How to Cover Flaws with Makeup

Since nobody is perfect, we all have what we consider either minor or major flaws we'd rather not have. Surgery is not your only option to achieve the look you want. Makeup is indeed the best and cheapest way to camouflage imperfections and cover flaws.

Redness, Blotchiness, Spots

Foundation is the cure-all for evening out skin tone and hiding pimples. For extra smooth skin, start with clean, dry skin. Apply a light moisturizer such as Neutrogena anti-wrinkle cream which soaks up and dries quickly.

Apply a cream formula foundation evenly with a wet sponge. Yes, you can use your fingers, as long as they're clean. This often helps the makeup look more natural. Blend in thoroughly. If needed, you can apply a second layer of foundation after the first dries. Set with loose translucent powder. If you use concealer for extra coverage on dark spots and blemishes, apply this after foundation, but before the powder.

Scars, Port Wine Stains, Birthmarks, Rosacea

Sometimes foundation doesn't cover the flaw completely. There are many products on the market designed specifically to cover up scars and port wine birthmarks. Dermablend™ is a favorite and is not limited to your face. Whichever brand you choose, a waterproof formula is ideal, not only for a rainy day, but for hot and humid weather.

The trick is to choose the shade that is closest to your skin tone. If your skin is darker in the summer months, you may need to have a darker shade on hand. Don't be reluctant to blend as this can be the best way to find the perfect shade.

Wide Nose

To make your nose look thinner, use dark, matte blush or bronzing powder on the sides to recede the areas. Adding white eye shadow will bring out the center further. To widen your nose, reverse the process.

Wide or round, Full Face

If you want to thin down and elongulate a wide or round face, again utilize your dark blush or bronzing powder to shade the sides of your face and jaw line. Matte colors look more natural and play down fine lines and wrinkles.

To create the illusion of higher cheekbones, use a facial powder four shades darker then your natural skin tone and apply it just under the bone.