Cold and Flu Season is Here!

Ahh yes, it’s that time of year again: cold and flu season. The funny thing about the flu is that it always seems to strike at the most desolate and somber time of year, which makes winters seem even more dreadful. The winter adds fuel to the flu’s fire. I’m no expert, but I assume it has something to do with the fact that we all spend a lot more time inside during the winter, breathing in each other’s germs far more than we do during the warmer months. Plus, being inside so much and out of the sun limits our exposure to Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps boost the immune system. Whatever. The point is, it’s inevitable. Sure, you could always get the flu shot, and many people do, but I prefer to give my body a go at avoiding the virus all on it’s own.

A few years ago when I was working in an office environment, I got the flu for the first time in my life. Sure I’ve had colds, bronchitis, strep throat and a bunch of other lovely contagious airborne illnesses. But the flu definitely takes the cake. I was practically unconscious for three days - and this wasn’t exactly a blissful, peaceful sleep. I would wake up delirious every hour because I was too hot, too cold, had to puke, had to blow my nose or take more drugs. It was vile. I was living with my boyfriend (who is now my wonderful husband) at the time, but I felt so awful that I needed to stay at my parents house those three days because I was convinced I was dying.  Well, apparently I lived through it.

Ever since then I have taken extra precautions around this time of year to try to prevent another episode of the flu. I pump my system full of extra vitamins and antioxidants, but most importantly, I pay attention to people when they say they feel ill. If someone posts on Facebook that they are sick and I run into them, I will do my best to stay a safe distance so I don’t become infected. Also, if someone is sitting by me in class and hacking their brains out, I will dramatically take out my hand sanitizer, place it on my desk, and glare at them indicating that I would kindly like them to move. Lord knows I shouldn’t be the one to move, it’s THEIR fault they are sick, not mine. Right? Plus, classroom seats are sacred.

Anyways, should you find yourself with a fever and chills this winter, here are some beauty products to help you get through it with minimal hygiene slacking. 

Bath and Body Works Anti-Bacterial Pocketbac Hand Sanitizing Gel in Cinnamon Heaven, $1.50
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11085418&cp=4213376.4257186

I always keep one of these suckers in my purse at all times. These are perfect because they are small enough to keep in even the smallest of clutches, and they come in a wide variety of scents. The Cinnamon Heaven is a brand-new fragrance, and I am definitely digging it. I am a huge fan of warm, spicy scents, and this is the perfect sweet and spicy cinnamon roll scent. Hand sanitizers are essential for cold and flu season, and the ones from BBW are far more interesting than plain old Purell.

Booth's Shea Butter Creamy Hand Soap in Peppermint Vanilla, $5.99
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2149015&productId=xlsImpprod600156&navAction=push&navCount=1


The most important element of prevention is also the most simple one: WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Unfortunately, dry winter air and frequent washing of the hands often leads to extremely dry and cracked skin. So here is where this wonderful hand soap comes in. It is seriously thick, and super moisturizing as well with all that shea butter.  Of course it also smells great, and the fresh scent is a great unisex fragrance so the boys can use it too!

Neosporin LT Lip Treatment, $4.50
http://www.continualyouth.com/AquafreshIso-ActiveWhiteningToothpaste-DeepImpact-4.3oz.aspx 


One of the most unpleasant symptoms of colds are cold sores. While I have never gotten a cold sore myself, I have experienced EXTREME dry lips while having a cold, and Neosporin LT was the only thing that helped. It claims that it helps relieve the symptoms of cold sores as well. This stuff is not widely available anymore, but you can still purchase it at the above website. I highly recommend giving it a shot!

C.O. Bigelow Cold and Flu Soak Herbal Formula #122, $18
http://www.bigelowchemists.com/product_info.php/products_id/2969?osCsid=b22a3090b547515abb62fbdd53659171


I was first introduced to this stuff when I worked at Bath and Body Works in 2006. Those were the glory days of BBW, when they were introducing tons innovative brands and had a far wider range of products then they do nowadays. Anyways, I was suffering from a particularly stubborn cold one week, so I picked up a bottle of this at work and I fell in love. Just put about five capfuls of this stuff into a hot bath, soak and breathe in all the menthol-ly goodness! It has a bunch of healing oils and extracts, such as eucalyptus, willow bark, cinnamon leaf, clove, ginger and wintergreen. Unfortunately, BBW has pared down their apothecary offerings as of late, but you can still get this directly through the C.O. Bigelow Website.

