How to Cover Scars with Makeup

How to Cover Scars with Makeup

Clear and fair skin is a part of your well look; everyone wants to look perfect for which proper care is needed to be done. You can compromise on your dress, shoes, perfumes etc. but cannot do so on your skin. Particularly the face and hands are the most exposed parts of your body through which people can even judge you.

However, taking extra care of your skin may lead sometimes to temporary breakouts as well as permanent acne and scars. You might have questions about how to cover scars with makeup. If you are searching for such queries, here is a proper guide for you. This article discusses not only how can you cover scars with makeup but also without makeup.

Definition of Scar

Before going into a deeper discussion it would be better to know about scars, their reasons and their types. What is a scar? A scar is a small bulging out visible mark that may arise due to the healing of an injury, as a natural response to the damaged skin and many more.

Sometimes people complain about oily skin but note that dry skin can also be then victim of acne. Among other reasons for acne scars, the countable ones with which we can cope are the excess use of cosmetics, not taking proper care of our skin, using dirty and static water and eating spicy foods.

Types of Scar

atrophic and hypertrophic scars

Among the types of scars, the major ones are discussed below.

a). Atrophic Scars

These kinds of scars are considered actual acne scars that become permanent over time and get the shape of discoloring. These include Boxcar scars, Ice pick and rolling scars.

  • Boxcar scars are oval in shape and have pointed vertical sides.
  • Ice Pick scars are relatively deep but narrow and are hard to treat.
  • Rolling scars appear as rolling depression over the skin.

b). Hypertrophic Scars

These types of scars are the outcomes of a deep wound or sometimes trauma. As a response to the wounded target body overproduces collagen for healing. These scars may take place anywhere on the body.

Definition of Makeup

Makeup is a collection of cosmetics used for body beautification, fairness and colouring and even for covering scars. Today it is not only limited to females but males can also do so. The common use of makeup is for the face (eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, cheeks, forehead lips). However, it can be used on the body.

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Why to Cover Scars with Makeup?

Scars may make you insecure about your body. Scars on the hands, legs and other areas of the body can be covered by cloths but scars on the face can only be covered by makeup. The question is what kind of makeup items can be used to cover the scars and how to cover scars with the use of makeup are not easy to answer.

The most effective ways of concealing scars are using cosmetics items which are more shining, covering and long-lasting. You can use pressing foundation, concealer, powder and other things to hide the scars. You should also visit the skin aesthetes to direct you about some techniques and combinations of these products.

Types of Make-Up

makeup items together but very clear

The following are the common makeup types widely used.

  • Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Mascara
  • Blush
  • Eye shadow
  • Eyeliner
  • Primer
  • Airbrush makeup
  • Bronzer
  • Highlighter
  • Lip gloss
  • Eye Primer
  • Setting spray
  • Lip liner
  • BB cream
  • Eyebrow pencil
  • Face powder
  • Kohl
  • Permanent makeup
  • Eyebrow
  • Lipstick
  • Liquid Foundation
  • Lip balm
  • Contour

Preparing and Priming the Skin

preparing and priming the skin

Applying makeup directly to your skin may be harmful. Here is a guide for you on what should you do before using makeup.

  1. Cleanse Your Skin First The first step is to wash and cleanse well your face with cool water before applying any product.
  2. Exfoliate Your Skin with a Chemical Exfoliator to Remove Dead Skin Cells After washing out your skin with cool water apply the exfoliator that removes the dead skin cells and gives you a soft and smooth texture. It will help you close your pores and will save you from clogging your pores.
  3. Moisturize Your Skin with a Lightweight, Hydrating Product During Night Time Take extra care in summer, just wash your skin with cool water and avoid using any moisturizer. Moisturize and hydrate your skin only during winter. Avoid using greasy and oily products. Only use Lightweight products.
  4. Use Skin Serum that Contains Vitamin C or Hydroquinone Use citrus fruits that contain Ascorbic acid or vitamin C. Buy products that Contains Vitamin C or Hydroquinone which is very effective for the skin. You can also go for skin serum which is not a bad option.
  5. Apply Primer to Your Skin Use a primer to smooth your skin’s texture and provide a solid base. It will soften and smoothen your skin.

