We’re right smack in the middle of cold and flu season, and no matter how much we manage to Purell, the average adult still gets about two to four colds each year. And as much as I’ve been dying to take a true sick day -- during which I lie in bed and watch the Kardashians all day -- somehow I never manage to.
So if you’re feeling awful but have responsibilities (e.g., a meeting with your boss or an interview with a potential new one) and you want to look a whole lot better (which will make you feel at least a little bit better), how do you handle this tricky beauty routine? This is what I’ve found works.
1. Get plenty of sleep.
Go to bed at the same ridiculously early hour your 2-year-old niece does. The more rest you get, the less likely you’ll be to have puffiness or dark circles around your eyes. Plus, rest can help your body recoup more easily.
2. Try the cucumber trick.
Remember when your mom taught you to put cool cucumber slices over your eyes to reduce puffiness? Well, it really does help. Try that if your eyes are looking super-sleepy. A cool washcloth also works nicely.
3. Moisturize well.
Use a nice, light moisturizer that isn’t greasy (i.e., won’t make you shiny) to help restore evenness and a healthy-looking complexion. Pay special attention to the area around your nose, which is probably extra-dry from all that nose-blowing.
4. Pluck your eyebrows.
I know you’re totally exhausted, but just spend an extra five minutes ridding yourself of any stray hairs around your brows. A little neatness goes a long way in perking up your face.
5. Curl the lashes.
Fake your way to looking awake by giving your lashes a curl and then applying a waterproof mascara. Avoid going heavy on the eyeliner or shadow, since your eyes tend to water a lot when you’re sick, and you don’t want to deal with heavy makeup running.
6. Go easy on the base.
Choose a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer instead of a thick base, since overdoing it when your skin is dry or scaly could make it look really caked on.
7. Brush on some color.
A sweep of bronzer, a few circles of glowy blush (not across your nose -- cheeks only!), and you’re totally on your way to faking a healthy glow. The finishing touch? Some tinted lip balm or lipstain that matches your lip color. You might not feel much better, but you will look hot -- and not just from a fever.
How do you make sure you look good -- even when you’re sick? Tell me below or tweet me @Completely_You
For more great lifestyle, health and beauty information, visit the parent site of my blog, Completely You!
Photo: @iStockphoto.com/master2
Elena Donovan Mauer is Completely You’s beauty and lifestyle blogger. She has written for Self, The Knot and iVillage, and is the co-author of two books on relationships, The Good Girl's Guide to Living in Sin and Have Sex Like You Just Met ... No Matter How Long You've Been Together.
