If you are like many people, this time of year can bring on seasonal allergies. Symptoms like watery eyes, a puffy face and a red nose can make you feel less than pretty, if at all presentable.

Feel pretty as
you say achoo!

According to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 40 percent of female allergy sufferers say their red and puffy eyes make them look tired and unattractive. To feel your best while battling allergies, try these simple but effective beauty tips:

Find the right allergy medicine

Consult with your doctor or allergist to find a medication that works for you. There are so many over-the-counter options such as Zyrtec and Claritin (both available at drugstore.com, price varies) that work well to control symptoms. If your allergies are really bad, your doctor might even recommend immunology (aka allergy shots).

Spike your water

Allergies can cause a puffy face and eyes, so first thing in the morning, take ice cubes and rub them under your eyes and around your face to reduce the “swelling.” The rest of the day, be sure to sip on at least eight glasses of water or more. Rebekah George, a beauty expert working with Zyrtec to help women combat “Allergy Face™” recommends adding lemons or cucumbers to the water to not only improve the taste, but to help flush out your system and reduce bloating.

Start with clean, fresh makeup and brushes

Old makeup and makeup bags can harbor allergens and germs. Be sure to clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis. The most convenient way is to keep cleaning wipes on hand such as Josie Maran’s Bear Naked Wipes (sephora.com, $12). You should also make sure to toss any old makeup — mascara after two to three months, foundation after six months and lipstick, blush and eyeshadow after one year.

Red, raw nose

Camouflage a red nose by using a green-based concealer under your foundation or BB cream. One to try is the Conceal Rx Physician Strength Concealer in Soft Green from Physicians Formula (ulta.com, $8). If your nose is extra chapped, apply a dab of a healing ointment like Aquaphor (drugstore.com, $14) to soothe the skin.

Watery, red eyes

To make your eyes seem brighter and more vibrant, apply a cooling eye balm such as Boscia Super Cool Depuffing Eye Balm (sephora.com, $26). Follow this with a light diffusing concealer (or you can even apply a dab of highlighter under your regular concealer) to mask the dark circles that come with bad allergies. Make the whites of your eyes seem brighter by applying navy blue eyeliner and mascara instead of black or brown. During allergy season, your makeup should be kept to a minimum, because heavy makeup can actually accentuate symptoms or even aggravate your allergies.

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