Starting your shift looking good and pretty is easy. Ending your duty on the same note, unfortunately, is a whole different ball game. While greasy face and frizzy hair are common experiences post duty, they don’t always have to happen.
To stay looking fresh, here are seven beauty tricks you may want to try.
1. Be creative with your hair.
Putting your hair up when on duty, whether it’s hospital policy or your own preference, doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, there are actually a lot of ways for you to style your hair without breaking rules.
Braiding your hair, for example, won’t only show your character but can also add depth to your style. You can go for the classic french braid or be more playful with a fishtail braid. Wearing your hair in a bun is also a good idea.
2. Makeup tricks.
As much as possible, stick with a palette with neutral shades. These colors are easy to work on with in case you’re going to a special event after your shift. Nude shades are best to use to neutralize dark eyelids. In case you have pale lids, you can work on pale brown shades to bring subtle color to your eyes.
Concealers are also essential as dark under eyes are not so uncommon to nurses. For best effect, create a triangular shape over your eye bags. Use a patting motion to blend the concealer and avoid tagging as it can make the skin saggy in the long run.
Instead of tracing the outline of your undereye, apply your concealer in a triangular shape. It helps conceal and illuminate the area better.
“Tinted lip balms are my best go-to lip product whenever I’m on duty. If I want more color, I just put on my favorite lipstick, place a tissue over my lips and then sweep a small amount of loose powder over the tissue. It makes the color stay longer. Works all the time,” a ward nurse shared.
3. Be subtle with fragrances.
Some hospitals prohibit nurses from wearing anything scented. If your place of work has the same policy, just stick with the rule. A lot of patients have sensitivity issues with fragrances and you wouldn’t want to cause them coughing fits or even anaphylaxis.
“Wearing cologne or perfumes while you’re on duty isn’t only an unprofessional act, it’s also being inconsiderate”, an Oncology head nurse shared.
4. Always clean your face before going to bed.
No matter how tired or sleepy you are when you get home, always make it a point to clean your face first. Makeup residue, dirt, sweat and excess oil can clog your pores and cause pimples.
Because cleansers are formulated differently, it can help if you can determine your skin type first. In general, however, a good cleanser should be free from parabens, scents and chemicals.
5. Make it a habit to moisturize.
Washing your face can strip away its natural moisture. To rehydrate, it’s important that you use a good moisturizer right after. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it should be able to meet your skin’s needs.
In choosing a moisturizer, make sure it has SPF protection and is non-comedogenic. In case you have dry skin, you should look for something thicker and richer. For oily skin, you may want to use a product that’s oil-free and light.
6. Hydrate.
Your body is mostly made up of water. Without adequate hydration, your skin tends to appear duller. Wrinkles, breakouts and larger pores also become more prominent. In contrast, when you are well hydrated, your skin becomes more elastic and supple which makes it resistant to cracking and irritation.
“Whenever I go on duty, I always make it a point to have my water bottle with me at the station. It helps me stay hydrated particularly when the shift starts to get crazy,” an ER nurse said.
7. Exfoliate.
Exfoliation can take away those dead skin cells dulling your complexion. Although you don’t have to do this every day, exfoliating once or twice a week can keep you looking radiant. For the best effect, you can exfoliate in the morning as your skin tends to repair and renew itself overnight.
You should also avoid using facial scrubs with large beads as they can create minute damages and tears on your skin. If you’re looking for a safer and more affordable solution, try mixing honey with sugar. It’s not as expensive as high-end products but it works like a charm.
What’s your beauty routine? How do you prevent stress from showing on your skin?