Camouflage Red Cheeks

READER STYLEMMA

“Hi Caroline, I hope you can help me with a make-up problem. I have really red cheeks and a few broken capillaries as well for good measure. The thing is, I hate wearing heavy foundation but I feel that I have to as otherwise I look roasted! I’ve tried using the ‘green creams’ under my foundation but they just leave a green tint on my face – which is worse than the red! Is there anything that I can do to hide or eliminate the redness?”

CAROLINE’S SOLUTION

Reader, you’re certainly not alone in this issue. Thanks a combination of genetics, climate and environmental factors, Irish people are particularly prone to developing red cheeks. Be aware that redness is a sign of sensitivity so before you go trying to cover it up, you need to get to the root of the problem and see can it be alleviated.

First Things First

• GP Check: The first thing I suggest is to check with your doctor that there isn’t an underlying medical condition or skin ailment which is causing your skin to become inflamed.
• Skincare routine: Secondly, I suggest that you look at your skincare routine and see whether it might be exacerbating the sensitivity. Perhaps you have an allergy to certain cosmetic products, or perhaps the products or techniques that you are using are too abrasive for your skin (e.g. some facial scrubs can be very harsh). There are many brands on the market nowadays which help sensitive skin e.g. La Roche Posay, E45 etc. Perhaps you might consider using products with 100% natural ingredients. Your GP or pharmacist will guide you as to what’s best for your skin type.
• SPF: Thirdly, make sure that you ALWAYS wear a minimum SPF15 on your skin. If you’re an outdoorsy type, consider an even higher SPF.
• Diet: Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Make-up Guidelines

• Base: Before you apply foundation, apply a yellow-based colour corrector to the red areas. My favourite is the Master Corrector (in “Yellow”) by Giorgio Armani* (pictured below). Apply sparingly using a concealer/foundation brush. It will look a little yellowy at first, but by the time you have applied your foundation over it, your skin will have the desired neutral tone.
• Foundation: In terms of foundation, you don’t need to wear a heavy formula once you have used a corrector underneath. Choose a yellowy shade rather than a pinky shade. A yellow base will cancel out your natural redness whereas a pink base will emphasise it. Secure your foundation with a translucent powder.
• Blush: The rule regarding blush is ‘less is more’. Avoid cool pink shades which will only draw out your natural redness. Instead, choose warm peach or brown tones.

*Giorgio Armani cosmetics are available at Brown Thomas Dublin (01-6056666) , Brown Thomas Cork (Tel: 021-4805555) and Dublin Airport. Telephone ordering available from Brown Thomas counters (postage and packaging fee applies).

I hope that this information is beneficial. If anyone else has any tips, be sure to share them with us!

Yours in style,
Caroline

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or via RSS.

Information contained in this blog post may not be copied or reproduced without permission from Style By Caroline.