Women Fighting a Fatigue 'Epidemic'
We all know that sleep deprivation causes irritable moods, fatigue and bags under the eyes, but it seems that women are in the middle of a fatigue 'epdemic'.
According to a Sleep Council survey, woman one in 10 women feel so tired that they feel it is affecting their looks. As well as the tell tale shadows and bags under the eyes, they are finding that they are looking washed out with pasty skin.
With 30 October marking National Sleep In Day, seeing the clocks go back and an extra hour in bed, the survey found that nine out of 10 women feel a good night's sleep is the best tonic for getting rid of bags and shadows on the face.
They rated this higher than any other lotion, cream or make up that may help to hide the signs of fatigue.
Despite this, only 55% take to their beds for an early night or a lie in and instead nearly a third (29%) try to mask the signs of fatigue with makeup, spending large amounts of money on different products each month.
Top makeup artist Oonagh Connor says you cannot beat a great night's sleep for looking better: "Make-up is an effective way of covering up the signs of tiredness but nothing beats a good night’s sleep, and a smile to keep you looking your best!"
The survey also revealed that 29% of women feel lack of sleep affects their looks fours days a week, with four in 10 saying they would not be seen in public without their makeup.
Increasing amounts are being spent on cosmetics to touch up and help cover up the signs of fatigue, as women spend between £11 and £3 a month on cosmetics, skin care products and facials.
Some are willing to pay up to £100 to look their best, despite a good night's sleep being more effective and free!
Ladies also admitted to drinking caffeine and energy drinks for a boost to look less tired.
A pick me up for women is seeing celebrities looking less than perfect, saying that it helps them to feel better about themself seeing others looking worse for wear. Proving they too, can look a little rough around the edges.
Celebrity make up artist Oonagh Connor has listed her top tip for helping you look your best when perhaps feeling your worst. Take a little look and let us know what your handy hints are for beating the tired look this season.
1. When we’re tired, our skin appears washed out, pale and lacking lustre – to bring an instant glow, mix illuminator or an illuminating moisturiser into your foundation.
2. Bring some colour back to your cheeks by sweeping a blusher a shade brighter than your usual tone along your cheek bone.
3. Eyes are a big give-away to tiredness but luckily there’s a lot we can do in this area to brighten up our face – use eye creams to hydrate the area around the eyes.
4. To reduce puffiness around the eyes, place a spoon in the fridge to cool and then hold it over eye bags. An old wives tale!
5. To hide dark circles use concealer directly under the eyes.
6. For red eyes use flesh coloured eyeliner on the lower inside lash line.
7. Use neutral coloured eye shadows to help brighten the eyes.
8. Use eyelash curlers to open up the eyes. They can be heated or normal.
9. Use lengthening mascara to widen your eyes.
10. Never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. It is probably the best beauty secret I can share!
We need to consider our sleeping environment, making sure the temperature is right, and that we are sleeping on a comfortable bed. After all, the phrase ‘beauty sleep’ didn’t come from nowhere!
11. It’s vital that you drink plenty of water each day to keep your skin hydrated.
12. Eat a balanced diet to get the essential vitamins that will promote healthy skin, hair and nails.
13. The benefits of exercise are endless, but with a busy lifestyle it can be used to relieve stress, helping you to unwind.
FemaleFirst Jenna Fordie twitter @Jenna_FAM
Tagged in Women's Health