Effective Seasonal Makeup Items

Sometimes people complain about oily skin and sometimes about dry one. You should take into account the season which is passing and then use related items accordingly.

  1. Summer Skin Tone During summer the skin becomes oily and the tone becomes a little bit darker. So you must avoid oily and greasy items and take scrubs that minimize the oil concentration. Also, use non-oily and non-greasy items. Always read the label over the products before buying them.
  2. Winter Shade The scenario is the opposite for winter. On account of low temperature the skin tone changes to fair but becomes dry and sometimes extremely dry. So for such a situation, you must avoid the items used in summer. Now go for oily, greasy and moisturizing items so that your skin may become fair and overcome the dryness.

Use of Makeup Products to Cover Scars

The best way to cover scars is do some makeup. Follow the listed guide before going to buy cosmetics so as to cover your scars with the help of skin makeup.

Match Your Skin Tone to Your Makeup

The first thing to notice is your skin tone. Match your skin tone and your makeup. Only a close combination of your skin tone and concealer can grant you a natural appearance. Note carefully your skin tone under natural light and select items that your scars can blend in. Make a collection for summer and one for winter as well.

Use Mattifying Concealers, Liquid Foundations, and Setting Powders

Always pick up the items that can give you a matte finish and make your skin texture smooth and soft. Use mattifying concealer, liquid foundation and pressing powder that lasts long.

Buy Products Labeled as Non-Comedogenic or Oil-Free

Sometimes the comedogenic and oily products can clog your skin pores and can worsen your scars and acne. So read the label and buy oil free products (particularly during summer).

Use Lightweight, Blend-able, Full-Coverage Products

The next thing you should do is buy products that are blend-able to your skin and make you feel lightweight. For getting such results use moisturizing or emollient items.

Camouflage to Cover Scars

If the term is new for you, camouflage is specially designed for discolored and dark spots. These act like a paste to conceal the permanent scars. If you scars are relatively darker than your face go for it.

Go for Long-Lasting Formulas

Before going to buy products for covering your scars read the label and pick the one that claims a long-lasting effect. These are better to get rid of midday touch-ups.

Use Waterproof Cosmetics (During Summer)

Sometimes you use products that blend up with sweat, water, tears, and humidity. Waterproof products may save your makeup during summer form sweat and stop you from instant touch-ups.

Use Better Makeup Remover

Before going to bed always remove your makeup because it may clog you skin pores. Use a better makeup remover that may cleanse your face well.

Pick up a “Pore-Eliminating” Foundation Primer for Your Base Layer

Primers are used before makeup and can give you lasting effect. But choose the one that is pore-eliminating or pores less. It can feel you a smooth and soft texture. If it does not help in scar removing at the least it can fill it.

Use any Concealer to Cover Scars

Concealer differs than foundation in its thickness. It is so for the purpose of hiding the scars. Always use it over your foundation. Select your concealer very carefully and use it accordingly.

Concealers for Acne Scars and Breakouts

Try concealers that are particularly designed for acne and breakouts. Choose the one with the label of acne concealer or breakout concealer.

Color-Correcting Concealer to End Dark Spots

Among concealers seek out the one that correct or correlate your color and cancel out the dark spots. Color-correcting concealers are most effective than ordinary one. Use a layer of foundation over the color correcting items.

Acne Type and Color and Related Concealers

It would be better for you to determine your acne type and then try out the related concealer. Without finding out the acne type it is not good idea to pick up and start using concealer. Using warm shade on cool acne tone may imbalance it. For light skin a golden peach concealer is recommended. For medium skin also a peach undertone. If your skin is a little bit darker then dark orange is best for you.

Concealing Different types of Scars

As mentioned in the previous section that determine your acne type and use the concealer accordingly. Here are the types of acne color and the related concealers.

Concealing Red Scars

For red acne scars a green or yellow-based concealer is better to use for red effect. Do not mix up the other products with color correcting products. Allow each one to do its job perfectly.

Hiding Purply/Bluish Scars

For purple or bluish scars the most effective color-correcting is a peach-toned concealer. It would give you a natural effect.

