Stay gorgeous, no matter the time of the month


Health
12/07/2021
Follow our guide to looking your best while your period does its worst

Cramps, bloating and mood swings should be enough to contend with, but many of us feel like our periods affect how we look, too. Indeed, 79% of Beauty Recommended readers admitted they feel less beautiful during their time of the month.

With puffy eyes, limp and lacklustre hair and spot breakouts just some of the complaints, we've rounded up some beauty tricks to help beat common period-related problems.


"I suffer with spot breakouts"

In the week leading up to your period, progesterone levels soar, and this triggers sebum production, which means your skin pumps out more oil than usual. This is why you can suffer with spots during and around your period.

Try using a face wash that contains tea tree oil, which helps dry out the excess oil and cleans out pores. Then, to effectively cover up spots with make-up, it's about thin layering, rather than just piling on the concealer.

Start with a clean, dry face with moisturised skin. Use a primer to give your make-up staying power, and then cover your skin and affected area with a thin layer of foundation or BB cream.

Next, use a concealer to cover the spot(s) directly. Apply it to the pad of your clean ring finger and gently dab it on and around the spot(s) until you are happy with the level of coverage.

Finish by using a blending brush or sponge to blend the edges of the concealer into your foundation and set it with a translucent powder or setting spray.


"My hair has no oomph"

The hormones that cause those charming time-of-the-month breakouts are also responsible for flat, greasy hair as the sebum increases in your scalp too.

To counteract this, you should use a lighter conditioner than usual and the right products to help you achieve a volumising blow dry.

Swap your usual conditioner for Pantene Extra Volume Foam Conditioner. This product moisturises and protects your hair without weighing it down thanks to its light and bubbly texture. Make sure you only apply it to the middle of your hair down, avoiding the roots.

Next, apply a squirt of Pantene Perfect Volume Mousse to your roots, massaging it in with your fingertips to help stimulate circulation.

Tip your hair upside down and direct your hairdryer nozzle at the roots. When nearly dry, flip back up and use a round brush to brush your hair from underneath, pulling your hair tight and directing the blow dryer down, away from the scalp to help smooth the hair.

Finish with a blast of cold air and set with Pantene Perfect Volume Hairspray, working some in at the roots with your fingertips.

And why not pamper yourself a little extra with a rich, nourishing hair mask treatment from Aussie 3 minute Miracle.

 

"My skin is puffy"

As well as causing the dreaded bloat, pre-menstrual water retention can cause your face and eyes to look puffier than usual.

When applying your moisturiser, give yourself a quick, stimulating massage to help drain out the excess fluid and boost your circulation. Use fast, small circular motions, starting at the chin and finishing at the forehead.

And remember, due to the fact your skin is probably more oily than usual, use a light product such as Olay Regenerist Three Point Moisturiser with SPF30.

For puffy eyes, apply a dab of Olay Illuminating Eye Cream to the eye area, using gentle tapping motions with your ring finger to avoid dragging the skin. Not only will this reduce puffiness, but it will combat dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles, too.


"I don't feel comfortable in my clothes"

From period pants to avoiding white, your time of the month can even influence your fashion choices. However, if you choose the right protection for you, you won't need to think twice about wearing your favourite outfit.

Always Infinity is a great option as it's replaced the fibres of traditional sanitary towels with a revolutionary new foam called Infinicel. The foam can absorb up to 10 times its own weight - twice as much as you're likely to need, so you won't need to worry about leaks.

Plus it moulds to the shape of your body just like memory foam, making it amazingly comfortable and invisible with no bunching, so you can wear those jeans that show off your fab bottom no matter the time of the month.