How to Apply Makeup to Cover Facial Scars

Use makeup to cover up scars on your face.

There are many ways to improve the appearance of scars. Scars can be improved with scar camouflage makeup as long as the makeup is applied in an effective way. Knowing the proper technique to cover up your scars will make the makeup look natural and the scar less noticeable.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Identify the types of scars you have. Red scars and scars that are either depressed (hypotrophic) or raised (hypertrophic) can be improved with makeup.

2. Order corrective camouflage makeup online. Corrective camouflage makeup that is especially formulated for scars will be easier to apply, will last longer and will probably be more effective at cover up. However, you can experiment with colors first by selecting from makeup at your local drugstore.

   Choose several shades of makeup -- one that is close to your natural skin tone, one that is a shade lighter, and one that is a shade darker. Also buy face powder to match the color of your skin.

3. Clean your face well with soap and water or a cleanser. In addition, home microdermabrasion followed by a moisturizer makes for a smooth "palette" on which to effectively apply your scar camouflage makeup.

4. Apply foundation to your entire face. Apply a thin coat of foundation the color of your natural skin tone to your entire face. Let this set a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

5. Apply makeup to cover hypotrophic scars. If your scar is depressed (sunken in, or hypotrophic), use a foundation shade that is lighter than your natural skin tone to fill in the scar. If the scar is red, you might find that it will help to lightly use a green cover stick before applying the foundation, as green counteracts red. Do not over-do this application to avoid "cakiness." Let it "set" for a few minutes before proceeding to Step 7.

6. Apply makeup to cover hypertrophic scars. If your scar is raised (hypertrophic) and red, use foundation in a color that is close to your natural skin tone. If the scar is raised but not red, use foundation makeup that is slightly darker than your natural tone. Do not over-do this application. Let it set for a few minutes before proceeding to Step 7.

7. Apply blended foundation around the scar. Blend foundation that matches your skin tone with the color you used for the scar. Lightly dot the blended makeup around the scar. Carefully blend the dots with your finger.

8. Apply loose powder. Use a small powder brush to apply powder to the scar. Use a bit more than you would on the rest of your face. Let the powder set for a few minutes, then go back and use a larger powder brush to sweep off the excess. Use this excess powder to lightly cover the rest of your face.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider trying silicone scar sheets to reduce red and raised scars.

References

• Cover Up Makeup: Cover Up Makeup for Scars