How to apply makeup on acne prone skin

Since there are no overnight solutions to getting rid of acne we often have to find creative ways to mask our blemishes. Learning how to apply makeup on acne prone skin isn’t that difficult once you know what to do and what to avoid. And, knowing how to properly cover up your blemishes can really help with your self-esteem.

Start by washing your face gently with cold water and a mild soap. Pat your face dry and then use a toner that doesn’t contain alcohol. The next step is to lightly apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer.

Learning how to apply makeup on acne prone skin will take some time. There is an art to covering up blemishes so they look almost invisible instead of actually making your face look worse. You want to begin with a concealer. Your concealer is what hides your blemishes.

The trick is to use a shade of concealer that matches as close as possible to your skin tone. Apply by lightly dabbing your blemishes with concealer. Gently blend the concealer with the rest of your face but use it sparingly. You can always apply more concealer later but layering it on too thickly at first will make it cake when it dries and you’ll end up worse off than when you started.

The next step in how to apply makeup on acne prone skin is to apply your foundation. (If you have very few blemishes and the rest of your face is evenly toned you may wish to skip the use of foundation altogether.) Like your concealer, foundation is best used sparingly. Start by lightly dabbing it on the surface of your face and then gently blending it in with a cotton ball or disposable sponge. Reapply later if necessary to any areas that may need it.

Now continue with the rest of your make-up routine - eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, and blush. Brush on a little oil-free face powder as the finishing touch.

The purpose of facial powder is to reduce any shine left by your concealer and/or foundation. Face powder also helps to set your makeup. For best results use a large makeup brush and apply a light layer of powder.

It’s important to realize that some brands of makeup may have a negative affect on your skin. Learning how to apply makeup on acne prone skin is one thing, knowing what kinds of makeup you should be using is another.

You want to make sure that any brand of makeup you use will not clog your pores. For starters your makeup should be noncomedogenic. You can also find certain kinds of makeup products that contain ingredients which actually kill bacteria and help clean out your pores.

For hands on help on how to apply makeup on acne prone skin consult the cosmetic counter at your local department store. Some department stores hold special workshops and seminars on makeup application.

When it comes to applying makeup remember less is more. If you don’t know how to apply makeup on acne prone skin correctly you can end up looking worse than you did when your face was naked. A little makeup goes a long way. As I mentioned previously, putting product on top of product can spell disaster if you apply it too heavily. So apply your makeup sparingly. The key is to make your skin look as natural and makeup free as possible. Accent your positive features like your eyes or lips and play down any blemishes and redness by matching your makeup to your skin tone and applying it lightly and with care.

Following are four more tips you should know when learning how to apply makeup on acne prone skin.

Use a cotton swab to apply your concealer

One of the worst things you can do is apply your concealer with its original applicator. Instead use a cotton swab to apply your concealer then dispose of it. By using the applicator and returning it to the bottle you’re simply spreading bacteria.

Always use a fresh facial sponge

The same technique should be used when applying your foundation. Instead use a disposable facial sponge or cotton ball to apply your foundation. You want to make sure that each application is fresh and bacteria free.

Use light strokes

When first learning how to apply makeup on acne prone skin we sometimes end up irritating our skin more. Acne prone skin is also very sensitive skin. It doesn’t respond well to pressure, stretching and may become irritated under layers of heavy makeup. So proceed with care, use light gentle strokes when applying your moisturizer and foundation and try not to stretch your skin too much when applying your eye makeup.

Apply makeup to your entire face

One of the worst mistakes you can make is not spreading your moisturizer and foundation evenly across your entire face.