So it’s that time of year again, where if you haven’t already been sick, you’re bound to be at some point before the end of winter. Pessimistic, we know, and we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but we all know that winter flu is not a pretty sight.
Not only will you be battling a running nose, a banging headache and aching limbs, you’ll also have the physical defects to boot - a Rudolph red nose, streaming eyes, grey washed out skin and cracked, chapped lips. We told you, it wasn’t going to be pretty.
So we’re here, armed with make-up artist and Decleor’s Beauty Expert, Wendy Rowe’s top tips on how to fight flu face from the onset and beyond. Being sick has never looked so good…
Relieving Streaming Eyes
‘Waterproof mascara is a must for streaming, sensitive eyes as it’s the only way to stop makeup from running when the eyes water; I like Bobbi Brown’s No Smudge Mascara, £21. The skin around the eyes is also really delicate and can easily become sore so it’s essential to use an eye cream - Decleor’s Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel Cream For Eyes, £28.50 contains lily and cotton essential milks which immediately soothes and calms the eye contour area.’
Reviving A Red Nose
‘A great hydrating moisturiser is no doubt important to help protect skin throughout the day, but you do need to rely on a night balm to properly heal the skin. Decleor’s Aromessence Rose D’Orient Night Balm, £34, is 100% natural and a really effective treatment for nourishing and healing dry, red skin whilst you sleep. Concealer and foundation can work well to hide redness during the day (team Grazia love AmazingCosmetics Illuminate Concealer, £29 and EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation, £12.50). Using too much concealer can also also make dry areas look 100 times worse, so pop on something rich, like a primer beforehand (we love Smashbox Photo Finish Radiance Primer, £20) so eliminate any cakiness.’
Perking Up Grey Skin
‘The best way to brighten a dull, grey complexion is to exercise and get the body moving. It works wonders to boost circulation and blood flow for more radiant skin. Burberry Fresh Glow Fluid, £34, is also amazing for adding super natural, undetectable luminosity to the skin when it comes to makeup and for skincare. And I often recommend Decléor’s Orexcellence Energy Concentrate Youth Mask, £55 to my clients which uses peony and lychee extract to brighten and re-energise the skin.’
Deflating A Puffy Face
‘Exercising and drinking lots of water is key for preventing puffiness to really flush the system through, but for times where you’re already feeling a bit puffy, massaging the skin to aid lymph drainage will really help. I like to do facial massage at the same time as cleansing for a double whammy effect; choose a light-weight cleansing milk, (we swear by Neutrogena Gelee Milk Cleanser, £7.99) then if you have time, use a gel based sheet mask like Decleor’s Aurabsolu Hydrogel Sheet Mask, £12, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before applying it - the cooling effect on the skin is refreshing and also helps take down any puffiness quickly.’