How to not look like total $#!% when you are sick.

In a perfect world no one would ever get sick. And if for some bizzarre reason they did, they would never have to go out and face the world until they are 100% better.

But, this is not a perfect world, and we all get sick. This winter has been particularly harsh. I have just spent roughly the last two weeks battling the mother of all colds and so I thought I would take a minute and share my tips for not looking like total shit when you are sick.

First off, get rest, drink lots of water and hot tea. Eat soup, take meds, etc. But in the event that you have to go out, go to work or attend some event where the "I look like I'm dying" look isn't appropriate, I recommend the following.

Wear bright colors. When you are sick you tend to be washed out and look pale, and purple-y (esp. under the eyes). Wearing gray and black will only make it worse. Try a bright green or orange sweater. A bright cobalt blue cardi and tank. You get the idea. Also, wear a statement jewelry piece. It will take people's focus off of your face.

As for make-up I recommend using a medium to full coverage foundation. Apply with a brush or sponge, but not your cold, clammy fingers. Once that has had time to set in, apply under-eye concealer, with a light hand, under your eyes. Waiting until your foundation sets (about a minute or two) will allow you to see how much coverage it will provide and not cake on the concealer. Do NOT bother with concealer around your nose. You're blowing it every 30 seconds, concealer is a waste of time there.

As for blush, if you are pasty and pale, I say it's okay to swipe some on. But go easy, when you are that sick a ton of blush (read: the normal amount you apply) can look weird. If you are feverish, skip blush all together as it will only enhance the feverish glow.

Use a nude eyeliner on the bottom waterline of your eyes. This will cancel out any redness you have going on and help you look less sickly.

Then I recommend eyeliner to define your eyes. When you are sick your eyes are red, puffy, sleepy, etc. so eyeliner (I use liquid just on the top) will help carve out those gorgeous peepers. I would also recommend NOT using eyeshadow, unless it's a brighter, flesh toned concealer to help cancel out any red or purple veins that are super visible. But a smoky eye is no bueno when you are sick.

Finally I recommend the holy grail of all lip salves. Smith's Rosebud Salve. I have been using this since high school and it is the original bomb dot com. I'm not kidding. It's $6 and comes in other scents and even in a tube, but the classic salve in the tin is where it's at. You can use this on your lips to keep them hydrated AND you can put this around your little red nose to help it heal and prevent major peeling as you get better. Another fun fact is that you can use this on your eyebrows to keep them in place, you can put this on dry patches all over your face. The possibilities are endless.

And once you have done all of that, pop some cold meds, and smile. You're sick, no one expects you to look like Giselle. It's okay.