Nobody has perfect skin, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Whether you are 13 or 30, you can still be affected by ache and blackheads popping up at the worst possible moments, and dark circles are something most people see when they wake up in the morning. You might have dark patches, light patches, scars or facial hair, dry skin or oily skin: but that’s ok. These are all normal things which affect the majority of the general population every single day.
However, whether it is for a special occasion, or for daily use, many people utilize makeup as both a way to boost their confidence, and as an art form to express themselves. If this is the case for you, and you are looking to find the right makeup routine to help hide some of your blemishes in order to leave you with a smooth, natural-looking glow, then here are some tips on how to tailor your makeup routine to suit your personal complexion.
The four skin types
There are four main skin types which are used to describe the basic condition of the skin. The condition of your skin can vary throughout your life and can be affected by a range of different environmental factors, such as stress and climate, as well as being affected by your hereditary genes. In essence, your skin type is determined by how oily or dry your facial skin is; oily prone skin is often caused by an overproduction of sebum, a glandular product of the skin, and can also be influenced by how much a person sweats. This often also results in having enlarged, visible pores in the skin. On the other hand, dry skin is a term given to skin which is affected by an underproduction of sebum, and often low sweat production is also linked to dry skin.
‘Normal’ skin is a term used to describe a well- balanced skin type, where sebum production is ideal. Healthy skin is also well regulated by Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), which help to protect the skin from damage and maintain adequate moisture levels. The fourth skin type is combination skin, and this is where the condition of the skin varies throughout the face. Often this means that the skin on the forehead, chin, and noise (also referred to as the T-Zone) is oilier than the cheeks and the rest of the face, which is usually normal or dry skin.
In order to create a smooth, flawless finish with your makeup application, you first need to address your skincare routine. As oily skin is affected by excess moisture and is prone to breakouts, a daily facial scrub is beneficial to minimize spots and shine, in order to create a matte finish. You should then use a light cream which absorbs into the skin without leaving any residual oil behind. You can also get creams which help to prevent spots. For dry skin you will want a nourishing facial wash, and you should try to avoid using any harsh chemicals which may further reduce the moisture of the skin. Try to find creams and washes which have enriching oils, such as Aloe Vera. Normal skin will also only need a light wash and cream, as you do not want to interfere with your skins natural balance by using too many harsh products. There are several combination skin creams and washes which have been specifically designed to treat both the dry and oily skin segments of the face.
Blemishes and skin condition
The face is the area of skin which tends to face a lot of environmental damage, from excess sunlight to harsh weather. Therefore, it is no wonder that the face tends to suffer from a lot of skin blemishes over the years. Blemishes can include dark circles, and reddening of the skin, as well as signs of aging, such as pigmentation changes. One of the most common blemishes is acne, which occurs when excess oil becomes trapped in the pores of the skin, creating raised areas of skin which contain small amounts of puss and bacteria. Acne can sometimes be controlled using a specifically tailored skin care regimen; however, sometimes chronic acne will cause breakouts, no matter what skin care routine you use. In these cases, it is beneficial to seek treatment from a dermatologist who can assess your skin and suggest the best course of action for you. The Huntington Dermatology & Cosmetic practice is able to treat a range of dermatological conditions, including not just acne, but also acne scars. Acne scars often occur when large spots damage the skin, causing the skin to scar rather than to fully heal. These create visible patches on the skin. While acne scars cannot be treated with lotions, there are procedures which can help to make them less noticeable, such as laser skin resurfacing.
Skin pigmentation
The pigment, or color, of your skin, is affected by a number of different factors, but the most important pigment is Melanin. The more melanin which is produced by the skin, the darker your complexion will be. However, skin coloring is not as simple as having light, or dark skin. There are a variety of shades and undertones, and it is important to find one which best suits you if you would like your makeup to appear natural and flawless.
For Caucasian skin, there is often a misconception that everyone has ‘porcelain skin,’ but this is only the case for the palest of complexions. If your skin has a natural ivory hue, then you will want to use a foundation which has a soft pink pigmentation. For someone with a medium-light skin tone, with a light brown undertone, you will want to use ‘bronze’ or ‘honey’ toned makeup. Dark brown skin colors can be more difficult to shop for, as there are a range of different undertones for brown skin, with fewer options for foundations widely available. Consider whether your skin has a pink, orange, golden, or olive undertone, and find a color foundation to match. Dark brown skin is also the most common skin type affected by hyperpigmentation, where some areas of the skin can be darker than others. In these cases, you may benefit from using a combination of different foundations, as well as an all-over, color correcting concealer.
Once you have a good skincare regime in place and are finding ways to manage skin blemishes, then applying makeup will become easier. Using the right pigment for your skin, and choosing the right coverage, will result in an effortless and natural looking finish.
