ATE- Covering Up

Q: I have acne scars, blemishes and dark circles! What’s the best way to cover them and keep them covered?

A: It seems to never fail. The morning of a presentation, interview or first date you look in the mirror and staring back at you is a huge zit. Now you have two options, try to pop it or try to cover it. The best decision is to cover the blemish.

If you try to pop a pimple too soon you will cause redness and inflammation, making the blemish that much harder to cover.
The first step is to apply a nourishing moisturizer and then wait a few minutes before applying any makeup. This gives the moisturizer time to be absorbed into the skin. Next, apply your foundation. Your foundation goes on first because if you apply it over concealer, you will end up wiping off the makeup.

Now you are ready for concealer. Apply a yellow-based shade under the eyes to help counter-act dark circles. Apply a highlighter under the circles to help reflect light up.

For the face, choose a concealer that matches your bare skin perfectly. Using a small brush, gently apply and blend concealer on the blemishes and scars. To make your cover up last all day, you need to set your makeup with powder. Instead of a loose translucent powder, use a pressed powder that matches your skin tone because translucent powders will make you look washed out and powdery. Use the compact sponge to gently press the powder onto your skin.



If the blemish is not fully covered, repeat the last two steps only to the problem area. However, you want to be careful how many layers of concealer you use because you don’t want to make the area look dark and cakey. Repeat these steps three times at most.

Another clever technique to help take the focus off your blemish is using color strategically. If your blemish is on the bottom half of your face (from the nose down), create a dramatic eye with this seasons eye shadow colors and keep the lips neutral. If the blemish is on the top portion of your face, try a sexy red lip and remember to keep the eyes light and natural.



You may need to do a quick touch up during the day, especially if you have oily skin, so keep your compact, concealer and brush ready to go in your makeup bag.

The most important thing to remember is confidence. I know it feels like the blemish or scar is the only thing people will see when you go out, but you think it is worse than it really appears. Keep a big smile on your face and remember this too shall pass.