During the early stages of fatherhood the only way to rise and shine is by eating yeast and shoe-polish. Crushing fatigue is simply part of the deal. But you don’t have to look like an extra from The Walking Dead. Use these expert grooming tricks to disguise the visible effects.
SHARPEN YOUR EDGE
When you’re exhausted, it’s tempting to simply give up. Wrong move. Some basic maintenance tricks will not only make you more presentable, they’ll mentally perk you up too (“look good, feel good” is a time-worn cliché for a reason).
“When you’re tired, it’s really worth taking the time to do your hair, tidy up your beard or have a shave,” says Bettina Tyrrel, Beauty Editor at InStyle magazine.
Getting a regular haircut will always make you look sharper. Next time you’re at the barber’s, book your next appointment for four to six weeks time and then stick to it. Otherwise by the time you’ve realised you need a haircut, everyone else will have noticed it too.
DEEP & MEANINGFUL
Vitamin C is proven to stimulate collagen production to repair fine lines and wrinkles. “It gives your skin zest and brightens it up,” Tyrrel explains. Her tip is to seek out the ingredient in a serum, a product you use after you wash your face but before you moisturise to give your skin a strategic pick-me-up.
Try: Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum, $75.50 @ manperfected.com.au
EYES RIGHT
Sleep deprivation leads to dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. But this DIY trick can counter the effect. “Run a wash-cloth under cold water and then stick in the freezer for 15 minutes before pressing it over your eyes,” says Tyrrel.
The cold temperature will get the blood flowing to your pasty mug to bring back some colour, while also helping to drain away the puffiness and dark circles. “It’s a good trick for hangovers too,” says Tyrrel.
JUST ADD WATER
When your skin is bone-dry it dulls your complexion and leaches colour from your face. Your best way to counter this is to find a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, a natural lubricant that’s found in the fluid of your joints.
Try: Brickell Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream $53 @ pureman.com.au
BRIGHTEN UP
Yes, a face scrub penetrates deep into your pores to erase the dirt and oil that’s clogging up your skin. But it also sloughs away the old, dead skin cells to make way for clearer, brighter skin. You know what polishing and waxing does for your car? Basically, this does the same thing for your face.
Try: Hunter Lab Cleansing Facial Scrub $39 hunterlab.com.au