Make Up For Problem Skin

 

I have never had perfect skin, and it's one of those things I long for. I honestly think that if you have good skin, you can do anything with your face. If you have a clear base, you can create stunning looks with make up - but when your is tainted with spots and scars from spots, it's not that simple and a little more effort needs to be put in.

After five or so years of trying out various high street and high end make up products, I have finally found a routine that conceals and covers up my imperfections, and makes me feel as confident and happy wearing this minimalistic look.

Some people say if you have bad skin you shouldn't wear make up at all as it only worsens the problem, but I don't think this is necessarily true. If you cleanse your face properly twice a day and take your make up off before you go to bed, use a good skin care routine and treatment for your spots, then there is no reason why you shouldn't use make up to cover up your insecurities during the day. 

The key is not to cake it on, however, as this can sometimes amplify imperfections and make them look worse. 

I warn you now, before and after shots are coming up.

My skin is usually quite dry in the winter time, but for the past six months or so it has become quite oily to combination, causing me to break out a lot more. If I were to go out looking like this - and I have done - I wouldn't feel at my best.

This is me with my basic make up on. I would be happy to bump into anyone looking like this. It's funny how make up can make a difference to how we feel on the inside.

I am not a skincare or make up expert, and I have yet to find a miracle product for my skin but what I do use helps enormously and gives me the confidence boost I need.

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, toner, moisturiser, eye cream and Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

I LOVE the Liz Earle skin care - it smells amazing, feels amazing, and since I started using it, it has made my skin feel a lot smoother. It has not reduced my spots, but it has definitely improved the overall texture of my skin, as has Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. If I am having a particularly bad skin day I will put some Sudocrem on at bedtime, and by morning it has usually calmed down considerably.

Make up

Revlon Colorstay for oily/combination skin with Real Techniques buffing brush. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Porcelain. Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in Fair.

Rimmel stay matte powder in Translucent with Real Techniques powder brush and Bobbi Brown eye blender brush. 

Natural Collection blush in Peach Melba with Bobbi Brown blush brush.

Max Factor Masterpiece Max mascara, No 7 Amazing Eyes pencil in Brown, Real Techniques brow brush and Caudalie lip conditioner.

Using the right tools is crucial when applying make up to problem skin. I have never had better results than when I started to use good quality make up brushes. Foundation glides on and blends better, and powder sits nicely on the skin without making any of my imperfections stand out.

Top Tips

• Less is more - start with a little and build up if necessary. 
• Clean your make up brushes once a week with baby shampoo or a soap like Dove/Simple.
• Take your make up off before bed and have a regular skin care routine.
• Drink lots of water
• Have a few days a week without make up.

Are you lucky enough to have normal, spot-free skin? What are your top tips for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer with it? And are there any miracle products out there that actually work?!