Beauty Hacks For Hot Flushes
A hot flush comes out of nowhere and departs just as quickly, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. One friend of mine says it feels like a hot tap has been turned on over her face. I tend to experience a more slow, intense heat that reminds me of when I was pregnant, wearing next to nothing in the middle of winter. Either way, a sudden onset of sweat can wreak havoc with your make-up. Here are the products I use to help me keep my look cool and contained, no matter what.
The Problem | Eyeshadow sliding off
The Solution | MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, $38, mecca.com.au
My goodness, this works. I’ll put on eyeshadow at 7am and it’s still looking perfect at dinnertime. You only need the tiniest amount. Pat over the entire lid, wait a few seconds and then apply your favourite eyeshadow over the top. It will keep your eyeliner in place too, especially if you have hooded eyes that annoyingly tend to imprint on the upper eye skin.
The Problem | Panda eyes
The Solution | Kevin Aucoin The Volume Mascara, $43, mecca.com.au
If you’ve haven’t used a mascara with a tubing formula before, be prepared for a life-changing moment! Its smudge-proof formula is so much gentler to remove than a waterproof mascara. The polymers wrap around each and every lash but come away easily with just warm water and a little rub – the tubes slide right off. While there are many on the market to choose from, I love this one as it’s made with jojoba oil and squalane so it conditions and hydrates thinning lashes while creating drama.
The Problem | Diminished sun protection
The Solution | Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+, $10.99, priceline.com.au
Slap on the waterproof sunscreen you would usually wear to the beach. In addition to keeping you protected after a sweat session, this one delivers the hydrating and repairing benefits of antioxidant-rich vitamin E, too.
The Problem | Foundation sliding off
The Solution | Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer, $50, myer.com.au
Bobbi Brown Retouching Wand, $65, adorebeauty.com.au
First, apply the face primer so your foundation stays put without sinking into wrinkles, and then carry the best-selling retouching wand with you for post-flush cover ups. The genius in this twist-up pen is its creamy liquid foundation formula which doesn’t sit heavy on your skin yet gives good coverage.
The Problem | A damp pillow
The Solution | My Silvi pillowcase, $109, au.mysilvi.com
Night sweats can lead to skin breakouts, but this mulberry silk slip has been treated with anti-bacterial silver ions to reduce spots. The silk is also moisture-wicking and feels cooling on the face. As a bonus, silk helps smooth the hair cuticle, even with tons of tossing and turning, so you can expect less frizzy locks in the morning. If you have a teenager, order two because the slip works well on calming and clearing their pimply skin – my teens love it.
The Problem | Being hot and bothered
The Solution | Natio Ultrasonic Diffuser, $59.95, and Essential Oils, $19.95, natio.com.au
I find the calmer I am, the quicker the hot flush passes. Unlike a candle, this cold water (non-heating) diffuser can be left alone to gently scent a room with mood-shifting blends and will even switch itself off. Blends such as Happy (geranium, chamomile and orange) and Relax (chamomile, mandarin and lavender) are my all-time favourites.
The Problem | General overheating
The Solution | Jojoba Water Toning Mist, $19.95, thejojobacompany.com.au
When you want to cool-down fast, this purpose-built mist is a better choice than relying on water alone. It deposits hydrating ingredients onto dehydrated skin while working to shrink large pores (brought on by stress and sun damage). Keep it in the fridge for an instant “ahhhh” moment.