The Allergy Season Makeup Blues
From television appearances Spring 2008 Denver
Those watery, itchy burning eyes, and red noses raise havoc on over 4 million Americans, especially when we have an occasion where we need to look good. Here are products that will help you through allergy season and still looking your best.
Great makeup begins with great skin care and Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pods combines three treatments in a single dose – It resurfaces the skin, decongests puffiness and fills lines and wrinkles. Squeeze the applicator and the dose fills the sponge. Dab on to the skin gently and then beginning at the inner corner of the upper eye, massage in a circular pattern to the temple and then to the lower eye bone structure back to the inner corner. (like a C) Repeat the massage for about a minute. It feels great and the massaging action of the sponge removes excess fluid, around the eye. Use the Regenerist Eye Derma-pods 3 times per week for best results. Box of 24 derma-pod applicators (which is an 8 week supply) is $24.99 at drugstores
If your skin becomes ultra sensitive and red, especially around the cheeks, nose and mouth, try the botanical treatment Redness Relief by DDF. It helps strengthen delicate, fragile skin as it reduces the appearance of visible redness and soothes your skin. Apply Redness Relief day or night or in combination with other DDF products. DDF stands for Doctor's Dermatologic Formula. $48.00 on ddf-skincare.com
Here’s a neat trick from Guerlain Paris, called Issima Smoothing Illuminator. When you twist the pen applicator just enough product comes up into the brush applicator to brighten under eye dark circles, hide imperfections, keep the skin looking smooth - and it’s waterproof so your makeup stays on. Brush it on and use your finger or a sponge to blend it in. It comes in 3 shades and costs $46. At Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora.com
If you still have some redness around the nose, here is a water-proof base foundation I’ve tested and really like. Kett Fixx High Definition Cream Foundation was originally designated for professional on-camera use in HDTV. The foundation never looks heavily applied yet it covers beautifully. Depending on your needs you can create a sheer to full coverage with a foundation brush, sponge or your fingers. Warm it up a bit in its container or on your hand for extra coverage. I like to use a brush and then roll the makeup sponge over it to blend the application Follow with powder (ultra sheer) and you are set for the day.
Keep your makeup on all day with Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes eye pencils. These little gems are smudge-proof, tear-proof and waterproof. Aqua Eyes has a creamy texture that is blendable when you first apply the pencil – then sets for the day even if you do tear. They come in several shades, cost only $16 and you can find them at the Sephora.com
You can wear mascara and not worry with Too Faced Lash Injection. This is what is called “tubing” mascara. The tear-proof formula actually builds tubes around each lash. That means that tiny elastic polymers form to add curl, volume and length almost like getting lash extensions but without the high cost. There is no rubbing or smudging to remove the mascara. The tubes just “slide” off with warm water and gentle pressure or use their new eye makeup remover Lash Injection “Antidote”. This one is Black, but do try the newest shade. Hot Chocolate. $19.50 at Sephora.com
To help those that are bothered by burning, itchy eyes, just released last year, as an over-the-counter eye-drop is Alaway from Bausch & Lomb. Just a few drops and within moments, burning, itchy eyes clear up and last 12 hours. $14.95 at drugstores and mass retail outlets.
And to sleep symptom free keep a small humidifier in your room. Venta found at Bed Bath and Beyond is about $99.00
Happy Healthy Spring!
