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Melasma is a special type of hyperpigmentation caused by different factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, or interaction with irritating skincare products. This condition manifests as brown or dark grey patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
Anyone that has dealt with melasma will tell you that it’s one of the most annoying skin conditions. Not only is it hard to eliminate, but it’s also embarrassing for most women. Lucky for you, there are easy ways of covering up melasma without having to visit your dermatologist or seek over-the-counter medications.
Using makeup is one of the surest ways of concealing melasma. But what are some of the best makeups to use for this purpose? Continue reading to find out.
6 Best Makeup Foundations for Melasma
There are hundreds of makeups out there that can help conceal melasma. The best choice for you will depend on your preference, skin tone, and intensity of the condition. You can work with foundation, concealer, or both to treat melasma.
Whatever you settle on, ensure its a medium to high coverage product that’s the same shade as your skin tone. Some of the best foundations and concealers to use in concealing this condition include;
Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Foundation
Estee Lauder double wear maximum cover foundation is a well-known product that helps in concealing tattoos, dark spots, discoloration, and other types of skin conditions. This foundation offers full coverage with a matte finish and 24hrs staying power. It is also SPF 15 enabled and waterproof.
Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Foundation
If you are an outdoor person and are not only worried about melasma but also the harmful UV rays, the Maybelline dream urban cover foundation has the solution for you. With a 50 SPF, the Maybelline foundation provides full coverage and protection against harsh environmental factors.
This foundation is available in 18 different shades for your liking.
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation Makeup with SPF 25
Dermablend foundation is not only SPF enabled but works best with sensitive skins. This foundation is non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly. It’s also free of paraben, phthalate, triclosan, and sodium lauryl sulfate-free.
You can get this foundation in over 15 different colors and use it to conceal birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and redness besides the melasma.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer-Oatmeal
L’Oreal Paris concealer is an everyday wear makeup that works great in concealing melasma. Besides offering a matte finish, this concealer is water-resistant and non-greasy. L’Oreal Paris concealer is also long-wearing, with over 24 hours of wear time without fading or flaking.
This concealer is currently available in over 25 different shades.
Revlon ColorStay Full Coverage Concealer-Light Medium
Revlon ColorStay full coverage concealer provides medium buildable coverage with over 24 hours of wear time. This concealer is also non-greasy and crease-proof. The concealer has a creamy texture that allows easy blending and long wear time.
Revlon concealer is also formulated with beneficial ingredients such as salicylic acid to help heal other skin conditions such as acne breakout.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Tarte shape tape concealer is another popular product used in concealing melasma. This formula offers a full coverage buildup for over 16 hours of wear. It also provides a natural matte finish and contains a tape technology that helps smoothen out and reverse aging signs.
Tarte shape tape concealer also offers a 12-hour crease-proof without caking or smudging. You can use this concealer on the normal, combination, or oily skin types. This concealer is dermatologist tested vegan and waterproof with vital ingredients such as licorice root, mango butter, and Shea butter to help conceal blemishes and hydrate your skin.
How to Apply Makeup and Hide Out Melasma
After settling on your ideal makeup products, it’s now time to apply them to your face to conceal the Melasma blemishes. Use the following steps to achieve the best natural look;
1. Cleanse Your Face
Cleansing your face before applying any type of makeup plays a critical role in your end look. To ensure an even and smooth look, use gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser to get rid of makeup dirt, excess oils, and other debris on your face. Ensure to rinse the cleanser off and pat the face dry using a clean, soft cloth/towel before proceeding to the next step.
2. Moisturize
Moisturizing your face prior to makeup application plays an essential role in ensuring good hydration and a natural end look. This is especially critical for those with overly dry skin that may result in the makeup looking cakey. When choosing a moisturizer to use on your face, consider your skin type and the ingredient list of the product to avoid breakouts.
3. Apply An SPF 30+ Enabled Sunscreen To Protect Against Harmful UV Rays
Dermatologists recommend applying a 30+ enabled sunscreen to protect against the harmful UV rays when applying makeup during the daytime. You should take this action even when your foundation or concealer has sunscreen in it. Luckily, there are thousands of sunscreens out there to choose from, and all you have to do is pay attention to the ingredients list and your type of skin.
4. Create Your Makeup Base Using A Gentle Primer
Priming your face before applying makeup increases longevity and creates a smooth, even base for the foundation/concealer to hold onto without getting cakey or settling into your fine lines.
5. Apply Your Chosen Concealer
The next step after prepping your face is to now make the actual application. To conceal all the dark spots effectively, use a fluffy and stippling makeup brush for precise application and full coverage. Next, place a sufficient amount of the concealer at the back of your hand and, using the brush apply a thin layer of it on the said spots and blend outwardly.
6. Top It Up With Foundation
For a more even look, top up the concealer with a foundation of your choice. As with the concealer, apply a good amount of the foundation at the back of your palm, and using your fingers, blender, or makeup brush, apply it evenly on the affected areas.
7. Set Your Makeup
Setting your makeup ensures long wear with zero smudging or budging. You can set the makeup using a powder foundation or a gentle spray. If you opt to go with powder foundation, ensure to blend evenly after application for a more natural look.
Conclusion
Nobody chooses to have melasma. This skin condition can attack anyone, making you feel miserable and unfit. Though it may take time and a lot of energy to treat it using over-the-counter medications, you can easily get it covered up using different types of concealers and foundations. Above, we have highlighted some of the best makeup products to use in treating this condition. The ball is now in your court to take action and choose your preferred product to use in treating this menace.
