Suppose you’ve just gotten up from a sleepless night. It could have been due to a bad head-cold, or to anxiety over an impending deadline, or to noisy neighbors. No matter what the cause, you might be looking a bit wan and weary.

Here are five beauty products that I reach for when I’m feeling a little groggy and my face needs a discreet boost…

Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Vanilla Nuts. It just looks like a cream eye shadow, but it evens out my lids without turning chalky or dusty. I might add a taupe shade in the crease, but I find that everything else works better if I start with Vanilla Nuts (despite its silly-sounding name). (available at Sephora or Laura Mercier)

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer. It’s not cheap, but it’s less than half the price of the cult-favorite Clé de Peau stick concealer, and I think it’s just as good. My shade is Fair. It covers flaws and shadows seamlessly and it stays put all day. (available at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics)

LUSH Feeling Younger Skin Tint. I reviewed this pearly highlighting cream a while ago (see here). I like to add a tiny bit of Feeling Younger to my foundation for added luminosity without any club-kid sparkle. (available at LUSH)

Cargo Swimmables Water-Resistant Blush in Bali. I don’t even remember how I acquired this trial-size blush, but I’m glad I have it. This rosy-pink shade, with very faint shimmer, applies and blends easily for a natural-looking flush. (available at Cargo Cosmetics)

Silk Naturals Kisser Slicker in Raindrops on Roses. This budget gem (under $5!) is a sheer lipstick in a berry-rose shade that always, always works for me; plus, the product’s balm-like formula fixes any dryness resulting from that sleepless night. (available at Silk Naturals)

Do you have any favorite cosmetic pick-me-ups? Do share!

Product source: I purchased all these items, except the Cargo blush, which must have been included in a GWP sample bag.

Image: Alfonse Mucha, Repos de la nuit (detail), 1899.