Looking Your Best While Ill

I’m 28 years old and since 2009 I’ve been living with chronic illness. I’m disabled and unable to live the typical life of a twenty something, but I don’t let that stop me from living a happy and positive life. Life is what we make it so it’s really important to keep an open and positive mind and to embrace every day and every moment. Life is short but life is also beautiful.

I’m living with invisible illnesses but sometimes I wake up and you can tell that I’m sick so today I’m going to share my easy tips and beauty routine on how to make the version of you that doesn’t look or feel 100% look healthy, awake, and vibrant.

If you’re new to Beautiful Basics, I also want to point out that I believe in the healing power of natural products. I don’t use any chemicals on my skin or products that have been tested on animals. I don’t think animals should have to suffer for our beauty nor do I think that toxic ingredients in products are the way to go. Green can be glamorous and gorgeous!

Hydration is really important, so before applying any makeup you need to make sure your skin is moisturized from the inside out. Drinking enough water and using products meant for your skin type are key. And yes, even if you have oily skin you still need to moisturize. Using a hydrating primer is also a good idea but not necessary.

Even out your skin by using your choice of base. I love using concealer to get everything to look even. I think too often we feel the need to cover every inch of our skin when we really only need to apply base to certain places where we have discoloration. I have a lot of redness around my nose, mouth, and chin so I add product directly to the center of my face and blend out for a natural look.

The area I feel I need the most coverage, though, is my under my eyes. I have dark circles (and some major baggage) that make me look as tired as I often feel. I like to cover only the shadow of the circle, which helps hide the darkness. If your circles are blue toned go for a pink/peach shade and if they are more purple a yellow-based concealer will be your best bet. I also extend the concealer to the inner corners of my eyelids. My absolute favorites for this are the Pacifica Dreamlit Illuminating Under Eye Brightener. I use both shades, Bare (yellow) and Dreamlight (pink), depending on what color my undereyes appear on any particular day. They’re brightening and moisturizing and I absolutely love them. I also really like the Alba Fast Fix for Undereye Circles. 

Next we need to define the skin and add a little color back in to it. I love adding a bit of bronzer to my face where the sun would naturally hit. I apply a light dusting to the forehead, cheeks, and a bit on the nose and chin. I then like to follow up with a pretty pink or coral blush. The brighter the better when you’re not feeling great. I normally prefer matte products but a little shimmer cat add a gorgeous luminosity to skin that isn’t at it’s best. I like to use a dual fiber brush so I don’t apply too much but still get a pretty flushed look. I've been reaching for Kari Gran's Mineral Blush a lot lately because it provides a perfect pink pop to my cheeks.

Adding highlight is a great way to make skin look luminous and supple. I apply to the tops of my cheekbones and on to the apple of my cheek, in a c shape above the brow and down the center of the nose, as well as on my cupids bow.

Lip color is a simple and effective way of looking healthier. Find a color that makes your skin tone pop. Mine is coral. When I’m feeling really sick I like to add a splash of coral to my lips and it makes me look much more vibrant and awake. Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner by Ilia is my go to shade. Whichever type of lipstick you decide to go for make sure your lips are moisturized! Dry lips are a dead giveaway that something is wrong.

Don’t forget to curl your lashes and apply a generous coat of mascara to make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. I also like to add some definition to my brows, since they do frame the face. And I take a little of the same bronzer I used on my face and blend it through my crease.

Makeup isn’t all mighty or important but it can make you look better than you feel sometimes which in turn can help you feel better on the inside as well. You can do as little or as much as you feel like doing. 

If you didn't know, I also have a blog detailing my journey of being well while living with chronic illness. You can check it out by clicking here.

Do you have any beauty tips for when you’re not feeling well, whether you’re chronically ill like me or occasionally catch a cold or the flu?