ARTICLE: HOW TO KEEP YOUR FACE LOOKING

A man’s face is his autobiography, Oscar Wilde once said.

Or if he didn’t, he should have.
What does your face say? If it’s “No sleep, teething baby, big presentation, too many beers, need a nap,” then maybe a rewrite is overdue.

“We admire people who look like they take care of themselves,” says Sylvie di Giusto, an image consultant and corporate trainer. “But image is all about the micromanagement of your eyes, skin, hair, teeth, and so many other seemingly minor elements.”

Here are five ways to do an about-face with these overnight fixes.
Check Your Bags

Fight dark circles and puffiness by daubing on an eye cream that has peptides to support and revitalize your skin and caffeine to tighten it, says Rachel Pritzker, M.D., a Chicago dermatologist. Store it in the fridge and apply it cool, Dr. Pritzker says. Or use cold compresses on your eyes for immediate relief from puffiness.
Bulldoze Dead Skin

Turn to an exfoliating wash that contains volcanic rock. It’s coarse, but lava particles are smaller and gentler than the walnut shells or apricot kernels used in other scrubs.

Aloe and coconut water provide moisture. Then throw on a light-colored shirt to brighten your skin even more, says Julie Rath, a men’s style consultant.
Stop Seeing Red

Dry eyes from lack of sleep may lead to inflammation, causing blood vessels to dilate. Using eye drops two or three times a day will replenish moisture, says Dennis Cheng, O.D., a New York City optometrist.

Just avoid tetrahydrozoline, Dr. Cheng says—it relieves but doesn’t treat the cause of redness.
Smooth Stray Hairs

Apply a dab of hair cream or wax to control any errant strands, and then tame wild nose, ear, and eyebrow hairs. Use small, curved scissors with rounded tips on your nose and eyebrows.

Comb eyebrows up and trim excess hairs above but never below the arch. Shave downward on your neck for a cleaner look.
Steal A Bright Idea

If you want your smile to shine, use a brightening pen—just paint over your teeth with a few strokes. Two daily 10-minute sessions will lighten teeth by as much as four shades in a week.

Now show off your dentition: A Penn State study found that people with authentic smiles may appear more competent.