Behind every scar is a tale; a tale of bravery, trauma or stupidity. My latest addition is a long red and purple line that runs down the middle of my leg – my prize for enduring five hours of knee surgery last August. I don’t mind my scar and I didn’t think twice about wearing shorts on a recent holiday but I’m going to be a bridesmaid soon and my dress has a split which perfectly showcases it. So I’ve been hard at work devising Plan Cover-up. To my surprise, it’s really easy to cover a scar. No matter how big or angry said scar is.
You’ll need these three makeup bag essentials which, handily, can be used on your face for non-scar related beautifying.
Step 1: Primer
Any primer will do the job. Well, any makeup primer that is. Don’t go splashing Dulux Wood Primer on your skin. I use NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm. Discovered by beauty vlogger NikkieTutorials when she ran out of moisturiser while at her boyfriend’s, it contains glycerine which creates a tacky layer in which the foundation sticks to. Pour a little over the scarred area, rub it in and leave it to dry for a few minutes.
Step 2: Colour corrector
This is where the magic happens. Take a look at your scar, decide what colour it is and then pick a corresponding colour corrector (see below). Mine is red and purple so I use a green colour corrector. I love the Urban Decay Naked Skin range but Max Factor’s Colour Corrector Sticks are also good. If you have a few colours to correct, go for a palette – the Sleep Makeup Colour Corrector Palette is a brilliant buy.
What colour?
ζ Lilac – Cancels out yellow tones on light skin or dark circles on medium skin
ζ Peach – Conceals blue and purple on medium and dark skin
ζ Yellow – Neutralises purple and blue on all skin types
ζ Pink – Conceals blue on fair skin
ζ Green – Cancels out red and purple on fair and medium skin
Liberally blob the corrector all over the scar and then blend it in with your fingers or a blending sponge. If you can still see colour underneath, apply another layer.
Step 3: Foundation
The colour corrector should have cancelled out any discolouration so the foundation will simply even everything out. A heavy coverage is better but use what you have. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is my favourite foundation as it gives you a natural, even tone that you can build. Simply dot it over your scar and blend it in using your fingers or a blending sponge.
That’s it. No more scar. Here’s mine.