California Baby Colds and Flu Massage Oil, $12.49
http://www.californiababy.com/colds-flu-massage-oil-4-5-oz.html


This stuff is not only great for babies, but amazing for adults as well! As a child, I had a particularly traumatic incident with getting some Vick's Vaporub in my eye, and ever since then, I have tried my best to steer clear of that product. California Baby Colds and Flu Massage Oil is the perfect all-natural alternative; it has eucalytus and fir needle oils to help ease chest congestion. Plus, it's not nearly as greasy as the Vick's, and it leaves the skin nice and silky smooth! An A+ in my book.

Aroma Floria Sinus Help Inhalation Beads, $6
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=5506180&productId=prod5506180&navAction=push&
navCount=1&categoryId=cat110062&CAWELAID=202393834


Can you tell that I am really into aromatherapy? Anyways, this stuff is a GODSEND! I have constant sinus issues, no matter what time of year it is. One whiff of these lemongrass, peppermint and eucalyptus scented beads, and your sinus are immediately relieved. Sure, the relief wont last for hours, but it is a great alternative for when you don't feel like getting high off decongestants.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream To Go, $15
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P213539&categoryId=B70

This cream is absolutely perfect for helping with that unsightly under-the-nose crustiness. You know what I'm talking about - when you have blown your nose one too many times with that one-ply toilet paper at work and your skin is raw and hurty. Yu-Be Cream is awesome because it really moisturizes, and it actually absorbs into the skin instead of just sitting on top. This is key because you can apply makeup on top without having to worry about it just sliding off your face. Bonus: it has camphor, which can help clear your sinuses. Plus, you can use it on the lips as well. I am in LOVE with this stuff, it's a great multi-tasker. 

Clinique All About Eyes Rich, $29
http://www.clinique.com/product/CATEGORY21364/PROD11195/Skin_Care/Eye__Lip_Care/index.tmpl

When women are sick, their faces tend to get a bit puffy. For me, I am especially affected around the eye area. This amped-up version of Clinique's original version is a great solution for those puffy, tired eyes. It sinks in quickly and isn't greasy, so it is a great base for eye makeup and concealer. A little dab will be enough for both eyes, so this little jar should last you quite awhile. It's great for overworked and under-rested college students as well!

Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy Boosting Moisturizer, $35
http://www.origins.com/product/3858/13004/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Moisturizers/VitaZing/SPF-15-Energy-boosting-moisturizer/index.tmpl

Ahh! This new moisturizer from Origins is absolutely outstanding! Colds and flu can cause the skin to look dull, pale and lifeless, and not to mention dry as the Sahara desert. VitaZing is a wonderfully delicious smelling tinted moisturizer that will make your skin look absolutely radiant. When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time stippling on foundation, blending it and setting it with powder. This stuff actually does a pretty great job as a skin base for easy days when you just can't be bothered to go through all the steps. It instantly brightens up your face, and gives the appearance of good health, when really, you are just eyeing the room for the next garbage can to barf in. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer, $25
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P231113&categoryId=B70

I first got a sample of this product from Sephora when I was looking to cover up a tattoo for a job interview. It didn't end up covering up my tattoo, but I got the job anyways. I was about to throw out my sample, but I gave it a go on some blemishes and it covered them beautifully! This creamy concealer is perfect to cover up the redness under your nose, as well as those dark undereye circles. 

Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener, $18
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P278605&categoryId=B70

I have tried several waterline brighteners, and this is definitely the best of the best. The whole idea behind this is to line your waterline (the inner line above your eyelashes on your lower lid) with a flesh colored pencil to hide the redness, and it really does make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. A quick line of the waterline with this stuff, a sweep of cream eyeshadow and a coat of mascara is a great, fast solution to perk up your face when you are feeling too sick to spend more time on your makeup. 

Nars The Multiple in Orgasm, $38
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P191605&categoryId=B70

This is another great multi-tasking product for lazy days. When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is layer on powder because it will accentuate your tired and dull skin. The multiple is a creamy, universally-flattering pinky peach color that can work as a blush, highlighter and even a wash of color on the eyes. It's called "The Multiple" for a reason. Not only will this come in handy to perk up winter skin, it is great to highlight your tan in the summer! 

Well, that's all for now! I hope you are all lucky enough to escape the creeping crud this winter. But if not, at least you can look cute while hacking up a lung!