Getting sick is almost inevitable when cool weather is in the air. You should always prioritize inner health over external beauty. It’s never fun applying makeup on dark, discolored eyes, chapped and inflamed skin, or a runny nose. I’ve found a few tips that will hopefully make it a little easier to cope. No need to hide your face when you’re feeling under the weather. These health and beauty tips should get you looking and feeling better in no time!

FOR DARK or DISCOLORED EYES

Internally:

Your body retains water when you’re sick in an effort to heal itself. Unfortunately, this retention forms puffy, dark skin around the eyes. Your body feels like it’s in a drought. It needs more water and minerals. Take a bath with Epsom salt/minerals because the salt acts as a humectant for the body. Lukewarm chamomile and black tea bags pressed over the eyes can help calm and eliminate dark circles.

Externally:

“Concealer is the secret of the universe” says Bobbi Brown. Apply a moisturizing full-coverage concealer underneath the eyes to camouflage and brighten circles. I like to color correct before applying concealer if there’s strong discoloration, but a full-coverage formulation usually does the trick.

Brit recommends: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit – $33

CHAPPED SKIN

Internally:

Rough, dehydrated skin is a nightmare to deal with. To increase circulation and bring moisture back to skin, place two drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil in a very warm bath. The steamy vapors will hydrate. I do this at least couple times a week!

Externally:

It seems like every kind of makeup cakes on chapped skin, so you have to adjust the way you take care of your complexion. For a pre-makeup moisture surge, apply soothing calendula lotion to clean skin. If your regular foundation still looks dry over the lotion, mix a drop or two of facial oil into the foundation before applying it to your skin.

Brit recommends: Philosophy Hope in a Jar – 2oz. $40

FOR INFLAMMED CHEEKS

Internally:

When your face feels and looks as if it’s in flames, diet can help reduce inflammation. While your body needs warming foods like hot soup when you’re sick, your skin also needs cooling vegetables to bring down the fire. Eat foods high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin K and E.

Externally:

Once a week, mix two or three uncoated aspirin tablets with enough water to form a paste and apply topically to combat inflammation. Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse. To cover the redness, apply mineral makeup over moisturized skin. You should let your skin fully absorb any creams before you apply the makeup, otherwise the minerals will make a paste on your face.

Brit recommends: PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup – $26

FOR A RUNNY or FLAKY NOSE

Internally:

Perhaps the most annoying by-product of the common cold, a flaky, runny nose feels as yucky as it looks. To clear your nasal passages, calm the area down, and add moisture try using a saline spray. To slough off pesky flakes on the outer rim of your nose, gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub, then slather on a concentrated balm in and around the nose (vasaline works). It’s important not to exfoliate this area too much. You can do more harm than good.

Externally: