Millions suffer from hay fever every year, and many will be well aware that the time of blotchy skin, watery eyes and runny noses is coming.
But while sneezing, redness and itching are frustrating enough on their own, they can also lead to severely blotchy makeup for some women.
Fortunately, there are ways to make your beauty routine hay fever-proof this summer and ensure you win the battle against blotchy skin and red eyes.
Makeup artist Laura Kay, founder of Laura Kay LondonFEMAIL has given her tips on how to hide a sore nose, prevent further irritating itchy eyes and make sure your face of cosmetics stays put all day.
Millions suffer from hay fever every year, and many will be well aware that the time of blotchy skin, watery eyes and runny noses is coming. (stock photo)
MASCARA PRIMER TO PREVENT YOUR EYES FROM WATERING
Laura said: ‘The one thing people always tend to apply, even if they don’t apply anything else, is mascara, this is because it gives an instant lift.
“Very rarely do we apply a primer to coat our lashes before applying the mascara. Especially in summer it should not be missing in your make-up bag.
Not only can a primer on your lashes make them look fuller, more conditioned and last longer, but a good quality primer is also effective at keeping your mascara in place longer.
“It’s the easiest makeup hack if you’re dealing with hay fever in the summer months because it keeps your mascara from smudging and smudging.
“In technical terms, this much-needed foundation will keep your eyes from getting irritated – when mascara starts to irritate, either by flaking off or migrating into your tear ducts/glands causing them to become clogged, your eyes will become inflamed and sore.” .
‘Not a good combination if the main symptom that people suffer from during the hay fever season is watery and itchy eyes. That’s why eye makeup and mascara make an important catalyst if you don’t keep it under control.
“Using a primer every day before applying makeup can help alleviate this problem so you can go about your day without worry.”
AVOID FOUNDATION AND CHOOSE BB CREAM TO KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED
The make-up artist said, ‘Pollen is an allergy and like many allergies, your skin can be negatively affected. Many patients may experience dryness, puffiness and redness.
Not only do you need to apply a better skincare regimen to build a protective barrier at this time of year, you also need to wear a better foundation to let your skin breathe and not accelerate symptoms.
‘Most foundations are heavy and for everyday use I recommend a BB cream that is much more moisturizing.
“It’s like a tinted moisturizer that provides light coverage, giving you a natural glow and the added benefits to the skin.
‘The added skin care properties are essential to ‘work preventively’ if you are prone to hay fever. Its key benefits include antioxidant and anti-redness properties that can both help soothe.”
But while sneezing, redness and itching are frustrating enough on their own, they can also lead to severely blotchy makeup for some women. (stock photo)
DO NOT EXPERIMENT WITH NEW PRODUCTS
Laura said, “As a rule, you should stay away from toxic makeup ingredients as they aggravate your skin. Try and stick to natural ingredients.
“Cooling, anti-inflammatory products are the best option if you want to invest in something new during the summer months.
“Make-up and skin care ingredients that enhance the skin’s soothing properties are key – you should actively pay attention to vitamin C, vitamin D, shea butter and natural organic oils.
“If you decide to experiment, you could have a reaction, because your skin is more subject to the elements like pollen in the atmosphere at this time of year, so it’s best to avoid.”
FOCUS ON COVERING YOUR RED AND HEAVY NOSE TO HIDE YOUR HAY FEVER
“You may not want to promote that you suffer from hay fever, so use a sponge or blush to apply good quality concealer around your nose,” said the beauty expert.
Then apply your BB cream or a tinted moisturizer for maximum long-lasting coverage.
‘A primer would also be good. You could also invest in a green-tinted concealer that does a good job of removing the redness.”
MAKE SURE YOU WASH YOUR MAKEUP TOOLS EVERY WEEK
The makeup artist said: ‘Over time, makeup on your brushes, sponges and even eyelash curlers can build up dirt and bacteria if you don’t clean them at least once a week.
“The same goes for tweezers and any other beauty gadget or tool that comes in contact with your face.
“Having medical swabs on hand to clean with is important, as is using warm water to rinse off excess makeup.”
TAKE THE ATTENTION AWAY FROM CLEANED FUNCTIONS WITH CONTOURING
Laura explains: ‘Add dimension to your face to highlight your best features with smart sculpting.
When contouring, try to opt for a warm tone to complement the summer season and the deeper you go in tone, the more definition you can achieve.
“If it’s your first time contouring or you’re a little nervous, there are contour sticks you can try that are a little easier to master.
“By highlighting your best features, you can enhance your natural beauty, which helps to divert attention from symptoms such as puffy or red eyes that can be visible from hay fever.”