How to Fully Cover Acne Scars with Makeup
Acne scars can be a source of frustration for many people, but with the right makeup techniques, you can achieve a flawless, smooth-looking complexion. Whether you have mild discoloration or deeper pitted scars, the right approach can help you feel more confident in your skin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through expert tips and techniques to effectively cover acne scars while maintaining a natural look.
From understanding the importance of skin preparation to choosing the right products and tools, here’s everything you need to know about concealing acne scars with makeup.
1. Start with Proper Skin Prep
The foundation of great makeup is healthy skin. Before diving into makeup application, ensure your skin is properly prepped to create a smooth canvas.
Cleanse and Exfoliate: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil. If your skin tolerates it, use a mild exfoliant 1-2 times per week to smooth out texture and remove dead skin cells.
Hydrate: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin. This prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches around acne scars.
Primer is Key: Use a silicone-based primer to fill in uneven skin textures, such as pitted scars. Primers create a smooth base for foundation and help it last longer throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Look for primers labeled “blurring” or “pore-filling” for the best results on acne scars.
2. Color Correcting for Discoloration
If your acne scars have discoloration, such as redness or dark spots, color correcting is a game-changer.
Green for Redness: Use a green color corrector to neutralize redness from acne scars or active blemishes. Apply it sparingly to avoid a cakey look.
Peach or Orange for Dark Spots: Darker scars, especially on deeper skin tones, benefit from a peach or orange color corrector to counteract the blue or purple undertones.
How to Apply: Use a small synthetic brush or your finger to dab color corrector directly onto the scar, blending out the edges gently. Allow it to set for a few seconds before applying foundation.
3. Choose the Right Foundation
Foundation is the next step to even out your skin tone. Choosing the right formula and shade can make all the difference.
Coverage Level: Opt for a medium-to-full coverage foundation to effectively conceal scars. If you prefer a lighter look, you can build coverage only on the areas that need it.
Finish: A satin or natural finish is ideal as it mimics healthy skin. Avoid overly matte foundations, as they can emphasize texture, and excessively dewy formulas, which might not provide enough coverage.
Application Technique: Use a damp makeup sponge for a seamless, natural application. Lightly bounce the sponge over your skin to build coverage without disturbing the primer or color corrector underneath.
4. Conceal Strategically
Concealer is your secret weapon for stubborn scars that foundation doesn’t fully cover.
Pick the Right Shade: Choose a concealer that matches your foundation or is one shade lighter. For scars with discoloration, a slightly peach-toned concealer can provide extra coverage.
Texture: A creamy, long-wearing concealer works best as it adheres to the skin without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture.
How to Apply: Use a small brush to precisely apply concealer to each scar. Pat the product gently with your fingertip or a sponge to blend the edges into your foundation.
5. Set with Powder
Setting your makeup is crucial for keeping it in place and reducing shine.
Translucent Powder: Lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your entire face to lock in the foundation and concealer. Use a fluffy brush for a soft finish.
Pressed Powder: For extra coverage, use a pressed powder foundation on areas with visible scars. Press the powder into your skin with a puff or sponge instead of sweeping it to avoid disturbing the base makeup.
Pro Tip: Avoid over-powdering, as it can make textured scars more noticeable. Focus on the T-zone and areas where makeup tends to wear off.
6. Add Dimension to Your Face
Once your base is set, it’s time to bring life back to your face with contour, blush, and highlighter.
Contour: Lightly contour your cheeks, jawline, and forehead to add dimension. Use a matte bronzer or contour powder to avoid drawing attention to textured areas.
Blush: Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards towards your temples. Cream blush works well on smooth areas, but if you’re working with scars, powder blush is easier to blend.
Highlighter: Be cautious with highlighter if you have textured scars. Stick to matte or satin-finish highlighters, as overly shimmery ones can emphasize texture.
7. Finish with Setting Spray
A setting spray not only extends the wear of your makeup but also helps melt the layers together for a natural, skin-like finish.
Hydrating Setting Spray: If you have dry skin or scars, a hydrating setting spray can add a subtle glow without emphasizing texture.
Mattifying Setting Spray: For oily skin, use a mattifying setting spray to keep shine at bay and prevent makeup from sliding off.
How to Use: Hold the spray about 8-10 inches away from your face and mist evenly. Let it dry naturally without touching your skin.
Additional Tips for Covering Acne Scars
Use Light Layers: Always build your makeup in thin layers. This prevents a cakey appearance and helps the makeup look more natural.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is essential at every step to ensure seamless transitions between products and avoid harsh lines.
Choose the Right Tools: Invest in good-quality brushes and sponges for precise application. Synthetic brushes are ideal for creams and liquids, while natural brushes work well with powders.
Skin Care Comes First: Makeup can only do so much. Incorporate treatments like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs (as recommended by a dermatologist) to improve the appearance of scars over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Primer: Without a primer, foundation can sink into scars and emphasize them.
Using Too Much Product: Over-applying foundation or concealer can make scars look more prominent. Stick to thin layers.
Ignoring Skincare Needs: Dry or oily patches can interfere with makeup application. Address these issues with proper skincare.
Applying Highlighter on Textured Areas: Shimmer can magnify the appearance of pitted scars. Keep highlighter to smooth areas.
Wrapping Up
Covering acne scars with makeup doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these steps and using the right products, you can achieve a smooth, even complexion that boosts your confidence. Remember, makeup is a tool for self-expression, and while it can conceal scars, it’s your natural beauty and confidence that truly shine through.
With practice, you’ll refine your techniques and discover what works best for your unique skin. So grab your brushes, experiment with these tips, and embrace the art of makeup!