How to Look Awake with Lashes Before Morning Coffee

Why Lashes Give Your Face an Instant Wake-Up

It's 7:02 AM. Your eyes are half-open, your head's still fuzzy, and the coffee hasn't kicked in. You need to look human in fifteen minutes. Here's the good news: you can look awake without a full face of makeup. You just need lashes that open up your eyes.

Your eyes look tired when there's no contrast between your lashes and your skin. That's why the easiest way to fake a good night's sleep is to add a dark, curled lash line. A pair of wispy separates the iris from the white of the eye and makes your upper lid look more lifted. On pale or tired mornings, it's the absolute fastest fix.

The 90-Second Awake Eye Routine

Curl your lashes first (10 seconds). Press the curler at the base and hold for a steady ten.
Pop on a wispy pair (30 seconds). The key is to choose a lash with a thin, flexible band and length in the center. It will instantly open your eyes.
Blend with mascara (20 seconds). One coat of mascara binds your real lashes with the strip, so there's no obvious seam.
Use a nude liner on the waterline (20 seconds). This makes the whites of your eyes look brighter — almost as if you slept in.

What to Look for in 'Awake' Lashes

When you're shopping for a fresh-eyed look, look for lashes with a soft, wispy texture and a center-heavy flare. Avoid stiff, heavy bundles that droop your lid. The best 'awake' lash feels weightless and bends with your natural eye shape.