We’re not all born with the kind of smooth, blemish-free skin we see on some of our favorite celebs. Heck, many of them aren’t even born with that kind of skin…lol. Thankfully, there are some ways to fake the look and I’ve got some tips on how to do just that.
But before we get into that let’s just understand a few limitations with makeup. First, makeup can only correct discolorations like brown spots, redness, dark circles, etc. Texture (wrinkles, most pimples, raised moles, etc.) is not something makeup can correct. In fact trying to cover texture with makeup can make it look more obvious. You can do things like draw attention to other areas of the face (i.e. wearing a bright lip color to detract from a pimple on the forehead) when dealing with texture but you won’t be able to completely cover it.
Now on to the tips…
Skincare.
The best way to fake flawless skin is to treat it first. It sets a good foundation even if your skincare regimen doesn’t completely banish all your issues. The most basic thing to do is to cleanse, treat (issues like acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, etc.), and moisturize according to your skin type. Not sure of your skin type or where to get started with products to use? Check out Dr. Baumann’s Skin Type Solutions, a really quick quiz that figures out your skin type and a great database of information on what to use for your skin.
Live for Great Skin.
Make sure you get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, eat more fruit and vegetables and lean protein. All of these things are not only good for your skin, their good for your overall health.
Concealer, concealer, concealer.
If you have discolorations plaguing your gorgeous face, you need a good concealer that does a great job of providing full coverage but also appears lightweight and like your skin. Some of my favorite concealers currently include Stila Perfecting Concealer (a creamy liquid great for covering small spots and dark circles), MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (another creamy liquid great for covering small to medium spots and dark circles), Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer (yet another creamy liquid great for covering spots and dark circles but is also waterproof), and Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer (a great cream concealer that covers small, medium, and large spots, discoloration, and dark circles).
Honorable mention: MAC Full Coverage Foundation in Orange is awesome at covering up dark spots and discoloration on darker skin tones (say NC50/NW43 or darker).
There are of course a gazillion other concealers out there but these are currently my favorites right now.
For things like redness, uneven skin tone, sallowness, sometimes special types of concealer are required. I learned which colors were the best some years ago from Emmy Award winning makeup artist Eve Pearl when I bought her book Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery about six years ago. I strongly suggest picking up this book especially for those looking to become makeup artists. But here’s the idea in a nutshell:
Problem: Undereye bluish veins
Color Solution for Light/Med Skin: Light peach/salmon
Color Solution for Med/Dark Skin: Honey yellow/salmon/orange
Problem: Undereye red/bluish (looks purplish)
Color Solution for Light/Med Skin: Yellow/light peach/salmon
Color Solution for Med/Dark Skin: Honey yellow/salmon
Problem: Undereye dark brown/reddish
Color Solution for Light/Med Skin: Yellow/light peach
Color Solution for Med/Dark Skin: Honey yellow/salmon
How to apply concealer: When you put on concealer depends on which type you’re using and for what issue. Concealers designed to alter a moderate to severe discoloration issue (redness, dark spots, sallowness, etc.) go on first. If you have mild discoloration, put your foundation on first—you may not even need concealer after that.
Dab a bit on the back of your hand to warm the concealer so it goes on nice and smooth. You can use your fingers to apply, but I prefer using either a brush or makeup wedge to ensure a sanitary and smooth application.
Foundation.
There’s so many choices out there when it comes to foundation but you can narrow things down by knowing what your skin type is, what type of coverage you want, and what type of finish you desire. In general, liquid or creme foundations work best on normal to drier skin types while powder (loose or pressed though loose generally contains less oils than pressed) foundations work best on combination to oilier skin types.
Apply your foundation only where you need it and blend using a foundation brush (like MAC #190) or a makeup wedge.
My favorite foundations currently include Make Up For Ever Duo Mat (oily skin), BECCA Foundation Stick (all skins–but use in colder months for very oily skin), Make Up For Ever Face and Body (all skins, light to medium coverage), Make Up For Ever HD Liquid Foundation (medium to full coverage that looks natural, all skins).
Need more foundation tips? Check out Foundation 101 and How to Apply Streak Free Foundation.
Powder.
Powder helps to set your foundation and to keep shine at bay. Apply your powder with a brush like MAC #187 in a quick dusting motion to ensure a non cake-face look and spritz with a makeup setting spray like Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix or MAC Fix+.
My favorite powders currently include Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder (now only sold at Make Up For Ever boutiques), MAC Blot Powder (great for touch-ups throughout the day as well), and my all time favorite powder is BECCA Fine Loose Finishing Powder (like seriously, people will have a hard time believing you’re wearing powder and will think you just have great skin).
Blush/Bronzer.
Blush and bronzer both do wonderful things to wake up skin of all colors. To apply bronzer, use this trick I learned from the folks at Estee Lauder: apply in an “E” from the temples, sweeping to the hollows of the cheeks, and then sweep down to the bottom of the jaw for a natural sun-kissed look. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks.
For more blush tips, check out Blush 101, Blush Application Tips from Make Up For Ever, and NARS Blush Guide for all Skin Tones.
What are some of your favorite flawless skin faking tricks?
~Danielle
