Covering Up - The Art of Concealing

COMMON CAMOUFLAGE MISTAKES

• Using concealer on an oozing wound before your doctor gives you clearance to which can breed infection
• Applying mounds of creams and powders over newly healed suture lines
• Sloppy application of concealer that draws more attention to the bruise
• Attempting to wear makeup before you REALLY must
• Inadequately removing camouflage makeup
• Abusing your post face and eyelift skin by pulling and tugging and pounding on your concealer
• Attempting to cover a deep purple hematoma — you’re wasting your time
• Flat marks, scars and bruises are easier to conceal than raised or depressed areas
• Don’t wait until the morning you want to put on camouflage to start shopping. Buy it in advance and have on hand for when you need it.

THINK OF CAMOUFLAGE AS A LAYERING PROCESS:

FIRST
Do not apply anything to an open wound or infected area unless directed to do so by your doctor. When applying cosmetic products, be sure to use a clean sponge (not your fingers which can spread bacteria).

Warning: For anyone who may be allergic to latex, even the slightest contact with a latex sponge can be extremely dangerous, so be absolutely sure that you purchase non-latex sponges.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help in applying camouflage. Buy your products at a counter where there is a Beauty Adviser who can assist you.

THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
Use the thickest, densest cover-up that you can find. That comes in a small, round "pots", sticks, and tubes.. Liquid and cream make-ups will not work; they’re not opaque enough. Ask for the fullest coverage (densest pigment) product available. If the cream is too thick and hard, it will be difficult for you to apply without first warming up on your forehand.

Choose the shade that best matches your skin tone. If you can’t find an exact match, use a slightly lighter shade.

Another option is to use a pale yellow cover-up. If you go this route you’ll need to blend over it with a liquid or cream foundation to normalize the color. Green toners are used to neutralize redness.

THE LIFE OF A BRUISE
Dark solid purple to mottled purple to bits of purple in green to green and yellow to yellow to normal. This course varies from one face to another and one bruise to another, but takes about 3 weeks to run out in most people; 2 at the earliest and 4 should be sufficient except in smokers. Thinner skin bruises more (i.e. eyelid area), the side or area that requires the most work also bruises more, etc. Bruising also gets worse before it gets better. You may see bruising straight away, or you may wake up the morning after and get shocked, but 48-72 hours is peak time. After that, the process of the body breaking down the bruise sets in.

THE RIGHT FINISH
You’ll also need face powder. Use either pressed or loose and is best applied with a blush brush or a powder brush. Use a translucent (sheer) powder. The shade should be as close to your skin-tone as possible. If not exact, then a shade slightly lighter is OK.

MAKEUP ARTIST LINES…Professionals know well how to conceal spots, scars, and blotches, so try one of the makeup artist camouflage products if in doubt.