I haven’t been properly sick for at least a year: a small miracle, considering the things I’ve put my body through. Or not, as in the case of exercise and healthy food. I’m still not properly sick, but woke up with no voice and a horrible cough – you know, in that state where you don’t quite think it justified to stay in bed, but feel pretty miserable. There isn’t really a pill to make it go away, but there are a few things I always find comforting when I’m half-sick (or sick-sick, for that matter).

First, I need something warm to drink. When I’m not feeling well, I prefer tea to coffee. As a cosmic coincidence, I’ve just discovered the loveliest, creamiest tea for exactly those moments: Mariage Freres Wedding Impérial. I’m usually wary of gourmand teas (the notes include caramel, toffee and chocolate), but this somehow works wonderfully, especially with milk. The taste is so smooth that it almost has a coconutty vibe, which might sound scary, but is in fact perfect.

I always feel tempted to skip skincare and make-up, but try to make an effort at least on the former front. What I do, is that I switch all my more active products for things that are simply soothing and moisturizing. After taking the photo in the morning, I have realized that Mizon Returning Starfish Cream isn’t hydrating enough, I should have gone with Cremorlab Smooth Pudding or something else a bit richer.

Most of the make-up I let go, though. If I absolutely need to look somewhat presentable, I might use a concealer (Clarins Instant Concealer is excellent) and possibly a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream (Erborian CC cream is good). Then there’s Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in Rosewood that is the nicest lip product ever. It’s moisturizing and extremely comfortable to wear and makes you look like a person who has really nice lips. Even if she seems otherwise not be fully functioning.

And then there is fragrance. Sometimes, when things are really bad, I cannot stand any perfume at all. But in this half-half situation, a comforting scent can be very… comforting. No, seriously, it helps. Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche is my top pick for times like that, closely followed by Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois. I have a strong suspicion that Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom will join this category shortly.

Finally, I’ll wear loose trousers, a cashmere sweater and flats and will not read any new books. Because you never know what happens in the new ones, they might upset you or be crap, so better to reread stuff you really like. Or if I don’t want to excert my brain at all, I read magazines. But I have to be careful – they might set me off.