How to Cover Acne Scars with Makeup - Pro Makeup Artist Tips on Makeup to Cover Acne Scars

Trying to learn how to cover acne scars with makeup? Easier said than done! You can hide acne scars with a heavy concealer, but it can be hard to achieve a natural look that blends in with your surrounding skin. The beauty products website Dermstore recently posted a great article with tips on makeup to cover acne scars from pro make up artist April M. Chaney. She is a Hollywood makeup artist, and a licensed esthetician who worked on ABC's Dancing with the Stars Whether you are going to a wedding or have a big date coming up, here’s are five quick tips on covering acne scars, at least for a few hours.

 

Step 1: Exfoliate & Moisturize

According to Chaney, the best way to make sure your makeup glides smoothly on your skin is to start with a clean, even surface. “As an artist, I like to work with a clean canvas,” she says. “Exfoliating is key, but don’t overdo it. You want to have a smooth surface to work with, and over-exfoliating or over-drying can cause peeling.” Another thing most people with acne-prone skin skip? Moisturizers–which is a no-no, according to her. “Even if you have oily skin, it is important to use a moisturizer,” she says. “The trick is to pick a moisturizer that’s right for you. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, always go with oil-free and non-comedogenic. I prefer lighter creams and gels, like this one.”

 

Step 2: Prime for Smooth Skin

According to Chaney, this is the most important step in using makeup to cover acne scars. Primers have many uses: they even out your skin’s surface, prep your skin for makeup, control excess oil, hold makeup in place and some even fill in acne scars. “If you have indented scarring like acne pock marks or icepick or boxcar scars, I love using Dermaflage Topical Filler,” says Chaney. “It fills in the indented area to eliminate the shadowing caused by uneven skin. Dermaflage creates a thin covering that is completely smudge-proof and friendly to sensitive skin.”

Step 3: Color Correction Makeup to Cover Acne Scars

To correct redness and uneven skin tone, Chaney suggests using a color corrector instead of your typical, single-tone concealer. “If you have discoloration from your acne marks, it is a good idea to do some color correction to neutralize the scar. Green neutralizes redness while yellow corrects purple scars,” she says. "You have to be willing to practice if you really want to learn how to cover acne scars. With makeup, sometimes the first attempt is not perfect, but you have to play around with different techniques." Beginners can get started with something like this Color Corrector Palette by Dermaflage

 

Step 4: Apply Foundation for Acne Scars

Here’s the greatest irony we all face: The more blemishes we have, the more inclined we feel to add layer upon layer of foundation. But here’s why Chaney thinks this is counterproductive. “After you have done your color correction you will find that you will need less foundation. Sometimes less is more. If you have uneven skin and you really cake on a heavy wax-based foundation, it can often highlight the imperfections. Try using a lighter hand with a product like Dermaflage Made in the Shade SPF26 Mineral Powder Foundation

Final Tip: Keep Your Brushes Clean

Another thing to keep in mind? Keeping your makeup tools clean. “Since I am working on multiple clients with my brushes, I am a bit fanatical about keeping them clean,” shares Chaney. “Most brush cleansers are alcohol-based but many have additives that can be irritating so read the ingredients and be careful with the fragrances. Under normal conditions, you don’t have to wash a brush every time you use it, but it is a good idea to wash anything that touches your skin at least once a week.” Don't lose hope if you are not red carpet ready on your first attempt - practice makes perfect.