So, how do you
camouflage and conceal those pesky skin imperfections?
This is a question
many, many people ask since we all have areas of our skin that we want to make
less noticeable. So, I took notice when I was sent this comprehensive article written by the people at CoverBlend, who make camouflage
products. Our friends there have allowed Beauty Survival to use it. (Thanks guys and gals.) So, even if your skin has serious imperfections,
here are some tips for you.
Women with
significant skin imperfections: port wine stains, scars, pigmentation
irregularities, and rough skin frequently ask the experts at NeoStrata, makers
of the CoverBlend line of corrective cosmetics, how to best camouflage those
imperfections to achieve more natural-looking skin.
The CoverBlend team prepared the following tips for specific camouflaging
challenges to help women achieve the most natural looking effect possible and
gain confidence and self-esteem in the process:
Challenge: Dull, lifeless facial skin
Tip: A totally opaque face in not a natural look since even the most flawless of
complexions have differing shades of color. The easiest way to put the life back
into the skin is to add a sheer color from a tinted powder or bronzer. Applying
with a brush, lightly dust on the cheeks, tip of nose, chin and a sweep across
the forehead for a more natural appearance.
Challenge: Makeup looks heavy and/or cakey
Tip: When applying a concealing makeup, the lighter the hand, the better. It is
more effective to apply two light layers if needed than one heavy, thick layer.
Blend, blend, blend, for the most natural look. Pay special attention to the
creases of the nose, inner eye, jaw and hairline for smoothing and blending as
these areas are susceptible to caking.
Challenge: Dark marks (e.g., port wine stains)
on light complexions
Tip: With a cosmetic sponge, apply a thin layer of
makeup over the entire face (or area) as a sponge lays down the makeup lighter
than the finger. Then with the finger, in a dab and pat motion, apply makeup
sparingly over the darkened area to cover. Use a brush for the hard-to-reach
areas like crevices and around the eye to apply makeup. Dab and pat the area
with the finger or sponge to blend (never rub or try to smooth with your
fingertip as it will pull off makeup in the process). If desired (or as
directed) set with powder. NOTE: the face will appear more natural with makeup
covering the whole face, not just the mark.
Challenge: Marks under the
eyebrow and/or into the hairline
Tip: Most often people will try to avoid these areas, and where they may be
camouflaged everywhere else, it still shows through under an eyebrow or on the
scalp. Its best to dab and pat the concealer through the hair until you achieve
the proper coverage. Then, with a small moustache comb or toothbrush, gently
stroke the makeup out of the hair. When needed, go back with an eyebrow pencil
or mascara and recolor the hair.
Challenge:
The eye area Tip: The eye area is somewhat challenging due to the contour of the under
eye, lid and crease. Its best to apply makeup with a very small brush, working
in small strokes to blend. In women, its effective to re-line the eye using an
eye pencil. For dark eye circles specifically, choose a concealer shade that
matches the skin tone or is slightly lighter (too light gives raccoon eyes). Dab
and pat, never swipe on the makeup. Two light coats are better than one thick
coat. Let set for a moment, and blend edges. The biggest mistake made with under
eye circle concealing is swiping on the makeup back and forth, causing the
finger to lift off the skin all the makeup that has been laid down.
Challenge: Makeup on highly textured (bumpy)
areas
Tip: Blending on highly textured skin is critical, as the makeup will tend to
accentuate the uneven skin. Using minimal makeup, apply with finger and work
into the area so the makeup doesn't merely sit on the surface creating more
texture. Go light on the powder, if you feel you must use any.
Challenge: Body Makeup
Tip: Re-creating the natural flaws in the skin (mottling) for camouflaging
bruises, scars, tattoos, pigmentation irregularities, port wine stains,
etc. Color matching is more difficult on the body than the face. Look at
any area of your body and you'll see that the skin tone is not completely
flawless. There are varying shades, spots, freckles and mottling. For
natural-looking camouflage, its best to re-create the natural mottling of the
skin. After concealing, take a different shade of makeup and try to re-create
the skin around it. A cotton swab will allow you to stipple and mottle the
surface. This is a technique that is easiest to master by just letting go and
playing with the colors. Once, mastered you'll achieve an amazingly
natural-look.
Challenge: Creating symmetry
Tip: Camouflaging is an ideal way to create a balance or symmetry on the face
when needed to correct imperfect lips, eyes, etc. Once the area is camouflaged,
you can redefine uneven lips by drawing a corrected line with a lip pencil and
filling in with lip color. The same technique can be applied in the eye area and
eyebrow using an eye or eyebrow pencil.
For more information, check out the CoverBlend
website.
Everyone's skin and
skin needs are different. The data is for informational purposes
only. If you have any questions in regard to which products are
appropriate for your skin, we recommend that you contact your dermatologist or
other health care professional.
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