A NUMBER of people are under the weather now, myself included. However, unless it becomes physically impossible to lift oneself out of bed or the doctor issues you a medical certificate to take a few sick days, most of us will do our best to continue going to work. If you still have clients or important meetings while overcoming a cough or cold, here are a few tips to help you look more alive in front of other people.
• Complexion enhancer
I developed a grayish pallor last week because of the flu while I was ordered by the doctor to stay home and rest. Assuming you haven’t reached this zombie-like state and can still go to work, mask discoloration with a skin enhancer. MAC Strobe Cream in Pinklite, Goldlite, or Peachlite is the same cult skin brightener, but with pearls in different tones to complement various skin tones. It’s hydrating, which your sickly, parched skin will appreciate. Using this by itself might be too shiny for work, so mix with your usual moisturizer, foundation, or BB cream.
• Lip protector
My lips are the first thing to dry out when I’m sick, though the rest of my skin follows suit quickly. Good old Vaseline petroleum jelly is always reliable to help prevent lips from flaking. I like the Creme Brulee Lip Therapy to add a tiny dose of sweetness. Layer this over a lip stain; I find that with regular lipstick, most of it will just rub away every time you blow into a tissue.
• Eye awakeners
My eyes always make it very obvious when I’m sick. The lids would be reddish, while the under eyes would be gray. Eyeshadow is out of the question when eyes are watery, so I curl my lashes and apply waterproof mascara, or just leave them curled if eyes are too watery. Using a corrector or yellow-toned concealer is also important to cancel out discoloration. Use a little also on the sides of the nose if it’s all red from sneezing and blowing.