Cameo camo: Makeup tips on hiding blemishes

Seriously, who hasn’t felt the embarrassment of a facial blemish?From pimples to scars, birthmarks to eye circles, there’s always something we wish we could make disappear.Short of waving a magic wand or hiring a professional make-up team, there are ways to camouflage blemishes. See what a few professionals had to say about what products to use, and even more importantly, how to use them.  1. A good skin care regimen should be top priority. Before the first dab of concealer is laid, skin should be prepped and ready for make-up, said Lou Ann McGuire, an independent sales director for Mary Kay in Lima. This means, at the bare minimum, using some type of cleanser and moisturizer. These products will make skin healthier and less prone to acne and other skin problems.Make-up users should also consider a few extra steps for optimal make-up performance, said Amy Morgan, a make-up artist in the Columbus area. For the eye area, Morgan said most women need some type of eye cream, which has smaller particles made for the eyes’ more delicate skin. Women should also consider investing in a foundation primer, which fills in fine lines and wrinkles and helps make-up last through the day.2. Good foundation can go a long way. The most basic layer of coverage, foundation that best matches your skin tone is your first defense against obvious blemishes, Morgan said, as well as gives you indications of what to do next.“When you get the base coat of foundation, you see how much more you’re going to need,” she said.Foundation matching can be tricky, Morgan said, especially if you buy cosmetics at a drug store or supermarket. Her suggestion: take test runs at cosmetics counters in a department store. Try different shades by swiping a stripe along your cheek and jawbone area: the color that disappears is the color you want. Cosmetics representatives can also lend you insight on your skin type and colors, knowledge you can take with you when shopping.3. In many cases, simple is best. Many skin flaws can be covered with very little effort, McGuire said.“If you have some discoloration in your skin, which everyone has, a basic flesh-toned concealer can probably take care of those things,” she said. “If you have more extreme discoloration, such as acne scars or dark circles, it could probably take something a bit more serious.”Concealers with a yellow tone are “very effective” at covering up heavy-duty trouble areas such as acne scars (which have red undertones) and under-eye circles (which have blue undertones), McGuire said.4. Tap it on. Rather than smearing, tapping with a fingertip, brush or sponge will help blend a concealer or foundation into your skin.“The best thing to do is to pat a concealer on,” McGuire said. “If you smooth it on, you’re smoothing it right off again. You’re taking it off of what you’re trying to conceal. If you pat it in, you get better depth and better coverage.”You can also use the applicators that come with a concealer (some brands are accompanied by a felt tip applicator, for example), but tapping will provide greater control, McGuire said.5. Bring light to darker areas. Darker blemishes require a lighter look to lessen their appearance. Light them up with highlight pens, creams and lighter shades of concealer, both McGuire and Morgan said. For under eye circles: a highlighting pen or eye cream with highlighter will reflect light, making the area appear less dark. For recessed scars, like acne pock marks: a slightly lighter concealer will fill the space, diminish shadows and even out the skin’s appearance.6. Be experimental. Blending concealers, foundations and creams in different combinations can often lead to an effective concealing solution, Morgan said. You might discover a better shade or a more sheer application that suits your skin (blending foundation with eye cream, for example, could make for a great under-eye concealer).“I like to play with the stuff,” Morgan said. “Don’t be afraid to play with your products.”8. Enough is enough. Both Morgan and McGuire recommend starting off with small amounts of concealer and adding as needed. Too much can make blemishes stand out even more than necessary.