SPOT FIXES
PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD WITH THESE CLEVER COVER-UPS
As amazing as it’s been to eat chocolate eggs for breakfast for the past two weeks, your skin probably wouldn’t agree. Breakouts can be your complexion’s way of protesting, but even those who follow the strictest routines and treat their body like a temple can be struck by pimples. In these circumstances a cheeky cover-up is called for.
YouTuber Jessica Buntrock has become an expert in severe skin problems after her own battle with acne. If anyone knows how to effectively cover a breakout, it’s her.
“Don’t let a single (well-meaning) person tell you not to paint your face,” she says.
“These days, make-up brands are fully aware of the disastrous formulations of the past, and their new formulas do not, I repeat, do not clog pores. As long as you’re buying for your skin type and cleansing at the end of the day, your skin will not suffer.”
At the end of the day, your confidence and how you feel is what matters, and if covering a blemish makes you feel better, then go for it.
“Start your anti-spot mission with some green concealer,” Jess says.
“Green works to counteract the red inflammation of the skin, so if you have more extensive redness, you may want to apply a colour-correcting primer, such as the Mirenesse Collagen Cushion.
“Blend out the green make-up gently over the spot, fading it into your skin — blending is key. If you leave a bright green dot on your face, it will show through your foundation.”
Blending is the act of gently covering an area until it’s camouflaged with your skin tone. Once you’ve completed this step, it’s time to build on your base with foundation.
“Apply a medium to full coverage foundation over your spot and entire face using a damp sponge,” Jess says.
“The sponge application is important, as a brush could drag your green concealer across your face, or worse, cause an eruption.
“My favourite sponges are by Real Techniques and I love the coverage and staying power of InClinic Perfect Base Mineral Matte Foundation.”
If that hasn’t done the trick yet, it’s OK to keep layering.
“If you still see some redness poking through, feel free to apply a small amount of your favourite (not green) concealer over your foundation, and gently blend it out using a sponge,” Jess says.
“Build coverage slowly, and use only what you need — we’re not competing with the Kardashians here!”
To avoid a shiny or oily result, the last step is a powder.
“Set your gorgeous mug with a fluffy brush and powder,” Jess says. “Personally, I like a bit of extra coverage, so I always fall on an old faithful, Australis Fresh and Flawless Pressed Powder. Avoid messing up your make-up by applying the powder in a dabbing motion, similar to how you used the sponge.”
While good skincare is obviously the ideal scenario, next time you have a breakout, don’t submit to its evil reign – get proactive and get your confidence back.