Is hay fever ruining your makeup? Beauty expert reveals how to make cosmetics last all day- from washing brushes EVERY week to using mascara primer and avoiding new products
- Hay fever often results in irritating blotchy skin, streaming eyes and runny noses
- For women this can also lead to seriously smudged makeup throughout summer
- Fortunately there are ways to hay fever-proof your beauty routine this year
Millions suffer from hay fever each year, and many will be acutely aware that the time of blotchy skin, streaming eyes and runny noses is upon us.
But while sneezing, redness and itchiness are frustrating enough on their own, for some women they can also lead to seriously smudged makeup.
Fortunately there are ways to hay fever-proof your beauty routine this summer and ensure you’re winning the battle against blotchy skin and red eyes.
Makeup artist Laura Kay, Founder of Laura Kay London, has given FEMAIL her tips on how to conceal a sore nose, avoid further irritating itchy eyes, and ensure your face of cosmetics lasts all day long.
Millions suffer from hay fever each year, and many will be acutely aware that the time of blotchy skin, streaming eyes and runny noses is upon us. (stock photo)
MASCARA PRIMER TO STOP YOUR EYES FROM WATERING
Laura said: ‘The one thing that people always tend to apply even if they don’t apply anything else is mascara, this is because it gives an instant lift.
‘But very rarely do we apply a primer to coat our lashes before applying the mascara. It should be an essential in your make up bag, especially in the summer.
‘Not only can a primer on your lashes make their appearance seem fuller, more conditioned and last longer, but a good quality primer is also effective in keeping your mascara in place for longer.
‘It is the simplest make up hack if you suffer from hay fever in the summer months because it stops your mascara from smudging and running.
‘In technical terms, this much needed base will stop your eyes becoming irritated – when mascara starts to cause irritation, either by flaking off or migrating into your tear ducts/glands by causing them to become blocked, your eyes will become inflamed and sore.
‘Not a good combination when the number one symptom people suffer from in hay fever season is watery and itchy eyes. Therefore, making eye make up and mascara a major catalyst if you don’t keep it in check.
‘Using a primer every day before make up application can help relieve this problem so you can go about your day without worry.’
AVOID FOUNDATION AND OPT FOR BB CREAM TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED
The makeup artist said: ‘Pollen is an allergy and like many allergies your skin can be adversely affected. Many suffers can experience dryness, puffiness, and redness.
‘Not only should you adapt a better skincare regime to build up a protective barrier at this time of the year – you should wear a better foundation to allow your skin to breath and not accelerate any symptoms.
‘Most foundations are heavy and for daily use I recommend a BB cream which is much more hydrating.
‘It is like a tinted moisturiser which offers light coverage giving you a natural glow as well as the added skin benefits.
‘The added skincare properties are essential to “work from prevention” if you are prone to hay fever. The significant benefits include antioxidant and anti-redness properties which can both help soothe.’
But while sneezing, redness and itchiness are frustrating enough on their own, for some women they can also lead to seriously smudged makeup. (stock photo)
DON’T EXPERIMENT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
Laura said: ‘As a rule, you should stay clear of toxic make up ingredients as they will aggravate your skin. Try and stick to natural ingredients.
‘Cooling, anti-inflammatory products are the best option if you wish to invest in anything new over the summer months.
‘Make up and skincare ingredients that boost skin soothing abilities, are key – you should actively look out for vitamin C, vitamin D, Shea butter and natural organic oils.
‘If you decide to experiment you may have a reaction as your skin will be more subject to the elements such as pollen in the atmosphere this time of the year, so it is best to avoid.’
CONCENTRATE ON COVERING UP YOUR RED AND SORE NOSE TO HIDE YOUR HAY FEVER
‘You might not want to promote that you are suffering with hay fever, so use a sponge or blush to apply good quality concealer around your nose,’ said the beauty expert.
‘Apply your BB cream or a tinted moisturiser after this for maximum long-lasting coverage.
‘A primer would also be beneficial too. You could also invest in a green tinged concealer which is great at cancelling out the redness.’
AVOID OVERDOING THE HEAVY LIPPY AND USE HYDRATYING LIP GLOSS INSTEAD
‘Unexpected, strong colours that you don’t normally wear on your lip might seem unnatural and might do the opposite to what your intention is (trying to draw attention away from a puffy face or red eyes with a bold lip),’ said Laura.
‘Trying to keep a bright lip in place without transfer or migration is a headache you don’t need when you are trying to fight off hay fever.
‘It is much better to go for a deep hydrating gloss in a natural nude or pink tone with added smoothing and moisturising benefits of a lip balm. You will instantly look fresh and youthful as a result.’
MAKE SURE YOU WASH YOUR MAKE UP TOOLS EVERY WEEK
The make up artist said: ‘Over time make up on your brushes, sponges and even eye lash curlers can cause a build-up of dirt and bacteria if you don’t clean them at least once a week.
‘This also goes for tweezers and any other beauty gadget or tool that comes into contact with your face.
‘Having medical swabs to hand to clean with is important, as well as just using warm water to rinse excess make up off.’
DIVERT ATTENTION AWAY FROM PUFFY FEATURES WITH CONTOURING
Laura explained: ‘Add dimension to your face to emphasize your best features with clever sculpting.
‘When contouring, try opting for a warm tone to compliment the summer season and the deeper you go in tone, the more definition you will be able to achieve.
‘If it is your first time contouring or you are a little nervous, there are contour sticks you can try which are a little easier to master.
‘By accentuating your best features, you can enhance your natural beauty which helps divert attention away from any symptoms such as puffy or red eyes that may be visible from hay fever.’
Source: Read Full Article
