Skincare and Makeup Tips to Get You Through Flu Season

You know flu season is here when the jingles of sniffles and coughs follow your every footstep. While guzzling down fluids and washing your hands diligently help bolster your body’s natural defense, the virus can still creep up on you. And if you’ve caught it already, skincare and makeup are probably the least of your worries. But just because you’re feeling under the weather doesn’t mean you have to look it. We’ve got you covered with these beauty hacks that can mask any visible signs of sickness.

The vomiting and fever that come with the flu lead to extreme water loss. Not to mention that medications can strip moisture from your skin. To combat the drying effects of flu season, your skincare routine needs an upgrade.

If dewy, glass skin is what you’re after, a single moisturizer won’t do enough on its own. Add more gentle and hydrating products to your arsenal, like Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse Brightening Care. This face wash purifies your pores and removes impurities, leaving your complexion radiantly smooth. Plus, it’s infused with 40% Active-boost serum and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized for up to 24 hours.

Following cleansing, apply a rich moisturizer to seal the hydration in. Double up the nourishment by patting down a couple of drops of face oil or serum onto your skin, too. When morning comes, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

When an army of viruses invades your body, the immune system mobilizes its defenses to ward off these intruders. Unfortunately, this heightened immune response can also render your skin more vulnerable to irritants. Exfoliation, a game-changer to buff away dead skin cells, can become too abrasive and cause potential issues like redness, peeling, and even micro-tears in the skin’s barrier.

Rest assured this increased skin sensitivity is only temporary. But until you’re fully recovered, it’s best to take a break from exfoliants, be it chemical or physical. Prioritize the trifecta of skincare: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen.

On days when you find yourself running on empty, a face mask can streamline your beauty routine. It’s a staple in many Asian skincare tips for its ability to deliver a boost of hydration and rejuvenation in a flash. When applied, the thin sheet forms a protective barrier, preventing the serum from evaporating and ensuring your skin absorbs every drop of goodness.

After cleansing, pop one open and let it work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes. Take this moment to get some R&R, read a book, or do a mini meditation. Once you remove the mask, you’ll notice your skin will gradually return to its former glory.

All the sneezing and late-night coughing fits during flu season can make your eyes become puffy. Give your peepers a refreshing pick-me-up with a cool compress. There are many tools you can use, from cold spoons to aloe vera gel, so pick whichever is available at home. The chill not only helps reduce swelling but also diminishes the appearance of under-eye bags.

If you want to look like you’ve had the best sleep of your life, a few makeup tips for puffy eyes can work wonders. Blend a shimmery cream eyeshadow or highlighter on the inner corners of your eyes and along your brow bone. For a finishing touch, swipe a few coats of waterproof mascara.

Ideally, you could take a week off work to recuperate. But more often than not, adult responsibilities force you to push through the flu season. The last thing you want is to feel like your makeup is weighing you down. So instead of covering every nook and cranny of your face with foundation, even out your skin tone with concealer.

First, prep your skin with POND'S Bright Triple Glow Serum to create a smooth base. This triple-action serum features Gluta-Boost-C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that make your skin look glowing from within.

Next, dab a few dots of concealer onto areas with discoloration, such as under your eyes, at the corners of your mouth, and on the center of your forehead. Avoid applying any makeup on any cracked spots around your nose since the products will rub off and cling to the dry patches.

Don’t underestimate the power of blush. A flush of warm, rosy tint on your cheeks can brighten your dull complexion. The trick here is to blend it upward, but not too much, to create a sun-kissed finish.

For the lips, begin by applying a layer of balm and gently scrub the dead skin away with a tissue. Use a shade that’s slightly darker than your lips for a more natural look. Last but not least, add a touch of gloss to the center of your lips to create a juicy effect.

The flu season may be unavoidable. However, these skincare and makeup tips can help you look healthy as a peach, even when you’re not in tip-top shape. Stay safe!