Let’s face it-being sick is terrible. Whether it’s a bad flu or a severe hangover, being bedridden and forced to eat convalescent food is not fun. There’s work to be done, deadlines to meet and people to meet. It would be great if we could crawl back under our covers and shut out the world, but responsibilities cannot be escaped from. In such situations, looking presentable to the outside world is crucial, yet tiresome.

Here are some simple tips to help you look better than you feel:

1. Base: When we are ill our skin becomes dry and flaky. In order to prevent this, apply a BB-cream or a tinted moisturizer to cover up unsightly blotches and provide hydration. Avoid applying powders as they may contribute to further dryness.

2. Brighten: Use a brightening concealer to lighten up any dark spots, as our skin tends to look dull and tired when we are ill. Following the same rule as for the BB cream, opt for liquid products as they tend to blend better.

3. Brows: Poorly done or sparse eyebrows make you look even more ill. If you have naturally thin eyebrows, use a brow pencil to draw on eyebrows. Straight and thick brows exude youthfulness.

4. Balm: If the rest of your face is as dry as a bone, chances are your lips are also chapped. To avoid your precious puckers from splitting, apply a lip balm that is not only moisturizing in nature, but also adds a dash of colour to your visage. Cracked lips are immensely painful and unsightly.

Beyond make-up, do not forget to drink plenty of water and rest well.

Got some sick day essentials of your own? Share them with in the Comments section!