How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria

How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria

With all that holiday shopping and parties to attend, it can really take a toll on your body. And even though we might not be feeling our best while suffering with the flu, that doesn’t mean we can’t look good.

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No matter if you have a red nose from constantly blowing into tissues or dry skin, makeup artist and founder of Sonia Kashuk Beauty, Sonia Kashuk and Target’s Associate Medical Director Dr. Kevin Ronneberg, MD share their expert tips and tricks for looking and feeling good by protecting your beauty tools this cold & flu season.

How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria

Clean your makeup brushes daily during cold & flu season.

Sonia says: The most common products likely to be breeding grounds for germs include any lip products, makeup sponges or brushes used for applying product around the nose or the mouth. Cleaning your brushes is super-quick and it’s easy to wash them after you do your makeup in the morning. Leave them on your bathroom counter flat to dry and they will be ready for use the following day.

Don’t forget to disinfect your makeup countertops, too.

Dr. Ronneberg says: During the flu season, 59% of surfaces in the home can be contaminated with the flu virus and according to the CDC, the influenza virus can survive on hard surfaces between two and eight hours. You can greatly reduce the transmission of flu germs around your home by maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule. During cold & flu season, keep disinfectant wipes on your counter and wipe down products and surfaces after your makeup routine each morning. Not only is this a great way to clean up any leftover makeup residue, but it will also keep your surfaces clear of

Are those store makeup testers safe? Our very own Ron Robinson told Allure Magazine —> HERE!

Save your money and keep your products even after a cold or the flu.

How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria
Sonia says: As long as you keep your products and tools clean and sterile, there will be no need to discard your beauty products. My Brush and Sponge Cleanser ($6.99) is amazing for tools. It’s fast, easy and leaves your brushes smelling clean and bacteria–free. For products you apply directly, such as lipstick, you can sterilize by wiping down the bullet with rubbing alcohol.

Clear your makeup bag of lingering germs.

Dr. Ronneberg says: Amp up your cleaning routine by disinfecting your makeup bag with a wipe or disinfecting spray. Not only will this keep your bag looking brand new, it will also kill any lingering germs. Flu viruses are relatively fragile, so Dr. Ronneberg says:

“Avoid sharing things like makeup brushes, Chapstick or lipstick with loved ones during cold and flu season. Germs can easily carry from one person to the other. Even if you feel well, flu symptoms can take one to three days to appear following exposure—you may be spreading illness and not even know it!”

Dr. Ronneberg’s tips to minimize side effects from a cold or the flu:

Cold and flu medications can strip the skin of moisture, leaving behind dry skin. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to prevent dehydration, keep skin moisturized and flush and thin nasal secretions.
How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria
There is nothing worse than the red, runny nose that comes along with a cold or the flu. Tissues with lotion are less harsh on your skin and are a great way to try and avoid a chapped nose. If your nose is already red, use a hydrocortisone cream (1%) to soothe and heal your skin.

– A good night’s sleep or a daytime nap is a great way to fight the puffy, watery eyes that many cold and flu sufferers.

Sonia’s beauty tips to freshen up your complexion with the flu:

– Incorporate an intensive moisturizer into your bedtime routine for around your nose to contain and soften any extreme.

– Start the day off with a facial exfoliator to remove dead skin and follow with my Perfecting Brightening Primer to brighten.

How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria

Next, use the green-toned shade in my Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette ($10.49) to neutralize redness around the nose, but be careful not to overload on this product—it can do more harm than good for your complexion!

– Apply some bronzer for tone and blush for brightness — it will instantly add healthy color to the face and make you seem more awake!

– Dust one of the lighter shades from the Eye Couture in Eye on Neutral Matte palette over the lid and apply some mascara to open up the eye, keeping the aesthetic natural and soft.

How To Look Good With A Cold Or Flu, Expert Tips For Protecting Your Makeup,Beauty Tools & Brushes From Germs, Bacteria
Finish with my Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Mauve for just a bit of enhancement to your natural lip hue and a hint of glossy freshness. And of course drink a lot of water!

Have any of you beauties been suffering with the flu this season? How do you make yourself look good even when you’re sick?

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