There are two little words that, especially as a newish mom, I dread hearing almost more than anything else: You look tired. And, much to my chagrin, I get them lobbed at me with some frequency. While they aren’t a false assessment (my baby does usually like to get her day started by 5am sharp), that my face reveals the visual evidence of my very real exhaustion is a tough beauty burden to bear. And the first long weekend of warm weather revelry, with its accompanying non baby-related late nights plus a hangover has only helped amplify my tired look.

You’re likely familiar with the oft-referenced RBF (aka, resting bitch face), and to the category of beauty acronyms I would add RRF: Resting Resting Face. An affliction wherein one’s skin simply looks dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep; a woe that the combined impact of advancing age and baby-induced fatigue have bestowed on me. The visible symptoms? Besides a general laxity and dullness, I would conjecture that the other main pillar of RRF is entirely eye related: puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and, whatever the polar opposite of glowy is. And even the best under-eye concealers and highlighters (my current favorite: RMS Un-Concealer) can only do so much. Reinforcements have been required; in this case, that has meant a brigade of eye masks whose merits I’ve been testing to fake awake.

PERK UP EYES GEL

Happy Place Eye Gels from Patchology are made with an uplifting aroma of Rose, these tea-infused eye gels deliver so much more than antioxidants. The Rose aromatherapy in these tea-infused eye gels will brighten under eyes and boost your mood in ten minutes flat. Thanks to antioxidant-rich Hibiscus, skin-softening Coconut Extract, and skin-conditioning Lotus Flower, your senses will be singing in no time

ONE FOR THE NIGHT  

Thanks to Restoring Eyes Night Gels from Patchology  Put fine lines to bed with a powerful nightly dose of anti-aging Retinol and Peptides. Cedrus atlantica Bark brightens and reduces dark circles. Arnica extract soothes tired eyes to sleep. These hydrogels work in just 5 minutes to restore a brighter, youthful appearance to overworked, under-rested eyes.