Credit: chloeburcham
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4 min read
From the blusher to feign a rosy flush to the eye masks that soothe and de-puff, these are my go-to beauty products for when you need to instantly snap back to life…
Blame the weather, our Covid-compromised immune systems or just general cold and flu season – but doesn’t it seem like everyone’s getting ill right now? From red noses, watery eyes and a general lacklustre complexion – if you’re not feeling 100%, your face is often the first dead giveaway. And while rest and recuperation would be the sensible doctor’s orders, when you do need to face the world again it can feel like an uphill battle when you’re constantly met with no-doubt well-meaning “Are you feeling OK?” inquiries due to your dull, tired complexion.
I’ve worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years, which means there have been many occasions when I’ve had to rush to a meeting, event or shoot when I’m not feeling my best. Thankfully, a huge part of my job is both testing out products and working with make-up artists – which means I’ve picked up many a trick of the trade when it comes to faking a fresh, well-rested face.
Below, I share my most beloved beauty products that help me look and feel my best when I’m actually feeling pretty rotten. Whether it’s an illness or (ahem) a hangover – these are the nine products that help me spring back to life…
Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Collagen Hydra-Gel Face & Eye Patches
There’s nothing like dark circles and puffy eyes to give away that you’re not feeling your best. These soothing and firming eye patches give an instant hit of hydration to tired, crepey-looking peepers and a refreshing feel to your skin. Pop on for 10-15 minutes before doing your make-up for a much-needed lift.
Shop Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Collagen Hydra-Gel Face & Eye Patches at Harvey Nichols, £62
Illamasqua Colour Veil Liquid Blusher
This liquid blusher isn’t new, but my god is it brilliant. The shade ‘tonic’ is my favourite – a soft, peachy pink that instantly lifts and adds luminosity to your skin. It’s a healthy-looking flush in a pot.
Shop Illamasqua Colour Veil Liquid Blusher in Tonic at Lookfantastic, £20
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Pear
Dry, chapped lips are a dead giveaway that you’re not feeling your best. I never leave home without a Lanolips in my bag – it’s the perfect balmy lip treatment that doesn’t feel gloopy and genuinely soothes and moisturises cracked lips. Side note: it’s also brilliant on cuticles and if you’re prone to stress thumb-picking.
Shop Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm at Lookfantastic, £8.99
Lumene Nordic-C [VALO] Glow Boost Essence
Delivering an instant shot of vitamin C to your skin, this brilliant serum injects radiance and luminosity back into your skin in just one use. It brightens and hydrates, leaving your skin feeling energised and back to its best.
Shop Lumene Nordic-C [VALO] Glow Boost Essence at Lookfantastic, £34.90
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
If you’re struggling to hide the tell-tale signs of fatigue on your skin, this is radiance in a bottle. Apply on its own or under foundation for an instant glow that exudes healthy skin – there’s no shimmer or glitter, just beautiful sheeny skin.
Bare By Vogue Face Tanning Serum
If I’m feeling under the weather, a subtle face tan will instantly help me look as if I could spring back to life. This Bare By Vogue Face Serum is my favourite – it not only gives a natural-looking and golden tan but it’s also packed with skincare. The result? Hydrated, glowing skin.
Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
Not a fan of fake tan? Try this glowy serum instead. It’s a bi-phase serum, so make sure you give it a shake-up before dispensing a pump into your fingertips and applying to clean skin. With four types of hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and caffeine-rich cacao seed extract – skin is left glowing, moisturised and radiant.
Shop Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, £40
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spot Concealer
Disguise those pesky areas of redness around your nose and brighten dull under eyes with this genius concealer. Formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and caffeine, it works to brighten and firm the skin, while providing up to 24 hours of hydration.
Shop IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Dark Spot Concealer at Space NK, £32.50
Tatcha The Serum Stick
This innovative serum stick can be used over make-up to refresh your skin throughout the day (a must when you’re not feeling great). It refreshes dry spots and gives the skin a natural-looking glow thanks to its squalane-rich formula.
Images: Instagram @chloeburcham; courtesy of brands
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