Caffeine wakes us up in the morning, but its energizing properties also extend to beauty. Many of us are familiar with how tea– and coffee-rich skin care products can wake up our faces and eyes. But caffeine can also be found in makeup products to provide an extra boost, or should we say shot?
Makeup products with skin care benefits are becoming more popular with beauty brands combining color cosmetics with good-for-skin formulas so we get a gorgeous finish plus a little nourishment. Makeup products boasting caffeine are excellent examples. Eye makeup with caffeine is undoubtedly the most popular, but the ingredient can also be found in primers, setting sprays and even nail polishes.
The perks of caffeine in makeup are increased circulation, reduced puffiness and faster cellular activity, according to celebrity facialist and founder of the Joanna Vargas Salon and skin care collection Joanna Vargas. Caffeine is suitable for all skin types, but she cautions that it can sometimes have a dehydrating effect. Makeup products with caffeine aren’t made to penetrate skin so they won’t deliver as noticeable results compared to skin care products.
Those dealing with puffiness and fatigued complexions can look for moisturizing makeup and skin care formulas to invigorate skin. Go for a double shot by adding these 13 caffeine-rich makeup products to your beauty look.
13 Makeup Products with Caffeine to Wake up the Face
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Eyeko
Lash Alert Mascara, $26 at Eyeko
This is more than a lash-boosting mascara. It's a treatment enriched with caffeine and botanicals to make lashes naturally thicker, more elastic and stronger. Besides the caffeine hit, the formula has a double dose of fibers to lift and curl lashes so there's no need for an eyelash curler.
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GLAMGLOW
Glowsetter Makeup Setting Spray, $32 at Sephora
Finish a makeup look with a boost by applying a few squirts of GLAMGLOW's makeup setting spray. It's made out of charged waters, caffeine and a TEAOXI complex featuring white, red and green tea to perk up and hydrate complexions. It even increases skin's radiance so adjust highlighter applications accordingly.
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Laura Geller
Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation, $33 at Ulta Beauty
Worried a caffeine-infused foundation will be too drying? Don't be. This lightweight foundation nourishes skin since the water-based formula contains hyaluronic acid, a caffeine complex and flat reflective pigments for a soft-focus, filtered glow. Think of it as a step up from BB cream.
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BECCA
Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer, $32 at BECCA
What's the best thing to beat fatigue besides sleep? A dose of caffeine. This formula takes peepers from tired to vibrant thanks to matcha green tea, chamomile and cucumber. Tap the cream around your eyes and it will cool, soothe and rehydrate while creating a smooth base for concealer. Stash the primer in your purse to apply throughout the day for a quick refresh.
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Clinique
Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder With Probiotic Technology, $34.50 at Clinique
Here's something people may not expect. Caffeine, mushroom, grapefruit peel and magnolia bark give this innovative powder the ability to reduce the appearance of redness and broken capillaries. Don't be scared by the yellowish finish, it transforms skin without leaving behind a ghoulish glow. And foundation might not be necessary after dusting it on.
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Bite Beauty
French Press Lip Gloss, $22 at Bite Beauty
These lip glosses have such a strong coffee theme that the only way we'd get more java is if we applied a shot of espresso to our lips. But we suggest you stick with the gloss. The formula is enriched with Arabica cold press coffee oil and coffee butters for a smooth consistency and a lip-smacking mocha flavor. All the colors are inspired by coffee and the collection boasts neutrals that range from Vanilla Latte to Black Coffee. Like all Bite Beauty products, the glosses are handcrafted using the best organic ingredients.
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Smashbox
Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer, $29 at Ulta Beauty
Perk up peepers with this eye primer. The hydrating formula is like a multitasking eye cream because it reduces puffiness, brightens the eye area and primes it to help concealer last all day. Caffeine, a peptide complex and optical brighteners help wake up still-in-dreamland eyes. For an extra shot, Smashbox suggests keeping the product in the fridge.
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Lancôme
Rénergie Lift Anti-Wrinkle Lifting SPF 20 Foundation, $47 at Ulta Beauty
Skin can show the signs of a late night as much as your eyes. Fake being well-rested with this luminous foundation. It has a blend of energizing ingredients including caffeine plus micro pearls to brighten. The multitasking formula contains sunscreen and fights the signs of aging. It does it all on days you can't be bothered with a 20-step beauty routine.
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Bobbi Brown
Skin Foundation Cushion Compact SPF 35, $50 at Nordstrom
Cushion compacts deliver an imperceptible finish and easy-to-use applicator. This one comes with the energizing benefits of caffeine and lychee for a wide-awake look. The coverage can be built up from sheer to medium depending how much is dabbed on and never runs the risk of looking cakey.
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Chantecaille
Brow Éclat Highlighter, $24 at Space.NK
This universally flattering champagne highlighter helps shape the brow area for more defined arches. It minimizes the appearance of hairs that detract from the brow shape and brightens skin. Make full use of the pencil by applying it to the inner corners of your eyes for a highlighted glow.
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Winky Lux
Matcha Lip Balm, $14 at Winky Lux
Winky Lux's Matcha Lip Balm may not have a flower encased in it like some of the brand's products, but the mint green hue of the bullet is gorgeous. Green tea powder stimulates collagen production for soft kissers, while coconut and avocado oils increase moisture and create a protective barrier on lips. Food-grade vanilla makes the balm smell incredible without any artificial nastiness.
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MAC Cosmetics
Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Base, $42 at Nordstrom
Get glowing from the start with this luminizing primer. The formula has dazzling pearl powders to brighten your face and counteract any sallowness. There's a pink formula for lighter skin tones and a yellow one for medium to deep complexions. Both shades have the same vitamin- and antioxidant-rich formula that leaves skin silky smooth and helps manage oil production. Plus, caffeine helps calm your skin.
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Julep
Perk It Under-Eye Treatment Brightener, $26 at Ulta Beauty
Calling this a concealer would be doing it a disservice. It's actually an eye treatment with concealing benefits. It contains some of the most popular ingredients of the moment, including turmeric, rosehip seed oil, micro pearls and caffeine. The result is a sheer, lightweight concealer that disappears when applied. It also has a mini cushion applicator for a seamless, diffused finish.
