Well, it's happened. I've officially caught the cold that my boyfriend had last week. Normally colds don't really phase me all that much, but they do always make me look a lot sicker than I actually feel.
When I know I'll have to leave the house, I employ a routine to pack in as much hydration as possible. I go through my normal morning skincare routine, although I may substitute in the No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm for my usual cleanser. I finish off with my nighttime moisturizer rather than my day one, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, as well. This feels ultra nourishing, but doesn't leave me feeling greasy. If I'm not planning on wearing any base makeup and my skin is feeling super dehydrated I'll just slather on the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask as my moisturizer and leave that on all day rather than its intended use over night.
If I am wearing makeup, I like to first prep my skin with an illuminating primer - these are usually hydrating themselves, and they pack some radiance back into the skin to help you look healthy again. I've been trying a sample of the Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer and absolutely love it - it really is hydrating and gives my skin such a natural glow. Some cheaper options I've also loved using are the Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare Light and the L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer. All are great options for injecting some life into a dull complexion. The illuminating properties of these primers also make them great at diffusing the light and blurring imperfections, causing me to need less makeup to cover blemishes!
No matter what amount of coverage I need, I'll always use my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer as my base because I just want anything that will give me more moisture. This gives a great amount of coverage but if I need more, I'll just go in with the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.
Unless I'm feeling feverish or flushed I definitely need some kind of blush on my cheeks. I love either the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee or the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Creamy Oil because (once again), they're both moisturizing. It's all about the moisture, people!
On my eyes I tend to do the same kind of look I mentioned in my Running Late Makeup Routine - just a quick sweep of cream eyeshadow and a couple layers of mascara. Right now I'm loving the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock for perfect eyeshadow in 5 seconds flat. For mascara I've also switched it up to the Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara to give the ultimate fluttery definition.
On my lips I once again always go for something moisturizing, and I've been loving the Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in Tulip. It gives the most beautiful wash of a brightening pink color to the lips, making me look alive again. And it softens the lips and keeps them hydrated for hours before needing to reapply.
What are your go-to products when you're not feeling your best?