Yummy411: Makeup and Allergies!

(Check this article from which I got the image!)

Lucky for you if you haven't had your allergies attack yet or even have allergies at all! There are a lot of us beauty addicts that have allergies and seem to not make it through these seasons very well. My good friend Slvrlips (Nikkia) covered this topic already (excellent read by the way), but being the chronic allergy sufferer that I am, I would be remissed if I didn't dedicate a post to this also.

Here is my list of allergy and beauty survival must haves/tips:

1. Zyrtec D- like Nikkia, this medicine is all that and then some, especially for someone that has gone through Allegra, Claritin and the likes. This is my all time knock out! Stops the itchy and runny eyes, nose and throat, relieves congestion. Works quickly for a little pill too!

2. Veramyst nasal spray- in conjunction with the Zyrtec, the clouds open and I hear angels singing. Much better than Flonase which has a floral scent... what type of devil trickery is that?*

3. Lip conditioner- blowing and sneezing get my lips very dry, so I like to soothe them with MAC's lip conditioner. I know this stuff is expensive, but it works like a charm. I love the thick, menthol formula of Carmex, Blistex and other varieties, but none has had a longer effect on soothing chapped lips like this lip conditioner. Others give a temporary cover-up until next application.

4. Waterproof mascara (L'Oreal Voluminous)- I know we don't like putting anything on our eyes when we are feeling bad like this, but if it is a must, it must be waterproof! Get it in my favorite mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous.

5. Mint tea- just plain soothing

6. Lotion/anti-bacterial Kleenex- soothes while doing the job. I haven't found any pocket packs, but I know they MUST exist!

7. Hand sanitizer- Purell

8. Ben Nye's Final Seal- I know we will be wiping, etc, but give your face a good spray of this and chances are if you are delicate and conscious of your makeup, you won't totally wipe it all away.

9. Waterproof liners and basing eye makeup with a great primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion or even a mixing medium.

10. WATER! try not to get too full and it becomes a problem in conjunction with the sneezing..oops!

[ETA] 11. Patinol eye drops- Delphine reminded me of the itchy eye problem. Zyrtec will clear this up, but if you don't use Zyrtec, Patinol the prescription eye drops are THEBOMB.COM! Regular Visine will work, but it takes a few minutes to work and then I'm still walking around with somewhat of red and crusty, slightly irritated eyes. A drop or two of Patinol clears up the worst of itchy eyes and will have you saying "what about itchy eyes?" in less than 3 minutes or less! Second best to Patinol, Zatidor (OTC eye drops).

(For prescriptions and over the counter medicines be sure to look online for coupons and discounts!)

* So I couldn't sing the praises of any nasal spray until I learned how to use one properly. Sounds like a no brainer? Gee thanks! LOL I just couldn't get the hang of it. My ENT specialist would use his office tool to spray in my nose and then let me blow after. I thought that's how it should work at home with my handheld prescription dispenser...no ma'am!

Steps for using a pump bottle:
-Gently blow your nose to clear it of mucus before using the medication.
-Remove the cap. Shake the bottle. The first time you use the pump spray each day, you may have to "prime" it by squirting a few times into the air until a fine mist comes out.
-Tilt your head forward slightly. Breathe out slowly.
-Hold the pump bottle with your thumb at the bottom and your index and middle fingers on top.
-Use a finger on your other hand to close your nostril on the side not receiving the medication (see the drawing on the right).
-Squeeze the pump as you begin to breathe in slowly through your nose. Repeat these steps for the other nostril. If you are using more than one spray in each nostril, follow all these steps again.
-Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray.

I got the above information from FamilyDoctor.org. Check the article out to get more information and helpful hints.

How are you surviving your allergies with makeup?