I could go on a schtick about how you're beautiful just the way you are (cue the feel-good music here) but that doesn't detract from the total anxiety you might go through when you have to leave the house with a really bad breakout. All those well-meaning suggestions from perfect strangers about what to use ("Have you considered a dermatologist?"), the judgmental stares? Not fun. While you do your own thing and try to get your skin the way you want it, here are some videos from girls doing the same thing. Let's swap secrets about cover-up.
1. For acne scarring and rosacea on olive-toned skin, turn to Raji.
Raji's a big fan of dermarolling to combat acne scarring. She uses bareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer Cream in Medium, CC Cream, and Vasanti Concealer, which is great for dark circles. These products are harder to find in the United States, so you might want to replace that concealer with one more readily available, like the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer.
2. Carly Humbert's take is great for fair skin that is acne prone and dry.
For her routine, she lets her primer set for a minute to set — she prefers Kiehl's — before applying BB cream and then L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation. The Lioele BB Cream she prefers is great for dry skin sufferers: "It's super moisturizing, so if you have dry acne, flaky skin, this will help you moisturize and it's a really good base. Also, the coverage is amazing." The one downside of the BB Cream is it comes in only one shade. A more varied option would be the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, which comes in several. The L'Oreal foundation is buildable without being flaky, too.
3. Omabelle's tutorial is great for those with oily skin with hyperpigmentation and active breakouts.
Her preferred products revolve around oil control and long-lasting coverage: MAC Oil Control Lotion, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC45, L.A Girl Pro Concealer (which is only $2.99, heyo).
4. For severe cystic acne, Elaine is the one to turn to. (This was her skin as she began Accutane.)
Elaine also really likes the Lioele Triple Solution BB Cream. For concealing, MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ($20) does the trick. You want to use dabbing motions when you apply, don't smear it on (your face is not a windshield, your fingers are not wipers).
5. We can't forget Cassandra Bankson's, tips, either.
Her recommendations include Hourglass Veil Primer ($52), Make Up For Ever HD Foundation ($42), MAC Studio Finish Concealer ($19), and MAC Fix + ($22). Basically, MAC forever.
6. Raven Elyse's tutorial is pretty great too, and focuses on covering scarring and getting that dreamy, illuminated glow.
Her suggested products: E.L.F Primer and Acne Fighting Foundation ($6, each) L.A. Girl Pro Concealer (again!), Make Up For Ever Setting Powder ($34), Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundations ($34; she mixes shades for a more accurate complexion). To set, she's a big fan of the Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation for opaque, even coverage.
Acne-prone favorites seem to be L.A. Girl Concealer, Lioele BB Cream, and MAC Concealer. Are they in your stash too?
