It seems that the last thing you can do when you’re a hot mess with unbearable cough and sore throat is putting on a full-glam look, but there are some techniques that require very little effort to look good—perfect for when it takes a lot of effort just to bring yourself to the mirror. Here are some ways to look fresh and presentable the next time the unpredictable weather takes its toll on you.

1. Try Caffeinated Face Scrub

When you wake up feeling sick, taking a shower may not be on your priority list, but at least wash your face. An energizing caffeine-powered face scrub is just the thing to wake your senses and make you feel refreshed. Any caffeinated beauty product brightens and tightens the skin and leaves you with that delightful tingling sensation, perfect to start the day when you’re not feeling your best.

2. Moisturize Your Skin

One of the easiest ways to look healthy when you’re sick is to keep your skin hydrated. Just because you’re not feeling well doesn’t mean you can forego skin care. Facial moisturizer instantly gives your face the glow it desperately needs—and also protects the skin against constant friction from all the tissue you will be using on your nose. For more skin moisturizing effect, use a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation as your base.

3. Sculpt the Brows

You’d be surprised how well-groomed and sculpted brows bring life to the face. Not only does tamed brows make you look put-together, a nice arch also lifts the face in a snap. So, whether you have naturally full brows or a sparse pair, a tinted brow gel is the quickest way to colour and shape your arches.

4. Put Some Colour On your Skin

It’s normal to look pale when you’re sick. To bring back the colour, put on some cream bronzer and blush. Apply bronzer on the perimeters of the face and blush on the apples of the cheeks. The right amount of bronzer and blush will add the much-needed healthy colour on the skin.

5. Swipe Some Gloss

Cracked lips are obvious signs that you are terribly sick, but a swipe of lip gloss can easily bring those puckers back to life. Pick a sheer lip gloss with a light pink hue that’s close to your natural lip colour. As much as possible, avoid nude shades as they only wash you out even more.

Being sick can make you feel down, but sometimes you just need to bring yourself up and face the world. These simple ways to look good are worth the extra effort, because after all, when you look good, you feel good.

Social media is a great platform to share your thoughts and gather new ideas. For some professionals, these platforms can boost their career; while for others, it could mean the end of their profession. Do not be one of those in the latter group. Make sure to avoid these four social media mistakes to maintain a healthy environment for your professional growth.

1. Talking Trash About Your Work or Boss

Putting out your rants for the public to see is never the best way to deal with your frustrations, especially if it has something to do with your job. Even if your post is hidden from your boss, an officemate might see and forward it to him. And even though that one post or comment does not hurt your current job, it could come haunting you later on. A future prospect employer might see the post and think that you’re not healthy for his company as you have the tendency to badmouth your employer when something doesn’t go your way.

2. Badmouthing Your Clients

Like the first one, complaining about your customers can have equally damaging effects to your reputation. Numerous social media stories involving waiters who took photos of poor tips and posted them online got fired for doing such action. Complaining about customers puts the company in a bad position. Most employers in Singapore do not tolerate that, so avoid posting such complaints on your social media accounts.

3. Posting Party Photos with Alcohol

You have probably heard stories that someone lost a job because of posting photos on social media with tequila on hand, or more like engaging in wild parties. Sometimes, people even post photos of themselves in company uniform, lewdly dancing and making offensive hand gestures. Some photos are best kept private. Before posting something online, consider if you would want your employer or colleague to see it.

4. Writing Something About Your Political Views

Working for a company also means representing them wherever you go and in whatever you do. As such, whatever you write and post online will now be reflected on the company you’re working with. Before posting any of your political views, think about this every time. Typically, political contents that swing extremely right or left are flagged as inappropriate by companies. The best thing you can do is to keep your posts wholesome or simply keep your political views to yourself.

On way to boost your professional image is by being mindful of your social media activities. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you will keep your job and your professional reputation intact.