Your 5-minute routine to look fresh after a bad night's sleep

Tired eyes? Dull skin? This energising 5-minute routine helps you look rested, even if you’re running on empty.

We’ve all been there. A restless night, a racing mind, or a late bedtime and suddenly it’s morning, and you need to look fresher than you feel. The good news? You don’t need hours to add some pep to your step. With the right products and a few simple moves, you can wake up your complexion, boost circulation and feel more like yourself in just a few minutes. 

Here’s your go-to, feel-good routine for looking instantly more refreshed, no matter how little sleep you’ve had. Though, if trouble sleeping is becoming a theme, we have an expert sleep masterclass for that, too.  

Step 1. Wake up your circulation with a quick stretch 

Before you reach for your skincare, take 60 seconds to move your body. Gentle movement helps kickstart circulation and encourages lymphatic flow, both of which are key to reducing puffiness and restoring a little natural radiance. 

Try a few shoulder rolls, neck stretches or even 30 seconds of light bouncing on the spot (yes, really). Just a minute of movement can re-energise your body and help to wake up your face.  

While you’re at it, drink a glass of water to rehydrate after the night, and be sure to stay hydrated through the day, it’ll help to keep you feeling refreshed from within. 

Have a little more time? Try this energising yoga flow to wake up your body and mind 

Step 2. Cool, calm and de-puff 

Next, calm inflammation and shrink any overnight puffiness with a cold blast. Splash your face with cool or cold water, or - our favourite - chill your gua sha tool for a few minutes before use. The cooling sensation helps wake up tired skin and reduces redness or swelling. 

For best results, apply a little face oil to cleansed skin and glide your cold gua sha across your cheeks, jaw and under-eyes using light pressure and upward strokes. Just a minute or two is enough to help de-puff and bring back a natural glow. 

New to gua sha? Here’s your complete guide to use a gua sha and its benefits

Step 3. Refresh and hydrate your skin 

After cooling your face, it’s time to layer in some deep hydration, the fastest way to revive dull, dry skin. Start with a refreshing facial mist or a splash of toner to prep. Then follow with your favourite serum and face cream to lock in moisture and plump the skin. 

Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to smooth and brighten in seconds. For an extra boost, add a few drops of our The Ritual of Namaste hyaluronic acid natural booster. 

Need a steer on skincare? Here’s how to build the perfect skincare routine for you 

Step 4. Brighten the eyes 

Tired eyes are often the biggest giveaway after a sleepless night, so give them a little extra love. Tap on a cooling eye cream to help soothe puffiness and smooth fine lines. Then use your gua sha again (or your fingertips) to gently massage around the orbital bone. This encourages drainage and helps bring down any swelling. 

For a quick makeup boost, apply a sweep of eye-brightening colour from our rose gold eyeshadow palette, curl your lashes, and finish with a slick of our 3-in-1 miracle mascara. 

Step 5. Add a radiance boost 

Instead of layering on heavy foundation, go for a radiant, natural base. A tinted moisturiser, like The Ritual of Cleopatra day cream, will warm up your complexion and even out any patchiness, for a soft, glowy finish. 

Top it off with a sweep of blush or bronzer on the cheeks – our sunglow powder is a radiant blend of both  – for instant warmth and a natural, healthy-looking flush.  

Step 6. Revive and nourish your lips 

A bad night’s sleep can leave lips looking dull or less vibrant, which could make you look more tired overall. Plump things up by smoothing on our ultra-hydrating Rescue Balm to instantly soften and hydrate (you can even dab a little on your brow bone for a touch of glossy radiance).  

Then, for a hint of colour, finish with a swipe of one of our moisturising tinted lip balms, for lips that look naturally fresh and vibrant.

Step 7. Finish with an uplifting scent 

Finally, centre yourself with a grounding scent to help shift your mindset for the day ahead. Try the energising and comforting notes of sweet orange and cedar wood in our The Ritual of Mehr hair and body mist, or the The Ritual of Karma’s uplifting summery blend of white tea and lotus flower (also available in a handy handbag size). 

Spritz, breathe deeply, set an intention, and remember – how you feel right now isn’t permanent. 

Having trouble sleeping?  

Join our sleep masterclass! With Rituals Ambassador for Sleep Dr. Shelby Harris as your personal coach, you’ll identify your sleep stealers, create better bedtime habits, and discover how much more energised you can feel every day.