Style for the Sick
When you have the flu, the last thing you feel like dealing with is your beauty routine. Heck, when even standing up seems like a Herculean task, how are you supposed to muster any interest in, say, eyeliner?
But sometimes, the best way to cajole yourself into feeling better is to look the part. And, with these expert tips on how to temper all the telltale signs of illness, you'll be feeling good as new in no time (on the outside, anyway).
Now, let's hit the shower and see how well we can pull this off.
Replenish Your Skin
Cold and flu medicines combined with constantly blowing your nose can suck a lot of moisture from your skin, leaving you with parched, red patches that are screaming for some TLC. So, slather on the day cream, right? Not so fast—especially if your typical go-to product contains glycolic acid, retinols or any other strong anti-aging ingredients. These will only serve to dry you out further.
Instead, use this as a chance to try face oil on for size. While many women cringe at the concept of deliberately putting oil onto their skin, it's incredibly emollient and soothing, and will work to help get your complexion back into shipshape.
To buy: M.Steves Ultra Nourishing Boost, $64
De-Rudolph Your Nose
Los Angeles-based makeup artist Charli Rousseau says, "Rubbing causes dry, inflamed, even flaky skin around the nose area, which can be hard to hide." To avoid this, always invest in quality, lotion-infused tissues when you're sick—they make a big difference.
Also, you might want to change up your moisturizing routine a bit. "Use a slightly heavier moisturizer than usual around the nose and mouth area before bed and throughout the day, says Rousseau. I like to carry a travel-sized one with me."
To buy: Aquaphor Healing Skin Ointment, $5
De-Puff and Brighten Eyes
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they're also a dead giveaway when you're sick. Red, puffy, irritated eyes are a clear indicator that you're not feeling well, so camouflage them as well you can. First, try the old tea bag trick. Run two tea bags (chamomile works best) under cool water, freeze for 10 minutes then place on your eyes for another 10. Rousseau says, "They will help to constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling and perk up the eye area." Cucumber slices work, too.
Next, remember that eye drops are your friend. They'll help banish the bloodshot and restore healthy-looking, bright whites to your eyes. Drops that are blue in color work best because the blue tint works to make the whites of your eyes appear brighter by contrast.
To buy: Original Laiter Collyre Bleu Eye Drops, $17
Put Your Best Eyes Forward
Once you've de-puffed and brightened, it's all about feigning a wide-awake, ready-to-conquer-the-day look with the help of eye makeup. To that end, Rousseau suggests keeping things bright. "[Avoid] reddish-brown eye shadows and liners, as they can make your eyes look even redder. Stick with light, neutral colors." She also likes rimming the waterline with light beige eyeliner. "This will help brighten up your eyes and camouflage any redness on your lids."
Hint: Swipe on a coat or two of waterproof mascara so it won't smudge when you have a sneezing fit or apply drops.
To buy: Clinique Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo Ivory Bisque/Bronze Satin, $33
Moisten Your Mouth
"Breathing through your mouth when your nose is stuffed can cause dry, cracked lips," says Rousseau. Her go-to secret for re-moisturizing on the quick? "A medicated lip ointment like Blistex," Rousseau suggests. And keep it with you at all times.
Also, vary your lip routine. "Wear lip gloss or balm instead of a lipstick or a stain; it camouflages flaky lips better. And, if you can, avoid using a wand dispenser, as it can reintroduce your germs into the gloss container. Instead, use a gloss with a squeeze or push-up applicator—anything you can swab with alcohol at the end of the day."
To buy: CoverGirl LipSlicks Tinted Lip Balm, $6
De-Flush Your Skin Tone
Rosy cheeks typically are the epitome of good health, but when you're feverish, your ruddy complexion screams "sick," not "glowy."
The trick here is to even out your skin tone. Use a medium-coverage foundation instead of BBs, CCs or tinted moisturizer. Rousseau suggests going a shade lighter than usual for optimal results and staying away from powder-based foundations, as they may cake into creases in your dry skin. And, if you have specific areas that are super red (around your nose, etc.) dab on a bit of "green- or yellow-based concealer to help neutralize the color."
To buy: Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Redness Concealer, $20
Add Some Life to Your Face
While some folks tend to get flushed when they're sick, others go the other direction and get downright gray. But if you're looking like a member of the undead, what's the solution? "Warming up your cheeks with a bright peach or gold bronzer," Rousseau says. As with eye shadow shades, be careful to avoid red or pink tones, as they may draw attention to the areas of redness.
Since your skin is dry at best, a cream or stick formula will work well to keep it as moist as possible and help the color look natural, says Rousseau.
To buy: Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Flushed, $13
De-Grease Your Hair
Let's face it: When you're sick, if you had to choose between spending 30 minutes doing your hair or an extra 30 minutes of sleep, the sleep wins. Always.
Thanks to dry shampoo, all's not lost if you simply can't summon the energy to deal with your hair. "Aiming it at your roots, then brushing it through," says Rousseau, will help solve this problem. "Then, flip hair upside-down and blast with warm air from your hair dryer to help dry up any damp residue." Once your hair's "clean," you can whip it up into a trendy ponytail or hold it back with a headband.
To buy: Tresemme Fresh Start Waterless Dry Shampoo, $6
Soothe Your Hair
If you have the energy to shampoo but not to style your hair, try this one tip: "Mix leave-in conditioner with a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil, which will surround you with a relaxing fragrance throughout the day and maybe even help you breathe better," Rousseau says.
Finish by combing through damp hair and air-dry it in a loose (but clean!) bun.
To buy: It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Product, $18
Keep Germs at Bay
After all you've gone through to get out of bed and make yourself look (and, hopefully, feel) presentable, it's important to keep those pesky germs at bay.
Washing your hands is generally your best bet, but be sure to moisturize well afterward to keep skin from drying out further. The same can be said for the less "green" option of hand sanitizers. If you must use one, seek out one that has a moisturizing component so you're not depleting your overwrought skin with an alcohol-based cleanser.
To buy: Gold Bond Hand Sanitizing Moisturizer, $9
