When I first began experimenting with makeup, I was bitterly disappointed. The only concealing cosmetics available were thick and heavy and had to be set with white powder. They covered the birthmark, but I wasn’t fooling anybody. I looked like I was wearing a mask and it had taken me nearly an hour to put it on! But that was decades ago. Today, with more advanced technology, even a dark birthmark can be covered easily with a much lighter makeup. So why do so many of us have trouble making the switch?
Dear Birthmark Buddies, I’ve gotten your emails and read your postings. For so many of us, classic Covermark, or some intricate combination of layer upon layer of makeup devised over the years has become such a safe hiding place that it’s just too darn scary try anything new. Horrible things could happen. The new makeup might come off with rain, sweat or swimming. It might rub off or just disappear without warning after a few hours. Who could risk it? I did it and so can you! For years, Sunday was my time to experiment, when I could safely try a new concealing makeup while I spent the day at home puttering around where no one could see me. And I found new solutions that worked! I covered my birthmark with a few strokes of the sponge and it lasted all day. Sure, you’re thinking, that’s fine for a pinkish mark, but what about mine? The products listed below have been selected for their remarkable opaque quality, which means they can even cover a birthmark the color of an eggplant. I encourage you to try at least one of them. You might be able to sleep that extra half an hour in the morning. And best of all, nobody has to think you’re hiding something under all that makeup, because these new formulas are so much more natural looking.
Smart Cover
These little tubes pack a powerful punch. Amazingly light, yet totally opaque, the makeup will cover just about anything. The creamy formula is applied with a sponge in only minutes and it sets without powder. Through their website they offer an introductory kit for about $30, so you don’t have to waste time and money with the wrong shade. Waterproof, smudge-resistant, long lasting. www.smartcover.com.
Keromask
Hard to find outside the UK, but worth the search, this creamy formula is ten times more opaque than traditional foundations. Waterproof, long-lasting, SPF 12. At $42 a tube, it’s expensive but a little goes a long way. They claim that a single tube can last up to a year. For a list of US retailers go to www.keromaskconcealer.com.
Dermablend
This line has been a Godsend to so many of us for so many years. But it can take a really expert hand to achieve a natural looking finish. So I’ve switched to their newest formula, Smooth Indulgence, and found it to be miraculously opaque and light. Darker birthmarks might need to layer it over the new Smooth Indulgence concealer, but it still won’t look heavy. It comes in nine shades to match skin tones from Scandinavian to African. I don’t bother with the setting powder, but Dermablend claims that with its use, the makeup become completely waterproof and will last up to 16 hours without touchups. $25 a tube. Available in the US and Europe. www.dermablend.com or link through our website.
Microskin
Developed by Linda Lowndes and chemist Leslie Pasco; this may well be state-of-the-art coverage. More than a makeup, it’s a simulated second skin that can last for days once applied. Sadly for many of us, it’s only available in Australia at the moment and requires a personal visit and training course. Find out more by linking through our website or go to http://microskin.com.au/.
Coverblend
Now you can feel like you’re pampering yourself when you put on your makeup. This creamy formula comes in a jar, and dries to a matte finish without powder. It’s long lasting and opaque AND it’s actually good for your skin, with moisturizing, light-reflecting ingredients, antioxidants and a broad spectrum SPF 20. Water-resistant. It comes in 14 shades for a good match. Link through our websiteor go to www.neostrata.com.
