Beauty tips to survive the curse of hayfever

by Taryn Davies | 22 March 2012

Do you suffer from hayfever?

Hayfever sufferers could be facing a prolonged spell of misery after scientists predicted this year's pollen season will begin earlier than usual - and could be twice as severe.

According to Professor Jean Emberline of Alergy UK, the mild winter, followed by a cold spell means that 'pollen counts are likely to be two or three times high than last year in many areas including cities, where air pollution causes more potent reactions to pollen'.

At least a third of the population suffer from hayfever, and numbers are rising every year.

Help reduce the effects of hayfever, which are predicted to begine from mid-March onwards, with our top tips:

Liz Earle, co-founder of Liz Earle Beauty Co., says: "When the hayfever season is in full swing I always suffer with sore, itchy eyes and my top tip is to use the Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion which takes its name from one of its key ingredients - eyebright - so called by medical herbalists for its ability to clear and brighten the eyes. The lotion is also rich in witch hazel, which is naturally anti-inflammatory, containing tannins, which help to tone and reduce puffiness. It is the ideal antidote, to apply as a compress, for eyes that are suffering with hayfever. My top tips is to keep your Eyebright in the fridge do that it is super cool for extra relief." (Available from lizearle.com, £10.25)

The new cat-eye trend this spring is kitten liner - a whisper version of the dramtic thick-winged eyeliner. Stay on trend even if you are suffering with watery eyes by using the new Paul & Joe Waterproof Gel Eyeliner. This signature waterproof formula glides on smoothly, and flawlessly lines the eyes without smudging or fading. Infused with Quick Dry Oil to ensure even application that dries in a flash and Lasting Film Polymers that form a waterproof coat that has real staying power. (Available from asos.com, £16)

Pollen sticks to your hair and can transfer to your pillow making for a very disturbing bedmate, so be sure to wash your hair before going to sleep with Percy & Reed's Splendily Silky Moisturising Shampoo & Conditioner. The perfect pick-me-up for parched hair, packed with moisturising marvels blueberry extract, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil and aloe vera gel to hydrate and nourish hair. (Available from percyandreed.com, £14 each)

To ease soreness and capture pollen entering nasal passages use Liz Earle's Superbalm inside each nostril. Superbalm is, quite simply, an unbeatable all-purpose skin salve. A pure blend of naturally active ingredients, it contains natural-source vitamin E and shea butter to soften, enchinacea to strengthen and beeswax and carnauba wax to protect delicate skin. This extra-special balm will help to smooth and soothe away symptoms of dryness, chapping and flaking. (Available from Liz Earle, £16.25)