I’m a makeup artist & here’s my 9 hacks to stop hay fever from ruining your face – green primer’s your best friend
HAY FEVER season is almost here and for the 10 million sufferers across the UK, it can mean months of endless sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Pesky pollen wreaks havoc from as early as March and can last until the middle of September.
The most common hay fever allergy is to grass pollen, occurring over the summer.
And a makeup artist has warned it’s likely to be ruining many people’s makeup.
Saffron Hughes, MUA at FalseEyelashes.co.uk, has also revealed her top tips for allergy-proofing your painted face.
Here, she shares her best hacks and buys to keep your makeup in place during hay fever season…
Eye drops
First up, Saffron recommends using eye drops to flush out pollen.
She says: “Allergy-heavy eyes can look puffy and fire engine red, so I’d recommend buying antihistamine eye drops.
“Not only do they can quickly reduce symptoms common with hay fever, such as itchy, watery eyes, but they also block histamine, which is responsible for the inflammation.”
Fragrance-free creams
Saffron also advises prepping the skin with a rich moisturiser before continuing with makeup.
“Soothing ingredients in your moisturisers are essential, such as oatmeal extract, ceramides or squalene”, she says.
“Hay fever sufferers are more likely to have dry and itchy skin so priming with a soothing moisturiser is key.
“Applying a calming, rich eye cream can also help to sooth any dryness and if you’re suffering from puffy peepers, try holding two teaspoons that have been in the freezer under the eyes for instant, de-puffing relief before you continue with makeup application.”
Avoid new products
Makeup artist Saffron refuses to experiment with new products during hay fever season.
She says: “Deciding to experiment with a new product could lead to a reaction and irritate skin further.
“The skin is particularly sensitive when suffering from allergies so I stick to my favourite cult products.”
Green primer
“Naturally, when you blow your nose a lot, it becomes red”, Saffron says.
“However, using a green primer under your foundation can counteract the redness.
“This is because red and green are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel.
“Therefore, by using a green concealer you are toning down redness as well as camouflaging the inflammation and breakouts.
“To make sure the green is properly rubbed in, you should only apply it around the edges of your nose before blending it in with a brush all over.
“You can then set it with translucent powder before applying your foundation.”
You can pick up green primer in Superdrug for as little as £4.95.
Avoid drying and heavy foundations
Saffron warns that full coverage foundations may cover your red puffy nose to begin with, but are likely to emphasise it later in the day after blowing your nose endlessly.
She says: “Stick to minimal makeup instead, applying concealer to your nose, eyes and any blemishes.
“Follow with either a serum foundation or BB cream, as they’re both formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that will keep your face hydrated through the day and reduce the risk of any further irritation.”
Waterproof eye makeup
“The oldest trick in the book when dealing with watery eyes is, of course, opting for waterproof formulas when choosing your eye makeup.” Saffron advises.
“If you’re applying any lashes, I’d advise choosing a waterproof glue and using either a quarter lash or individual lashes on the outer corner of the eye.
“You’re less likely to tear up from this area, meaning you’ll still get the length without causing a panda eye.”
Bold lips
Saffron says that distracted from areas affected by hay fever is the “most effective” way to avoid looking full of allergies.
She said: “For spring and summer, a striking coral lip pulls the eye towards your pout instead of your red nose or weeping eyes.”
“And defining your cheekbones and jawline with a cool contour shade not only draws eyes away from hay fever features but also creates a slimming illusion for any face puffiness.”
Neutral waterline
Saffron says: “I’d also recommend avoiding light, shimmery eyeshadows as these can also make your eyelids look even puffier.
“Instead, I’d opt for a nude or champagne-coloured eyeliner on your waterline.
“These colours will achieve a wider, brighter look as opposed to darker colours like black or brown, which may make you look older and more tired.”
Skin-soothing facial mist
To finish off your makeup look, Saffron suggests a facial mist.
“During hay fever season, our skin can feel inflamed, stressed, and dehydrated”, she says.
“The best way to overcome this is by using a soothing facial mist to set your makeup.”