QUICK FIX: Guide To Covering Blemishes

Words Simmi Virdee
Makeup Artist

Spots and scars are something that even the most super of super models deal with daily, whether it’s a reaction to a product or just that damn adult acne we all come across from time to time. Working in the industry gives you the chance to really test out every technique in order to create a quick appearance fix for unwanted blemishes. It’s really a product trial-and-error situation where some marks are more pigmented than others.

However, liquid and cream concealers or foundations have the strongest coverage, and with the right shade, that scar will be yesterday’s news. Here are a few products that are amazing for covering any type of healed scarring or marks which are taking their sweet time to disappear.

I would always recommend to colour-correct scars first, to avoid grey hues in your makeup. When choosing a concealer to cover blemishes, go for a warmer shade at least 1 or 2 shades warmer than your skin tone and dab it into the area with a small dense brush or your finger.

In order to blend away the difference in shades without using a foundation, use a concealer that matches your skin tone and layer it over the top of your colour corrected scar. This will blend the shades used to match your skin. If you want to go for a fuller coverage finish, continue as normal with your go-to foundation over the top of your colour corrected blemishes.

This technique can be applied to all of the following makeup products:

1. Mehron – Celebre Pro HD Cream Foundation – £11.99 from www.Redcarpetsfx.com

Mostly used as a full coverage foundation or concealer, this cream foundation works perfectly when pressed onto the blemish. What I love about this product is not only the PRICE, but the 3 main show stopping ingredients; Aloe vera, Pomegranate and Vitamin E, which create a smooth, flattering finish, decreasing the possibility of skin irritations. Scars can often be dry and flaky; this product is sure to keep your skin feeling hydrated and flawless.

2. NARS – Soft Matte Complete Concealer – £24 from www.lookfantastic.com

This has great coverage for small areas or even the under eye. With it’s matte finish, this is amazing for hiding that spot you couldn’t resist squeezing. With Nars’ “soft-focus smoothing complexion technology” the blemish is blurred away seamlessly into the skin for a picture perfect look. Packed with hyaluronic acid and collagen boosting peptides, this will not only hydrate your skin, but leaves it with a bright, naturally plumped finish.

3. Tarte – Shape Tape Concealer – £24 from www.tartecosmetics.com

You’ve probably seen this concealer being used everywhere by your favourite beauty bloggers, and there’s a reason for this! It’s fool proof formula and applicator will cover up any unwanted discolouration in seconds. Technically this is a liquid concealer, however the self-setting matte finish and the full coverage effect, make it work just as well as cream pots. It works amazingly on scars and spots with its famous larger than life applicator, making it easy to cover up any unwanted discolouration with one dab in each designated area. Cruelty free and Vegan – this concealer is a customer fave.

4. Danessa Myricks Beauty – Vision Cream Cover Foundation – £28 from www.gurumakeupemporium.com

Danessa Myricks products are known for their versatility and high quality, and that is exactly what you’ll find with this product. Although it’s technically a foundation, its high pigment formula and creamy consistency make it amazing when used as a concealer around the face. The shades come in W-warm and N-Neutral. The warm shades are perfect for colour correcting as they’ll cancel out those grey hues and leave you with an even-toned complexion. If you would like a slightly more hydrated finish, add a drop of makeup oil of your choice, mix the formulas and continue to dab the product on as usual.

5. Too Faced – Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-use Sculpting Concealer – £25 from www.toofaced.com

This concealer has to be THE concealer of the moment, as it really lives up to it’s name!
Everyone from professional makeup artists to busy mums, love to use this concealer. It’s light weight, full coverage, can be used all over the face, and has a unique shaped applicator. This allows you to be precise when applying it in small areas, as well as cover larger problem areas, with the wide face of the doe foot. A quick, easy fix for a quick, easy look! With 35 beautiful concealers to choose from, this product is highly recommended.

6. Kevyn Aucoin – The Sensual Skin Enhancer – £38 from www.lookfantastic.com

Rain or shine this product will stay put due to it waterproof properties. Great on all skin types, as this product benefits from jojoba oil and honey to sooth and calm the area.
It’s also the most pigmented cream pot you will come across. This is really effective for covering blemishes and lasts forever with the amount of product you receive in the pot. It can be pricey, but you will struggle to see the bottom of this pot any time soon.

TOP TIP: Always remember, makeup products can be extremely versatile. Foundation can be used as concealer; lip pencils can be used as eye pencils and lipsticks can be used as blush or bronzer! This is a good way to make the most of your money when buying cosmetics as it can get pricey.

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