Makeup Tips to Hide Being Sick:

We’ve all had those days… A friend’s birthday, a special occasion, a party, work, an important meeting. Sometimes these are things that you simply cannot afford to miss, despite the fact you’ve just come done with a tummy ache, a cold or a headache or simply aren’t in the mood to go out but the world still moves around and sometimes you just have to pull yourself together, get dressed, put on some makeup and conquer the day. Whilst the last thing you probably feel like doing when your sick is putting on makeup, it can make a lot of difference to how your feeling and your state of mind. 

First and foremost your number one concern should be your skin. When you’re sick it’s easy to forgo your skincare routine and either just wash it or do nothing at all. Instead, try and stick to your regular routine and consider adding an oil or hydrating serum under your moisturiser. When your immune system is down it can take a nasty toll on your skin - and don’t you dare even think about forgetting lip balm! 

Primer

Primers come in a range of different styles and formulas to suit different concerns. Skin tends to look a little lackluster and dull when you’re unwell so try and opt for a light reflecting, radiance-inducing primer. I love to use *Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance and buff it into the skin using a synthetic stippling brush, the warm peachy tone to the primer also helps to correct any darkness and blue tones in the skin. 

Foundation

It’s all to tempting to reach straight for the full coverage foundation when your skin is looking & feeling terrible but you’re best to keep it light and simple. A sheer, hydrating formula with a dewy finish helps to make skin look healthier and happy which is much better than matte and heavy. I recommend applying a sheer tinted moisturiser likeBareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel with either your (clean) fingers or a flat top kabuki brush. For any additional redness or dark circles you can go in with a light reflecting concealer like Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pen and Maybelline Fit Me Concealer for any pimples. 

Contour

A 3-dimensional looking face is a healthy looking one so adding some contouring can really help to restore a bit of shape to your face, but if you’re looking hollow and sickly - forget it. It’s only going to make you look even more unwell. Try using a creamy formula like Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow Sculpting Cream and apply a little under the cheekbones and around the temples and ensure to blend well. 

Highlight

Highlighting in this case is essential - no excuses. A sheer, creamy highlighter likeKevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow in Candlelight adds a beautiful glossy sheen to the skin making it look healthy and full of hydration. Apply on the tops of the cheekbones to reflect light and onto the cupids bow to make lips look plump & healthy. 

Blush

Another essential, blush is key for helping you look healthier - after all there is nothing that says “I’m happy and healthy” like a beautiful rosy cheek. I like to use a cream formula in a bright, poppy shade (I love Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow in Pravella) and apply it with a stippling brush for the most natural looking result. 

Eyes

When you’re sick the last thing you want is a dramatic cut crease, winged liner and a pair of false lashes on your eyes so it’s best to keep it simple. Try tightling your eyes and following up with a good, non-irritating mascara (I like *L’Oreal False Lash Sculpt Mascara because the brush is specifically designed to tightline and lengthen lashes at the same time) If your eyes are looking a little red try applying one coat of green mascara to your lashes underneath your mascara (green counteracts red!) If you want to take it the next step you can add a little shimmer to your eyes with a peachy cream shadow to reflect light. 

Brows

Never forget your brows, even if you’re sick! You don’t need to reach for a brow pomade or spend 45 minutes creating the perfect arch but it is important to pay them some attention. Opt for an easy to use product like Benefit’s new *Goof Proof Brow Pencil ( just apply it in the opposite direction of hair growth and finish up the tail and voila your done!) or a clear/tinted brow gel like Benefit Gimme Brow to shape brows into place with minimal fuss. 

Lips

Put down the liquid lipstick and matte formulas ASAP. When you’re sick lips tend to be on the drier side and can be flaky, uneven and sometimes even painful. Instead, try a sheer and hydrating lipstick/gloss formula that provides hydration and a small hint of colour. I love *YSL Volupte Tint-In-Oil, the formula looks and feels beautiful on the lips and doesn’t accentuate any dry patches.