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Make-up artist Kate Brooks
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"How do I cover up my scars with makeup?"
 "Dear Kate, I had breast
reduction surgery, and the
scars are fairly thick, deep
and reddish in color. How can
I use make-up to camouflage
the scars?"
 From your question, I can tell that the scars are fresh and will probably improve with time. Previous clients of mine have had the same operation and some of them have told me that although the scars will always be there, oral doses of vitamin e and time will help improve the appearance of scars. However, scars that are raised are definitely more difficult to cover than the average scar.
While you wait for the scars to improve naturally, there are a number of make-up companies that have an effective line of products and dense concealers made specifically to camouflage scars.
These companies include Dermablend, Mac, Joe Blasco, Ben Nye, Cinema Secrets, and Rcma. Both Mac and Dermablend also do a body line of make-up, which is dense and more opaque. Dermablend and Mac are available in department stores, and the rest of the lines, which are commonly used in the theatre and movie industry, are available at theatrical and beauty supply outlets.
The concealers are opaque enough to cover post surgical scaring. They are not too greasy, so it won't come off easily onto clothes. In addition, body makeup like this is not too heavy and won't look obvious. Heavy body makeup also has lasting power so you can go through the day with only one application. It is also great if you want to go to the beach because it is waterproof and won't come off until you scrub it off. In fact, products like this are used a lot in the movie industry to cover up tattoos on actors.
The best way to apply is as follows:
1. Have the following tools
- triangle sponges
- concealer brush
- two shades of concealer- one that matches the skin tone, the other lighter than skin tone
- green concealer- to counter act redness (available through most of these lines)
- moisturizer
- powder
2. Moisturize - a must when using a concealer
- Moisturizer is an important step, or else the make-up won't blend properly. Wait 5 minutes after applying moisturizer so make-up won't slide off
3. Apply Make-up with Sponge
- Apply the lighter concealer first concentrating on raised red areas. If the scars are very red, then mix green into the lighter concealer and apply with sponge to red area only. Omit green if scars not very red.
- Apply the concealer matching your skin tone with a sponge. Blend well.
- Use brush to blend away streak marks left by sponge.
4. Finish with a Powder
- Powder is used to set make-up, and makes make-up last longer as well as giving it a more uniform appearance. Like the concealer, the powder must be applied with a sponge.
Try this - and see how it goes. And don't forget to write me back if you have any more questions.
Kate
Read one woman's account of her breast reduction surgery.
Read about the exploding popularity of breast reduction surgery.
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