Beauty Doc - Wearing makeup to hide pimples

Beauty doc tip: Whenever you are applying any makeup, make sure you start with clean hands; and wash your brushes and makeup sponge regularly in soapy water, rinse, then sanitize them (Isopropyl Alcohol is available from the chemist) to prevent the spread of bacteria onto your skin. Dirty brushes and sponges are more likely to cause spots than wearing makeup.

Hi Bella,

I am 15 and have bad pimples. I really hate having big pimples and just want them to go away. My mum says I can't use makeup, but I want to use foundation to hide them.
Please help me.

Makeup Girl

Hi Makeup Girl,

A regular gentle skincare regime is going to be a good start to clearing up your skin. Although, this is not an instant fix, more of a longer term plan, so in the meantime, try using a medicated concealer to help hide your spots. I'm sure your mum will understand how awkward it feels, and this type of treatment is a compromise for you both. Although medicated concealers are not recommended for using all over your whole face, they can be very positive for your self esteem, especially if you have some nasty big blemishes that you want to disguise.

If your skin has clogged pores and/or excess oil that is usually associated with pimples at your age, I would suggest that you not wear makeup everyday. Use foundation with care, and always make sure you remove all traces of makeup with makeup remover, then cleanse your skin once it is free of makeup, before you go to bed.

Going somewhere special with friends or trying to impress a hottie?? Look for the oil-free foundation formulas, and check out my guide to oily skin, acne and foundation in Beauty Doc. If wearing a little foundation gives you more confidence, I say go for it!

Makeup application: dab the medicated concealer directly onto the spot with a cotton tip, let it set, and apply a light coat of foundation, (only where you need it) with a nice clean sponge (Priceline have bags of disposable sponges for around $3). If you need more coverage on the spot, carefully blend on a touch more concealer, and finish by dusting on some translucent powder (Jurlique's lavender silk dust is perfect for oily skin, and contains no talc).

You may find that some makeup makes your skin worse, so if you can, try before you buy – most makeup counters offer samples that you can test at home. Wearing makeup may well not be the only reason why you get spots, but if you do break out after using certain foundations, you will have to really make an effort to find an oil-free foundation that is non-comedogenic (which means less waxy formulas, that don't clog your pores, which can then cause spots to pop up).

If you have a major dilemma on a big night out, and a nasty 'pus' head appears, then check out the "traffic light" formula on: THE ACNE SUPPORT GROUP'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SQUEEZING SPOTS. This site is very informative and has detailed (gentle) instructions on how to correctly squeeze the top off, (allowing enough time to heal) before you apply makeup. However, if you are inclined to get carried away, I think it is better to go the beauty spot approach! A small dot of taupe or brown eyeliner pencil has camouflaged many a last minute spot – remember to use a freshly sharpened pencil, a light touch, and keep it subtle!

A few last tips:

  • Change your pillow slip often.
  • Don't touch your face – hands off! You are transferring nasties every time you touch your face.
  • Don't pick, squeeze or touch your pimples – especially with unclean fingers / hands.
  • Remember to clean your makeup brushes and sponge frequently, and apply makeup and skincare with clean hands (keep a nail brush handy to make sure even your nails are spic n' span).
  • Find an oil-free foundation that you can use with a medicated concealer.
  • Work from the inside out by drinking lots of filtered water, and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegies. This also means reducing the amount of junk food and fried food in your diet.
  • To minimize bacteria from hair spreading to your face, secure your hair away from your face for sleeping.
  • Stay out of the sun as much as possible, and avoid getting sunburnt.

    Tea tree and lavender oil are handy to have in your bathroom, dab on with a cotton tip to help speed up the healing process.

    Let your natural beauty shine
    Bella *}{*

    For more information on oily skin, wearing makeup and pimples checkout these other links:

    Natural remedies for pimples >>> Faceart: the makeup webzine.
    FACEART: www.faceart.com >>> the makeup webzine.
    MaQ: www.maq.com >>> frequently asked Makeup Answers + Questions