How To Disguise Redness Fast
First and foremost, start with your base. “Applying concealer first then foundation will simply mean you end up with too much coverage and feel cakey,” says Arif. “ Whereas if you apply your base first, using it just to even out skin tone, then apply concealer in the areas to cover the remaining redness you will have a much more natural look and you won’t have to bulk buy concealer.”
Before you even reach for your base though, it’s important to work out the root cause of the redness. “That way you can switch up the products you’re using and tweak your technique,” says Arif. “For example, you might want to apply with a brush or sponge rather than your fingers.” Here is Arif’s guide to adapting your approach…
If It’s Blemishes & Breakouts…
Excess oil production is a key cause of blemishes, oil-free formulas will be your best friend. If you have dry patches elsewhere just use the oil-free formula on the breakouts. “I also opt for a concealer with some yellow tones to help colour correct the redness,” adds Arif. “This way I can use less product and get a more flawless result. I love using the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £9.00 or Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £27.00 as these both provide full coverage and last all day.”
If It’s Rosacea…
Start applying a lightweight, calming formula, such as before you use any makeup. “If I’m covering redness of rosacea I have to accommodate that sometimes rosacea can make the skin feel warm to touch and so firstly I will apply all makeup with brushes, that way my hand heat will not add more warmth to the skin,” says Arif. “Secondly I will want to build up my concealer in thin layers this way the skin can breathe a bit better.”
When choosing foundations or concealer you are better off choosing a hydrating formula to help soothe the skin and keep the skin comfortable. Look to lighter, breathable formulas that you can build up, such as Erborian CC Crème SPF25 in Dore, £42.00.
If It’s A Red Flush…
“If you have redness but neither of the above, you can use any type of foundation or concealer,” says Arif, who still recommends opting for a foundation or concealer that contains some yellow tones. “This works especially great when using a lighter base such as a tinted moisturiser, opting for those yellow tones will even out the skin without you having to apply layer after layer,” Arif adds. Look to and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector SPF30 in 0n1 Petal, £42.00. Both are light, buildable and come in a wide range of shades to accommodate all skin tones.
And, If You Have Redness Around Your Eyes…
Some of us have red tones around our eyes, which can leave us looking tired. “Choosing an eyeshadow primer such as the Hourglass Veil Eye Primer, £30.00 will ensure that you have the right coverage level to disguise and have a smooth, long-lasting base that will not crease and best of all your mascara will smudge a lot less,” says Arif.