8 Steps to Masking a Cold With Makeup

Updated on 2/14/2018 at 12:25 PM

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

There really is no such thing as a good time to have a cold. But catching one during the Winter, when skin is already scaly, dry, and red, is particularly brutal. Of course, the best remedy is staying in bed and makeup free until it blows over — but that's not real life. Layering on your usual full face of makeup isn't the best option either. "Usually when you have dry, flaky skin, makeup will only highlight these issues, so you need to combat the problems before applying makeup," says makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. And according to two pros, there are also a few things that you should avoid. Here's how to cover the signs of a cold without making already-compromised skin even more irritated.

Smooth Over Flaky Skin

If your skin isn't painfully chapped, start with a soft scrub like the MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator ($31) to get rid of any dry or rough patches. "This will ensure that your makeup doesn't catch on the skin," says makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci.

Nordstrom Body Scrubs & Exfoliants

From

Swap in a Moisturizing Cleanser

Once the dryness is removed, clear away any lingering cold remnants with a super hydrating, gentle cleanser like Collosol Eau de Lait ($18). It's part milk and part water, and cleanses without sucking away much needed moisture from your skin.

Smallflower Makeup

From

Prime and Moisturize

"Now is the time to start using heavier moisturizers, oils, and masks," says Greenberg. You can tackle multiple signs of a cold (i.e., redness and dryness) with a good moisturizer. A good serum like Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum ($185) hydrates and works as the perfect primer to help keep your makeup in place.

Need Supply Co. Skin Care

From

Forgo the Foundation

Foundation on skin that is already irritated can look cakey. To even out your complexion, try a lighter, tinted CC cream instead. IT Cosmetics You But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ ($38) covers and helps minimize redness, protects the skin, and also treats sensitive areas with vitamins and antioxidants.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Illumination SPF 50+

From

$38

Neutralize Redness

After your base has been applied, spot treat red areas with a color correcting green-hued primer or color corrector. Dab Dr. Jart's Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment ($52) only where you're red to neutralize any blotchiness.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

From

$18

Bronze Over Blush

When you have a cold, skip the blush. "Avoid anything super pink. This will only bring out redness," says Ciucci. If you've concealed your red spots, but then feel like a ghost, Ciucci suggests using a bronzer or a mauve-toned blush to help bring some color back to your cheeks.

Go For the Glow

Dull skin will only exacerbate the signs of a cold, so pump life back in by creating a dewy, glowy finish. Stick with cream glosses and highlighters like the Amazing Cosmetics Illuminate Primer + Highlighter ($35). Powder highlighters, especially ones with chunky glitter, have the potential to cake up and can also irritate already sensitive skin, Greenberg says.

Amazing Cosmetics Face Primer

From

Ditch the Loose Powder

Setting powders and powder foundations will only call attention to any dry areas. To help lock in the coverage of your CC cream or tinted moisturizer, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to swipe a waterproof concealer on top. "This will not only add that extra bit of coverage, but it will also set it to the touch," says Ciucci.