60 days.

Lots of water, an under eye mask and I also find placing an ice pack or frozen spoon under the eyes can really help freshen you up. Also agree with the spray tan suggestion.

I'm giving this a whirl having read the reviews- thanks @amymel2016

Yes to picking colours properly. Yes to HRT.
The lowest cost potential fast improvements are water ( and lay off the booze for a couple of weeks before if you can). Up the fruit and veg, particularly citrus.

Go to bed with a good solid layer of something like nivea blue pot a couple of times.

Oh, and have some pithy remarks to reply back if anyone is rude enough to comment. 'Is that baldpatch I can see, Pete? Gosh it's horrible when people comment isn't it'

Moisturise. Hydrate. Moisturise. Hydrate. Avoid caffeine and sugar(boring). Dewy tinted moisturiser. Creamy concealer. Creamy eyeshadow. Creamy, glossy lipstick. Wear brighter colours. Cucumber on eyes. Cold showers(honestly helps).

*hydrate with water or fresh juices

Hope decent sleep returns soon!

This is a picture of the 2 shades of beauty pie corrector I got today. I'll probably use the light one more but the darker one might come in handy when I get a tan on holiday. They have good coverage so I don't think I'll need a concealer on top.

Keep looking for a colour corrector and decent concealer. Get some sun if you're pale or some fake tan. Get your Iron and Vitamin D checked. Ask for sleeping tablets. No booze and cut down on coffee.

There was a short lived but miricle tightened very popular on TikTok recently. I'll see if I can find it.

https://www.lookfantastic.com/peter-thomas-roth-instant-firmx-eye/11289134.html?affil=thgppc&kwds=39700052946831639&thgppcccampaign=71700000065469164&adtype=&productid=&gbraid=0AAAAAD-fXiq4yUbm4AUGwxvGtk3J6aeSI&gbraid=0AAAAAD-fXiq4yUbm4AUGwxvGtk3J6aeSI&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLNkLtROM2wwuWzzFV2iFN1pLCpCOlwSfJRRYg6Jqk1H0C5jehTXmsaAmN7EALww_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

This - apparently miraculous- though not permanent