Are You Short On Sleep? Here Are Tips To Look Fresh And Radiant

Adequate, quality sleep is important to keep professional cheerleaders looking beautiful. But what about those times when an 8-hour sleep is just impossible to make? No matter how we try, sometimes our schedules are so busy that we feel compelled to sleep late at night. Too little sleep can mess with your looks - your skin in particular. Common signs include skin breakouts and a dehydrated complexion. 

Having some beauty techniques to fake a good night's sleep are beneficial especially on game days/nights, photoshoots, and appearances. Check out the tips below to look fresh and radiant even if you're short on sleep! Read on. 

1. Take a warm, relaxing shower. 

It's easy to skip taking a shower when you feel so tired. Don't skip it. The warm temperature of the shower doesn't only feel good, it also promotes blood circulation to your skin and unclogs your pores to get rid of impurities. Your mind and body calm down. Why not turn your shower into an aromatherapy experience? You can use lavender oil for skin detoxification. 

2. Wash your face with milk. 

Milk has a hydrating effect on your skin which makes it a great remedy for a tired and sleepless look. Milk contains lactic acid, protein, and other nutrients that promote tissue repair, boost collagen production, and fade dark spots. As a natural face cleanser or moisturizer, dip a washcloth or cotton ball into a bowl of raw milk and gently apply all over your tired face. Before using this technique, make sure that you are not allergic to milk. 

3. Apply a cold compress over your eyes. 

If you get puffy and red eyes as a result of lack of sleep, apply a cold compress over your eye area. Cold water provides relief of eye strain by improving blood circulation and reducing swelling. You can simply apply a cold washcloth wrapped around a gel ice pack over your closed eyes for about one minute. A great alternative would be to place a cold cucumber slice on each eye. Cucumber for the eyes offers a skin lightening effect due to its ascorbic acid and caffeic acid content. 

4. Apply a tinted moisturizer. 

Never make the mistake of skipping your moisturizer especially on those mornings when your face looks stressed. Use a tinted moisturizer to bring back color to your face and lock in moisture all day. It will prevent flaking and dullness. Choose a moisturizer with SPF to provide protection from the damaging UV rays. Also, look for ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and propylene glycol. These ingredients are known as humectants which provide long-lasting moisturization. 

5. Use some makeup tricks. 

Sleep deprivation can be masked with the right makeup techniques. Since your eyes appear more closed or smaller when you lack sleep, open them up by using an eyelash curler, mascara, and eyeliner. Apply concealer to cover up those under eye circles. For your cheeks, use a creamy blush. Apply a light or bright colored lipstick. Because your skin is stressed, you want to make sure that you don't apply too much makeup - especially eyeshadow and foundation. Let your skin breathe. 

6. Sweat it out. 

I know that exercising in the morning after a bad sleep feels daunting. It's the last thing anyone wants to do! You don't need to do a 30-minute exercise. A light cardiovascular workout such as jogging or using your elliptical machine for 10 minutes does miracles not only for your looks but also for your mind and emotions. You'll get instant glowing skin and feel pumped up. Just remember not to overdo your morning exercise to avoid wearing yourself out with the little energy you have. 

Final Thoughts

Use these tips and you'll get the instant bloom you need to look beautiful. If all else fails, try to take a 20-minute power nap! Don't get used to making yourself sleep-deprived. You wouldn't want to be in a worse situation. I hope this article helps! 

Is professional cheerleading for you?

If you still dream to cheer for the pros or want to gain more self-confidence through diet, keeping a positive mindset, fitness training and looking glamorous, our community has everything you need to succeed at professional cheerleading - whether you’re a cheer candidate, newbie, or veteran.

Join us by signing up for our mailing list below. We’ll offer you our top free cheerleading advice and secrets - delivered straight to your inbox.

Because successful cheerleading starts with YOU!