Acne Medication and Advice: Acne Makeup Tips

Although your new acne medication may promise fast results in just 7 days, you will need to put your best face forward TODAY. No, you don't have to wear a ski mask before stepping out the front door. However, you just need a few creative acne makeup-concealing tips to help you look your best at school, work or play.

Remember -- makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it! Although concealing acne with makeup isn't difficult, there are some basic rules that you should always follow.

Your Basic Acne Makeup Tool Kit

There are 3 acne-hiding makeup weapons -- concealer, foundation and a finishing powder. Be sure to use only brand names that you trust. Don't trust your face to cut-rate products!

Oil-free makeup is the key to success here, so be sure to read the labels carefully. The last thing you want is to aggravate your existing acne problem by laying a fresh coat of oil on skin that has too much already. Choose a product that not only matches your skin tone, but also is hypoallergenic.

Before using any new brand, it's important to test the makeup by applying small dabs to a spot under your jaw to see how your skin reacts. You'll know within an hour or so after applying it whether or not you're going to have a problem. Nothing is worse than adding more blotches to an already colorful face.

Before You Begin

Wash your face using a normal face-cleansing product. Completely pat dry before applying your acne medication and then let your face air dry thoroughly.

The Concealer

With a light dabbing motion, apply the concealer directly to any dark blotches or red areas that the acne has produced on your skin. Blend the concealer in, using a disposable sponge. Use the concealer sparingly -- applied too thickly, it will look terrible when it dries. You can always apply more, if needed.

The Foundation

Use a light dabbing motion in applying the foundation. As with your concealer, use the foundation sparingly! With a sponge, blend the foundation and then reapply it if needed.

The Final Touch

A large makeup brush, when applying a light layer of oil-free powder, will take care of any shine that the acne concealer and foundation left behind and it will also give you an even and finished look.

Don't forget to throw away those disposable sponges when you are through, so that you don't transfer yesterday's skin oil to tomorrow's clean face!

Before You Go To Bed

It is best if you can remove your makeup as soon as you return home at the end of the day from school or work. You want your skin to breathe and your acne to get as much fresh air as possible.

Finally before you go to bed, wash your face thoroughly to remove every last trace of makeup. A thoroughly clean face will maximize the healing power of your sleep.