Tired Of Looking Tired? Here's How To Instantly Appear More Well-Rested

cocokind Chlorophyll Discoloration Serum

I soaked up every last drop of this formula when I received a secret lab sample back in May, waiting with bated breath for it to officially come to market. That’s how you know it’s good. (The photo you see here is my second, more official sample.)

It calls upon 1% alpha arbutin, chlorophyll (duh), licorice root, and panthenol to gently fade dark spots and even skin tone; I used it in place of a traditional vitamin C serum (nothing against C! I just wanted to make space for other powerful antioxidants), and was met with a more vibrant, energized complexion almost instantly. 

In fact, cocokind founder Priscilla Tsai tells me it can serve as a plumping priming serum to use pre-makeup. I can now personally attest to that claim: It creates this immediate glow that shines through my tinted SPF. — Jamie Schneider, beauty editor

Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara

Mascara is an effortless way to look more polished, put-together, and energized. A quick swipe to open your lashes, and all of a sudden your eyes look brighter and face looks more lifted. And VBB's new clean mascara is hands-down one of the best mascaras I've ever tried.

The silky, richly pigmented formula glides onto lashes—instantly adding volume. It's infused with a special active (called Symlash 1631) and antioxidants (vitamin E, B5, and B3) that helps create fuller lashes overtime, too. — Alexandra Engler, beauty director

StarFace Hydro-Star + Tea Tree

StarFace is an iconic brand that spearheaded the evolution of the aesthetically pleasing pimple patch. Don’t be fooled, these bright green stickers aren’t just for show (though I’d wear them if they were), they actually heal breakouts rapidly.

This neon rendition contains tea tree extract to soothe the skin, reduce swelling, and absorb excess oil. Not to mention, covering a breakout boosts my mood so I can go about my day without worry, knowing my pimple is being healed whilst I look cute and trendy. It’s a win-win. — Hannah Frye, assistant beauty editor

Versed The Purist Antioxidant Cleanser

My morning cleanse wakes me up just as much as a piping mug of coffee. I look forward to my time at the sink, to connect with my skin, massage away any lingering puffiness, and let the rinse invigorate my skin. The only problem? My skin runs a bit sensitive these days, so I need to use a very gentle balm or creamy confection. I tend to steer clear of anything that foams—until I met this Versed number.

The soap-free cleansing gel uses glucosides, a gentle, moisturizing surfactant that suds up without stripping skin of its natural oils. Along with aloe leaf juice and glycerin as a base, it leaves my skin feeling clean yet supple, never tight or uncomfortable. For even more of an energized glow, it contains antioxidant-rich blueberry, raspberry, apple, and cucumber extracts to leave skin looking brighter as soon as you leave the sink. — Schneider

Saie Glossybounce

Tower28 Swipe Serum Concealer

I likely don’t have to make the case for why a concealer deserves a spot on the energizing list. Even the best eye creams in the world are not enough to neutralize my genetic dark circles, so for me, concealer is downright crucial for a vibrant eye area. 

And this Tower28 formula has become my No. 1 favorite: It’s infused with hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica to calm and soothe sensitive skin, and the pigments are coated in lysine, an amino acid that supports collagen production. In terms of coverage, it’s not too thick (read: caky) yet not too sheer—truly a buildable concealer that leaves behind a weightless, skin-like finish. I won’t be replacing it any time soon! — Schneider

Billie V Smooth

Any kind of cleansing agent used around your vulva should meet a high standard—it needs to be pH balanced, probably fragrance free, and carefully formulated for this sensitive area. So most of the shaving creams out there won’t cut it, but you should still have a cushion to protect the skin.

Enter, V-Smooth: A shave gel that’s vulva-friendly because some folks want a close shave, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice smooth skin for questionable vulva health or the other way around. Now you can spend your final bikini days of the season feeling confident and comfortable. — Frye

OLAY Super Serum

This five-in-one formula does it all: It smooths skin texture, balances tone, firms, softens fine lines, and provides long-lasting hydration. It features an exclusive type of activated niacinamide, which breaks down into a more effective, low-pH version of the vitamin B3 we know and love. (Think of it like a super-energized version of niacinamide.) In addition, you’ll find peptides, vitamins C and E, and lactic acid—the beloved AHA that gently sloughs dead skin and smooths fine lines. 

Not for nothing, it has this gorgeous iridescent hue that actually changes colors (it becomes clear) once fully absorbed into the skin. Like magic! — Schneider

Merit Solo Shadows

I admittedly don’t wear a lot of eyeshadow—I typically swipe bronzer on my lids and call it a day—but when I do, I want the experience to feel downright enchanting. Practical palettes certainly have their time and place, but there’s just something about opening a pot of silky shadow, swirling your finger into the jar, and swiping it across your lids that feels like such a treat. Dare I say, it energizes me. 

I was particularly excited to test these new Solo Shadows from Merit, since the jars themselves look like little treasures. The buildable, cream-to-powder formula easily glides on the skin and provides a soft kiss of color; and with magnolia bark, chamomile, and calendula extracts, the formulas remain gentle and soothing on the delicate eye area. I’ve been using the warm beige Vachetta shade for an everyday latte look, but I’m eager for autumn just so I have an excuse to swipe on the majestic Viper and Midnight hues. — Schneider