Concealing Faded White Scars

For covering up the faded white scar always go for a dry and waxy concealer but the shade must be a bit darker than the skin tone. Always use a fine eyeliner brush; this technique is termed as painting out.

Apply Airbrush Makeup or Spray-on Foundation

airbrush makeup

These products are much expensive and can be sold out on professional level. It also needs practice for best results before using it. If you are a professional makeup artist this is a much needed tool for you. Often elite clients are willing to give extra pennies for it.

Select a Product With Healing Ingredients

Sometimes it is hard to cover up scar regularly with makeup. However, there is an option of scar healing products for which you may go. Always prefer the products contain Healing Ingredients such as Quercetin, Petrolatum, and Vitamin C.

How to Cover up Scars Without Makeup

You can also cover your scar if it is not on the exposed area. Scars on the hands, legs, upper side of the forehead, near ears, neck etc. can be easily covered by using different techniques.

1. Try a Different Hairstyle

If the scar is on your forehead you can hide it through your hairstyle, adopt a hairstyle that can cover your prominent scars or acnes. You can also cover the acnes on your neck, near ears.

2. Cover scars under clothing

You can cover scars on your hand, elbow, shoulder, legs etc. area always cover it under your clothing. For hand scars use full sleeves shirts, for leg scars avoid shorts.

3. Wear jewelry

If the acne is on your wrist you can wear a watch, bracelet, ring or jewelry to cover it up.  

4. Try Concealing or Micropore Tape

Concealing or micropore tape is also used to cover scars. It is a type of tape that matches your skin tone. So it would a good choice for you.

5. Try Camouflage Tattooing

If the scar on your body is more than 2 year old and covering it up with makeup or without makeup is hard. You are directed to visit a surgeon who will tattoo you scar with your skin tone.

6. Get Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is only recommended for hyper-pigmented scars. It is also a technique through which hyper-pigmented scars can be covered up.

Conclusion

Scars may arise over your body anywhere; sometimes it is permanent while sometimes temporary. The first and foremost idea in your mind may raise that how to cover scars with make-up? The most effective ways of concealing scars are using cosmetics items which are mattifying, full covering and long-lasting.

You can use pressing foundation, concealer, powder and other things to hide the scars. You can also cover your scar if it is not on the exposed area. Scars on the hands, legs, upper side of the forehead, near ears, neck etc. can be easily covered by using different techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

How scars can be covered?

The most effective ways of concealing scars are using cosmetics items which are mattifying, full covering and long-lasting. You can use pressing foundation, concealer and powder to hide the scars. Scars on the hands, legs, upper side of the forehead, near ears, neck etc. can be easily covered by using different techniques.

Can You Cover Scars with Makeup?

Yes, you can cover scars with makeup. Use the cosmetics items which are mattifying, full covering and long-lasting. You can also use pressing foundation, concealer, powder and other things to hide the scars. Match your skin tone and your makeup. Only a close combination of your skin tone and concealer can grant you a natural appearance.

Can You Cover Scars without Makeup?

Yes, you can cover your scar if it is not on the exposed area. Scars on the hands, legs, upper side of the forehead, near ears, neck etc. can be easily covered by using different techniques. Wearing jewelry, bracelets, watches, and rings work well for hand or wrist scars, try concealing tape and camouflage tattooing also get microdermabrasion.

Which products should you use for your scars?

Use the cosmetics items which are mattifying, full covering and long-lasting. You can also use pressing foundation, concealer, powder and other things to hide the scars. Go for Long-Lasting Formulas, use Lightweight, Blend-able, Full-Coverage Products, take Products that are labeled as non-comedogenic.

Can products of summer be also used in winter?

No, you cannot use the same products in both summer and winter. Avoid oily and greasy items and take scrubs that minimize the oil concentration. Also use non-oily and non-greasy items in summer. While in winter use oily, greasy and moisturizing items that your skin may become fair and overcome then dryness.

Louisa Jane

Passionate beauty blogger exploring skincare, haircare rituals, and beauty secrets, guiding readers toward radiant skin and confidence.

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