I just found out that the world doesn’t revolve around me, and my 9-to-5 doesn’t actually come to a halt during the summer months… rude AF, to be honest. What’s worse is, like those Friday deadlines, for many, winter flu symptoms aren't going anywhere, either – and we have none other than Miss Hay Fever to thank for that. Honestly, just deprive me of all joy while you’re at it, Universe.
Mother Nature’s high summer pollen count works overtime during sunnier climes and as soon as May hits, like clockwork, watery eyes and puffy features take up residency on my face. And while I may want to turn heads at a summer festival, I would prefer it to be for wearing a fire 'fit rather than looking like I’ve just cried over a boy for three weeks… y’know?
If this is something you, too, are struggling with (hi, my people!), don’t fret. While I do, of course, advise seeing your GP to combat the root cause of your hay fever, if you’re after a quick fix to help mask the unsexy physical symptoms, I’ve conjured up a number of tried-and-tested makeup hacks. As Troy Bolton would say: We’re all in this together.
Ditch the eye makeup
My eye makeup is the first thing to run wild (and down my face) as soon as I hit the great summer outdoors. To save the hassle of a Kleenex overload, I recommend skipping mascara altogether – yes, really. Instead, you can enhance your peepers with at-home falsies or even in-salon treatments such as a lash lift, tint and/or extensions, depending on the result you’re after.
Generally, these professional services are semi-permanent and can last up to 4-6 weeks. However, if you are off on your holibobs, there are some things to note. If lash extensions are the option for you, steer clear of water for the first 48 hours to allow the adhesive to set. Chlorinated and salt water should be avoided entirely, as they can weaken the adhesive on lash extensions. The same goes for both lash lifts and tints; water should be avoided where possible as it can fade tint and disrupt the lift but as always, consult your technician on the dos and don'ts.
Eylure Individual Lash Combination Pack - Ultra Black
Blink Brow Bar lash services
Though, if you don’t have time to book in for an appointment – or, you’re just balling on a budget – a waterproof mascara formula is where it’s at.
Top tip: When out and about, wear sunglasses! No, we’re not just protecting our eyes from the sun but pollen, too! Any excuse to purchase another set of specs, obvs.
Hypoallergenic formulas FTW
Let’s be real: When you're already fighting the symptoms of pollen, you don't need any other allergies cropping up. To reduce the chances of further irritation, hypoallergenic makeup is where it’s at; they are formulated with fewer common allergens, such as fragrances, dyes, and parabens. A number of beauty brands offer hypoallergenic alternatives, including bareMinerals, Clinique and Tower28 – just make sure to double-check the ingredients list. For extra precaution, do a patch test when experimenting with new makeup.
bareMinerals Original Mineral Veil Pressed Powder Sheer 9g (Various Colours)
TOWER 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush 4.5g
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Dry skin and hay fever (and any illness, for that matter) go hand in hand. When your body reacts to allergens like pollen, it releases histamine, which can cause skin irritation and dryness. Not to mention that sweating can cause dehydration in the skin, as well as mucus production. A runny nose can cause damp skin and effectively increase transepidermal water loss. Big sigh.
With this in mind, hydrating makeup products are going to be your BFF, particularly anything formulated with hyaluronic acid. Side note: Although hydrating makeup products can’t actually help with transepidermal water loss, they won't highlight the dryness. Work smarter, not harder, folks.
PIXI Hydrating Milky Mist 80ml
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
Green colour corrector = your BFF
Inevitably, hay fever can cause redness in the skin and rather than being ‘Hot To Go’ (cc. Chappell Roan), it’s giving fluster… to go. Constantly blowing your nose doesn’t help either and those with skin conditions such as rosacea, who are genetically more susceptible to prominent redness on a day-to-day basis, will struggle tenfold. This is where colour correctors come in handy, particularly green colour correctors. Green neutralises red, so apply one of the following Cosmo-approved formulas to the affected areas and follow with your favourite concealer. We’re thwarting unwanted flushes one dab at a time.
Erborian CC RED CORRECT 15ml
NYX Cosmetics Pro Fix Stick Colour Correcting Concealer
Divert attention
Distracting from areas affected by hay fever is one of the most effective ways to avoid looking full of allergies. For summer, a striking coral lip will pull the eye towards your pout instead of your red nose or weeping eyes. It’s the ultimate wake-me-up pop of colour, but picking the correct undertone for your complexion is key. If you’re on the fairer end of the complexion scale, a pink coral will suit you best, while those with darker skin tones are best suited to orange corals. If you fall somewhere in between, either will work.
You can also define your cheekbones and jawline with contour. Opt for a cool-toned contour product as it creates a more defined effect, mimicking the natural shadows on your face. This not only draws eyes away from hay fever features but also creates a chiselled illusion, masking face puffiness.
ILIA Lip Sketch Hydrating Lip Crayon 2,3g
KOSAS Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick 3.1g
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
