Clean Foundation!

I usually never wear foundation because it makes my skin look worse. BUT I have to tell you all about CoverGirl Clean! It's rocking my world. I don't have to use concealer anymore. If feels light as air, but covers my flaws. I put on one coat with my finger tips, let it dry and then apply another to problem areas. Then dust with loose powder. And it's less than $10. Enjoy!

Reader Recommended 3

One of my helpful readers recommends Benefit bronzing powder - see photo : Bronzing & Highlighting face powder duo - $28.00. I like using this bronzer because it helps define my face and takes the emphasis away from my lumpy blemishes.

Here are some tips on how to apply it right :

Brush On Bronzing Powder - With a circular motion, lightly coat the brush end with bronzing powder.

Cheekbone : Using a circular motion, start powder application on the cheek apple and brush on bronzing powder back to meet the hairline. (Smile while applying; this brings out the cheek shape for easier application). Reapply to create stronger color intensity and cheekbone shaping.

Jawline : Using a circular motion, apply bronzing powder onto jaw line and brush down below chin. This effect defines the jawbone for a stronger facial profile and defined chin shape.

Nose and Lip : Using the brush side, brush down lightly applying bronzer to each side of the nose and under the lower lip. This effect will thin the nose shape and make the lips appear larger.

And remember LESS is MORE!

Finishing Touch!

Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Matte Finishing Veil by Physicians Formula!

This stuff rocks! I found it in RiteAid at the weekend and I love it.
Only $12.95.
Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Dermatologist approved. Non-comedogenic.

Can be worn alone or over make-up to gently absorb shine and minimize the appearance of pores. Flow-through system automatically delivers powder through brush to eliminate mess and contamination.

Zero Oil

Got shiny patches?
Try Zero Oil by Origins.
Instant matte finish. When everyday hassles like heat, humidity, or stress send already overzealous oil glands into overdrive, skin faces a surplus of shine, looks dingy, feels totally tacky. Nature’s master-mattifiers, including oil-foiling Silicates, astringent Winterbloom, plus calming Chinese Camphor, instantly zero in skin-spoiling oil and blot up greasy shine without overdrying. Creates a smooth, invisible finish that stays matte all day. There are no streaks on cheeks. And forehead, chin and nose show positively no glow.

HOW TO USE: Shake well. Apply under or over makeup.

MakeUp : Tip No. 9

Does MakeUp that claims to fight acne really work? Can we hide and heal at the same time? The answer is...not really. When small quantities of active ingredients are combined with other chemicals used to create MakeUp the resulting fighting power is greatly diminished. But I guess something is better than nothing. Look for creams containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

MakeUp : Tip No. 8

Whatever you cleansing regime in the morning, put your MakeUp on just before you leave the house. Let the medication in your facial wash and moisturizing creams have time to start working before plastering on the MakeUp.

MakeUp : Tip No. 7

Clean your MakeUp brushes and sponges frequently. Unfortunately they are bacteria magnets! And half of the fight against blemishes is reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin. Generally, I just wash my applicators with the liquid wash from my skin care regime. But if you want to be really thorough - spray them with isopropyl alcohol after every application as well.

MakeUp : Tip No. 6

In the summer months we all sweat more and covering up acne can be a challenge - so don't try so hard. I suggest you forget foundations altogether and be liberal with the bronzing power! Surprise yourself and let your skin glow for a change. Use a medicated concealer stick, a sheer powder to absorb oil and embrace a more natural, beachy look. Leave you acne woes behind, have fun in the sun and make it a summer to remember.

MakeUp : Tip No. 5

The Touche Éclat by Yves Saint Laurent is wonderful for concealing acne scars. Especially older dark marks that leave a lasting stain. CLICK HERE to buy from Nordstrom for $40. Available in 4 shades.

MakeUp : Tip No. 4

Brush on an oil-free translucent powder to soak up excess oil. Carry a compact in your bag and reapply often. An oily face is unattractive and make spots and blemishes look worse as they catch the light.

MakeUp : Tip No. 3

Don't give in to the temptation of using cleansing wipes instead of a your usual evening regime. Nothing beats a medicated facial wash and water. I know it can be a pain in the ass after a night out or a long day - but your skin will show its gratitude in the morning! They may seem like a quick fix, but they'll just leave MakeUp particles behind impacting the problem. Trust me.

MakeUp : Tip No. 2

You should aim to conceal what you can without looking like a drag queen! Have you ever tried emphasizing you eyes or lips to take the focus away from your skin? Present your face to the world in the most natural looking way possible. Wear just enough concealer to make you feel good about yourself and your inner beauty will shine through. This philosophy has worked well for me and helped me come to terms with those spots that are just too sore or awkward to be covered up anyway.

FACT : Most people don't notice half of what you see in the mirror.

MakeUp : Tip No. 1

I love MakeUp! I have concealed my blemishes since I was 14 years old. MakeUp has enabled me to create a mask and be the pretty girl my mother always wanted. I've taught myself lots of tricks and I'm happy to share them with you.

Tip No. 1
MakeUp makes acne worse. Don't listen to the woman with the perfect skin at the cosmetics counter! Have MakeUp-free days as often as possible. Take off your MakeUp as soon as you get home form school or work.