Sore throat. Runny or stuffy nose. Body aches. Cough. Fever. Fatigue. These are all symptoms you may have to endure should you catch the flu. While influenza viruses can circulate year-round, cases are most common during the fall and winter months. In the U.S., this means flu season generally begins in October and can end as late as May. Fortunately, these five beauty products will keep you looking fresh in sickness or in health all season long.
1. Muse Health’s Dual Action Hand Sanitizer and Moisturizer
While vaccination is the single best way to reduce your chances of catching the flu, frequent hand washing is also a beneficial preventative measure. Of course, as we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, all that soaping up can be hell on your skin. This is where Muse Health’s dual action hand sanitizer and moisturizer comes in. Formulated to kill 99.9 percent of germs while providing lasting hydration with vitamin E, lime oil, and glycerin, the unique gel-cream locks in moisture so your hands are left soft and supple, not dry and scaly.
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Cold, dry air outside and hot, dry air inside is a recipe for parched skin before you even add in repeated nose dabbing and blowing due to flu. If you have a tube or tub of Aquaphor’s multi-purpose healing ointment on hand, however, you can easily soothe that red nose along with chapped lips, cracked hands and feet, and a multitude of other skin irritations. Recommended by dermatologists, this skin protecting ointment relieves discomfort while preventing further damage.
3. Pure Daily Care Nano Ionic Facial Steamer
If you’ve had a spa facial, you already know how soothing steaming your face can be. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? This affordable steamer produces nano-ionic steam that is 10 times more effective than regular steam in penetrating skin. Not only does this improve the absorption of your favorite beauty serums and creams, but it will also hydrate dry sinuses and help relieve sinus pressure if you do come down with the flu.
4. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask
If you’ve had to resort to decongestants and antihistamines to combat flu symptoms, your skin is likely much dryer and duller than normal. Pamper it as you sleep with nourishing, superfood-infused hydration and awake to a brighter, more luminous complexion. Formulated with glacier water, hyaluronic acid, and avocado butter, Origins’ overnight mask provides 72 hours of much-needed moisturization.
5. Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek Stick
Whether you’ve called in sick but still need to jump on a Zoom call or have finally broken your fever and are headed back to work, this multi-purpose makeup product will help you look more vibrant and well-rested than you probably feel. Use it as a sheer blush, lip tint, and even on your eyelids for a wash of cheerful color. The mango butter and avocado-oil infused formula is hydrating, vegan, and cruelty-free.
