Allergies often cause leaks in capillary beds, which leads to swelling of the skin. This puffiness becomes particularly noticeable in the thin, sensitive skin surrounding your eyes. To soothe puffiness, Greenberg suggests placing metal spoons in the fridge to cool before placing them on your closed eyelids for a DIY cure. (Frozen cucumber slices will also get the job done.)
Next, look to your makeup bag. Greenberg recommends using a concealer with peach undertones to cancel out bluish dark circles. If you're running short on time, invest in a pair of oversize sunglasses to mask unsightly swelling in an instant.
Next, look to your makeup bag. Greenberg recommends using a concealer with peach undertones to cancel out bluish dark circles. If you're running short on time, invest in a pair of oversize sunglasses to mask unsightly swelling in an instant.
No matter how soft your tissues seem, all the sneezing, running and congestion that come with allergy season mean your nose takes a real beating. To combat painful, peeling skin and redness, Greenberg says it's all about hydrating while you sleep. "Apply an argan oil balm to your nose at night so it seeps in while you sleep," says Greenberg. "By the time you wake up, your nose will be well hydrated, free of flakes and concealer-ready." Use a green concealer to combat redness, then blot a flesh-tone concealer over it to blend.
Plant pollen floating in the air causes your body to release itch-inducing chemicals called histamines. Scratching throughout the day just makes inflammation worse, and your skin redder. To look less like a tomato, try switching up your showering routine. Pour one cup of baking soda into a lukewarm bath and soak for 30 to 60 minutes to sooth itchy skin. Switch it up with shorter 15-minute soaks with one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal and you should be back to your natural skin tone momentarily.
When your eyes are constantly watering throughout the day, the last thing you want is a sea of black tears to blow your cover. This is the time to stock up on waterproof products: mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. If waterproof mascaras make your lashes dry, Greenberg suggests this tip: "Use one coat of regular mascara, let it dry, then apply waterproof mascara as a coating over that first layer." And voila, your makeup will stay intact.
Unfortunately, those leaky capillaries don't reside strictly under your eyes. If the size of your cheeks look reminiscent of someone who just got their wisdom teeth pulled, Greenberg suggests brushing up on your contouring skills to balance out a puffy face. "Use a light shimmery shade to help things like the apples of your cheeks and bridge of your nose pop out," she says. "Use a darker shade to help make things like your cheekbones appear more defined."
For double-duty puffiness control, up your ginger intake on your lunch break -- it's a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties.
For double-duty puffiness control, up your ginger intake on your lunch break -- it's a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties.