"Regardless of your ethnic background or skin color, eventually most of us will struggle with some kind of brown or ashen pigmentation problem. Skin will either appear lighter or darker than normal in concentrated areas, or you may notice blotchy, uneven patches of brown to gray discoloration or freckling. Skin pigmentation disorders occur because the body produces either too much or too little melanin. Melanin is the pigment produced by specific cells (melanocytes). It is triggered by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which creates the color of our skin, eyes, and hair. (Melanin actually has two major forms that combine to create varying skin tones.  Eumelanin produces a range of brown skin and hair color, while pheomelanin imparts a yellow to reddish hue.)

As far as skin is concerned, depending on how much is present, melanin does provide some amount of sun protection by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet light.  This explains why darker skin colors are less susceptible to sunburn and the overall effects of sun damage. But less susceptible doesn’t mean immune from problems."  Read More

About Ulerythema: A skin condition that primarily affects your cheeks and eyebrows, and may cause these areas to be red and bumpy.  Although the cause is unknown, the effects are lasting.  Ulerythema may cause damage to the follicle resulting hair loss (most commonly the eyebrow) as well as scarring.  The condition does however, usually improve with age.  Ulerythema is most commonly found within children and young adults.

Treatment: Most medical treatments for this condition have been unrewarding, however products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid may be helpful in providing short term relief.  Sun protection is highly recommended, frequent exposure to UV aggravates the skin’s delicate condition.

Skinplistic focused on three products that would be effective for this type of camouflage, however the techniques and products we discuss will also be relevant to other camo-concerns.

Note: Makeup tends to accentuate uneven skin.  When applying makeup to highly textured skin, blending is crucial.  Work the makeup into the skin using a sponge so it is doesn’t just sit on the surface.

CoverBlend Concealing Treatment with SPF 20

Benefits:  This product is designed to treat, conceal and protect your skin throughout the day.  Not only does it smooth your complexion but its non-transferable [won’t get on your clothes] and it’s water-resistant!  The water based formula provides UVA/B protection utilizing ultra fine titanium dioxide and also includes vitamin E to protect your skin from free radicals.  Paula Begoun (who is this) says, CoverBlend, “effectively conceals minor and major discolorations without looking heavy or feeling thick and greasy on the skin.”  She also says, “Although it appears thick in the jar it has a soft light texture that is surprisingly easy to blend.” 

Drawbacks:  It’s not totally natural.  Due to its matte finish, it may be more visible than other concealing products.  However, a spritz of water after application can make the skin appear dewy, and if you’re an ultra-oily person the matte finish would be a relief.   

Application:  Like I said earlier, in order to get the most natural look, blending is crucial.  Since brushes often leave streaks, apply the make up with a sponge.  First, apply the makeup to the defined edges of the area you wish to conceal.  Focus on softening out the defined lines.  This draws less attention to the area.  A sponge will allow you to press the product into the skin, rather than just wiping it across your face.

Paula’s Choice: View Paula’s Review

Cover FX SPF 30

Benefits: It’s a compact cream foundation available in 40 different shades!  It’s oil-free, non-comedogentic and its water-resistant formulation allows for all day wear.  Plus, its “dewy” finish will give life back to dull or dry skin.  Cover FX is dual function solution.  It can be used as a concealer and foundation, with the added benefit of sun protection (SPF 30).  Vitamin E and Bisabolol are both anti-inflammatory ingredients, which help reduce redness for sensitive or delicate skin.

When concealing a sensitive skin condition, it’s best to use products that don’t add irritation.  The line was designed by Lee Graff, a corrective makeup specialist who, since 1985, has helped thousands of patients mask a myriad of skin conditions.  This product was designed specially to camouflage serious skin conditions that leave people insecure and hopeless.

Drawbacks: It’s not cheep!  It runs about $37.00 and, like most cosmetics, lasts about 2-3 months.

Application: The CoverFX is a cream foundation/concealer.  While a concealer brush is recommended, you’ll probably end up patting down the makeup with your finger.  The Dermafix technology makes it bond to the skin.  This gives it a very natural look.  This product has amazing build-able coverage capability so you can give greater attention to problem areas without looking cakey.  Be sure to set with translucent powder and a puff.

NaturalFX is a lighter version which comes in a tube permitting an effortless application. 

Makeup Alley: User Reviews

Secret Camouflage

Benefits: This concealer provides perfect coverage with its two-toned nature.  As seasons change, so does the color of your skin.  This  product can be adjusted all year round to suit your changing complexion.  Plus, Secret Camouflage has aloe to soothe irritated or sensitive skin (blemishes).

Drawbacks: The consistency is thick and dry.  It takes a lot of work get the right blend.  You’ll probably end up using one side more than the other.  This product does not contain an SPF so sunscreen is imperative.

Application:  This product takes more work than most but the results are well worth it.  It comes in a two-toned compact so you can adjust the shade to match flawlessly.  To apply you’ll need a concealer brush (a small thin tipped, synthetic brush will do the trick!).  Swipe the brush over each of the two shades and blend it on the back of your hand to warm it up.  Once you have achieved the prefect color, remove excess product from the tip (remember, less is more).  Start with light brush strokes over the problem area or the edge of the problem area.  Again, soften the edge of any imperfection.  This will help eliminated the contrast between the affected area and your healthy skin.  After you finish blending the edges, apply it to the entire area.  Make sure to set with translucent powder and a puff (pressing into the skin) so you don’t smudge any of the makeup you just applied.

Makeup Alley: User Review (before and after photo)