We’ve all been there: a sore throat and runny nose, flat hair and watery eyes. Since nothing screams, “you look like a bag of shit” as loudly as having your coworkers ask over and over if you’re sick, it’s reasonable to want to call in and crawl under the covers. Sometimes it’s just not an option.
Luckily, there are a few quick and easy tips and trick that will help liven your complexion and have you looking better than you feel. And – with any luck at all – sometimes looking a little more like you can help you feel just a little better, too!
Scrub-a-dub-dub
- A warm shower is sometimes the best medicine when you’re feeling less than your best. A good scrub will awaken your senses and the steam often helps clear your sinuses and break up that all that nasty congestion. A caffeine- or citrus-infused body scrub smells delicious, tightens and brightens your skin and leaves you with a tingly sensation.
- Coat your skin in a rich cream post-shower to help lock in moisture. Bonus: the act of taking care of yourself can help you feel better almost instantly.
- Too sick to wash your hair? Skip that routine and sprinkle in some dry shampoo at the roots and use a little bit of hair oil on the ends and length. The volume from your dry shampoo combined with the moisture from the oil will help hide that lackluster bedhead that screams illness.
Energy Aromatherapy Scrub - Bath and Body Works: $8.00(SALE)
Shea Body Butter (Jumbo) - The Body Shop: $16.00 (SALE)
Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo - Sephora: $33.00
Shine Your Little Light
- When you’re sick, your skin tends to look a little... blah. The solution? Grab your highlighting pen or brightening concealer and hit the spots that matter most: under the eyes, corners of your nose and the sides of your mouth. You’ve now covered up your under eye circles, the redness around your nose and highlighted the corners of your smile to help brighten your face.
- Consider an illuminating product (like a sheer, shimmery powder or cream) on your cheeks to make your skin look dewy, but not flushed. Just don't overdo it - covering your whole face will make you look like you're sweaty!
Mary Kay Facial Highlighting Pen - Mary Kay: $20.00
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Sephora: $52.00
Colour Up
- While you may be tempted to load on blush to add colour to your pale, sick complexion, pinks and reds will only add to any other redness in your face or eyes. Instead, reach for a cream bronzer and rub a little in - it’ll warm up your complexion while adding a bit of moisture. Don't own (or like) cream bronzers? Use your usual powder variety and pat some moisturizer on afterwards to help soften and hydrate your skin.
- Add warmth and colour simultaneously by wrapping a pretty scarf around your neck. A rich colour near your face will brighten your complexion, and you’ll be glad you’ve got some extra coziness when you head out into the world.
- Dry lips? No thanks! A little gloss can go a long way. Use a sheer pinky tone that’s close to your lip colour: a nude could wash your complexion out more, and anything too punchy will bring out the redness in your cheeks.
Tata Harper Very Bronzing Cheek Tint - Sephora: $52.00
Plaid Scarf - Garage Clothing: $29.95
Mineralize Glass - MAC Cosmetics: $27.00
Be good to yourself while you're feeling under the weather and make sure to listen to your body.
RELATED: Stop Buying Expensive Eye Makeup Remover!
Printer-friendly version