Featured |Health & Exercise |Recently Featured

Goodbye Allergies, Hello Allure!

By Amy Arsenault | bio | contact

The key words of allergy season are not amongst the repertoire of phrases preferred by the modern, sophisticated female. As each expression screams with discomfort it also hints at threats to fabulosity.

For most women suffering from allergies, the proof is in the paste (pasty skin that is). Not to mention the watery eyes, runny nose, and blotchy skin that comes along with it. An allergy, simply stated, is a sensitivity of your immune system to something that is ordinarily harmless. Allergies can affect your health and productivity year-round or for a few uncomfortable months thanks to seasonal variants.

Even though many may have already succumbed to the worldly effects of allergy season, there is still hope for the unfortunately affected. So instead of stocking up on enough Kleenex and Claritin to scare away any eligible bachelor, read below to keep your style from suffering as much as your sinuses.

Where to Watch for Common Allergens:

Floor Mats. Allergy sufferers should stick to the washable variety that can be cleaned regularly. Door mats are invitations for tracking irritants like pollen into the home.

Damp Towels. Mold, mold, mold. Need we say more? Probably not- but we’ll throw in mites to drive it home. Wash towels with hot water on a regular basis and store them in a cool dry place.

Pet Beds. The pet dander that collects where a dog or cat relaxes can be a major source of irritation for indoor allergy sufferers. Keep pet beds clean by washing them on a weekly basis and daily cleaning with a lint brush.

Mattress. On average, body oil, sweats, and mites cause the weight of a spring mattress to double every ten years. Flip your mattress once a year and vacuum it frequently to deter irritants.

Linens. Overall, any of the linens in your home are allergy magnets. Steam clean or set wash draperies, slipcovers, blankets, and table covers with hot water frequently.

Allergic Allure

In case you’ve already been struck by seasonal allergies or even just a cold, it’s possible to still look healthy and awake. To ensure potential for prettiness, no matter what your condition, follow the tips below.

Moisturize. Many allergy sufferers experience irritation and drying of the skin. To avoid this problem, moisturize twice daily focusing on the t-zone. Moisturizing helps skin look oxygenated and refreshed, especially if the moisturizer has a hint of light-reflecting iridescents.

Bring attention to your lips. When eyes are tired or puffy shift the focus of your makeup slightly lower. Today probably isn’t the day for the brightest red in your collection, but a glowing pink will give a lustrous impression that’s anything but dull.

Tone down blush. When choosing blush, the goal is a healthy flush. Avoid a red-based blush and instead choose a light peach or pink to apply to the apples of your cheeks. (For those who suffer from blotchy skin during allergy season, use yellow-based concealer to even out skin tone first.)

Illuminate the eyes. When feeling sick, detract attention from red watery eyes or under eye circles by choosing a color palette that brightens them. A smokey eye is the worst choice in this situation. Instead, look for a sheer light reflecting tone like white and apply it to the inner corners of eyes. Any shadow that is applied should also be brightening- depending on skin tone, opt for choices like shimmery pink, light gold or champagne.

Keep it simple. When feeling under the weather, less is always more. Over-applying makeup in an effort to cover everything will usually backfire and draw attention to problem areas. Instead, make the best of the situation and learn what color tones keep you looking refreshed and healthy because for most, when you look better, you feel better.