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4 min read
‘Hay fever face’ is a real thing. Here’s how you can combat it…
If you suffer from hay fever, we probably don’t need to tell you about ‘hay fever face’. From streaming eyes to dry and irritated skin, hay fever not only plays havoc with the nose, ears and throat, but the symptoms can also affect your face, meaning that wearing make-up can sometimes feel like more trouble than it’s worth.
Whether you’re constantly rubbing your eyes (leading to smudged mascara) or blowing your nose (resulting in dry, sore skin), we’ve got a solution for you. Below, make-up artist and global brand founder Ruby Hammer MBE talks us through her top hay fever beauty hacks. Plus, she suggests some product recommendations you might want to stock up on…
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
“Hay fever can play havoc with your beauty routine, from irritating skin around the nose, lips and eyes to smudged make-up. Treatment is always the first option before covering, as skin can be more sensitive than usual,” advises Hammer.
“Keep skin soothed with calming balms, paying special attention to the nasal area. La Roche Posay Cicaplast or Cerave Advanced Repair Ointment are great at protecting and soothing the skin.”
Shop La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm at Lookfantastic, £10.90
Pacifica Chill Baby Cooling Cryo Globes
“It can feel great to use ice globes to help with puffiness,” Hammer suggests. Keep in the fridge and sweep under the eyes and around the T-zone for an instant moment of refreshment.
Shop Pacifica Chill Baby Cooling Cryo Globes at Cult Beauty, £25
Daniel Sandler Anti-Redness Concealer
“Daniel Sandler Anti-Redness Concealer is enriched with soothing calendula and vitamin E – the green shade helps to neutralise any redness,” explains Hammer. “Apply lightly before concealer or foundation. It should melt into the skin and not be visible as a green concealer… if it shows as green on the skin, you have applied too much. Then, tap your concealer over the top.”
Jones Road The Face Pencil
For buildable coverage around the nose and eyes, Jones Road’s The Face Pencil is perfect. Its formula is creamy and soft, giving long-lasting coverage that conceals against redness.
Eborian CC Eye Cream
“Apply a fluid concealer to the area around the eyes in thin layers, only where required. The more product you apply, the more likely it is to shift,” suggests Hammer. “Eborian CC Eye Cream works to help conceal dark circles as well as smooth the skin around the eyes – it’s a great multi-tasker.”
Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Eye Serum
“If you have dark circles from itchy eyes, look for eye creams that contain cica or vitamins C and E and ensure your eyes are hydrated with eye drops,” advises Hammer.
Lumene’s Nordic-C eye cream is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidant-rich Arctic cloudberry, which help to deliver an instant glow to the eye area while reducing the appearance of dark circles over time. Keep in the fridge for an extra refreshing hit.
Shop Lumene Nordic-C [VALO] Glow Boost Eye Serum at Lookfantastic, £25.50
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
Hammer loves this soothing and protective balm from Cerave. The rich petrolatum-based ointment is perfect for providing instant relief on dry and chapped skin. You can also apply it under your nose to trap pollen particles.
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair So Soothing Treatment
Soothe areas of redness and irritation with this calming cica treatment. Its non-sticky, balm-like formula sits seamlessly under make-up, providing long-lasting hydration.
Shop Dr.Jart+ Cicapair So Soothing Treatment at Lookfantastic, £38
Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm
“Don’t forget your lips can get sore and chapped when suffering from hay fever,” says Hammer. “My Lip Serum Balms are a true hybrid product, providing colour and care.”
Inspired by skincare, these creamy balm formulas enrich your lips with soothing ingredients while leaving behind a soft kiss of colour.
Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara
“One of the biggest challenge for hay fever sufferers is mascara,” says Hammer. “It’s best to look for waterproof versions of your favourite mascara or opt for a lash lift or eyelash extensions, which can last up to eight weeks – taking you mostly through the season.”
Shop Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara at Lookfantastic, £29
Glossier Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover
“Always opt for a bi-phase cleanser to easily remove your waterproof mascara formula,” says Hammer. “You don’t want to rub your eyes any more than necessary.”
Glossier’s Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover is great at removing tough mascara. Simply shake to activate before sweeping over the closed eye area with a cotton pad.
Shop Glossier Milky Oil Dual-Phase Waterproof Makeup Remover at Sephora, £18
Images: courtesy of brands
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