Take Cover
So your chin's broken out, and your strapless gown shows off a little ink. Local beauty gurus dish on how to camouflage anything for a day.
The Problem
Pimples
The Products
Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, $17, Paula Dorf Magic Stick Concealer, $20, and i.d. BareMinerals Powder Foundation, $25; all at Rouge Cosmetics, 322 Derby St., Salem, 978-740-1044, rouge.com.
The Tricks
Ice the area to reduce swelling, then smooth on the sulfur-based buffering lotion (which treats it overnight). To cover the day of, "use a small, soft brush to apply concealer, then set with powder," says Andrea Ducharme of the Makeup Artists. "Layer again, and set again, until you achieve the desired coverage."
The Problem
Dark Undereye Circles
The Products
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer, $21, at Rachel's Makeup & Brow Studio, 176 Newbury St., Boston, 617-424-0153, rachelsmakeupstudio.com.
The Tricks
"Look for a yellow- or orange-toned concealer," says studio owner Rachel Lockhart. "That will help cancel out the bluish tones under your eyes."
The Problem
Tattoos, Bruises, and Dark Birthmarks
The Products
Kryolan DermaColor
Body Cover, $26, at Jack Stein Makeup Center Inc., 273 Summer St., Boston, 617-542-7865.
The Tricks
"Stage makeup masks dark areas better than regular makeup," says Luiz Filho, owner of Lúz Beauty (luzbeauty.com). "Use a foundation one shade lighter than your skin as a primer, then apply a second layer that matches your skin." Continue layering until the area is covered, and dust with a translucent powder.
The Problem
Raised Scars or Pitted Skin
The Products
None.
The Tricks
"Makeup is meant to cover discoloration," says Lockhart. "Unfortunately, you can't erase texture. Just apply makeup as if the scar wasn't there. The more makeup you put on it, the more attention you'll draw to it."
