Tips for covering problem skin

Hands up if you’re well past puberty but still suffer from imperfections and blemishes? Keep them up if you’re sick of slathering your face with product, only to look like this ice cream?
Yeah, I feel you.
I’ve had over 10 years of experience in dealing with problem skin. Whiteheads, blackheads, oiliness – you name it, I’ve suffered through it, and on bad days, all at the same time!
While my oily, acne-prone skin may be the bane of my existence, I’ve perfected the art of covering it. So, don’t let your skin get you down - let my lessons learnt be your saving grace!
#1 Invest in a mattifying primer
A mattifying primer is a godsend for those with oily skin – especially if you find that by lunchtime, your foundation has slid right off your face. It works as a barrier between your make-up and skin (to help keep your pores clear and prevent future breakouts). It also controls shine and ensures your make-up applies easily and lasts the distance! MAC Prep and Prime Skin helps to blot away excess oil and reduce redness, so give that one a go!
#2 Make good use of tools
My life changed the moment I decided to start using application tools, rather than just pushing them to the bottom of my make-up bag. I always use an egg-shaped beauty sponge (like the QVS Deluxe Egg Sponge) to apply my foundation. Not only does it keep my bacteria-ridden fingers off my face, but it also delivers an even application every time. The pointed tip is great for smoothing over smaller areas, like the nose and eyes.
The same goes for concealer. Use a high-quality brush, like the Estee Lauder Concealer Brush, to apply product and cover those pesky blemishes.
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#3 Powder for president!
Powder is the blemish-prone, oil-slicked gal’s best friend. I’m a huge fan of Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover. The mineral powder covers redness, imperfections and enlarged pores and offers a perfect, airbrushed finish. On the days I wear it, people will often ask me, “how is your skin so flawless?!” And they don’t realise how much of a compliment that is!
#4 Go make-up free
I understand how hard it can be to steer clear of make-up, especially on those days when your skin is throwing a tantrum. However, going barefaced every so often can do your skin the world of difference. You can read more about the benefits of going make-up free here. Why not try #makeupfreemonday and swap your foundation for a luxurious moisturiser?
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While these tips are great for covering my troubled skin, I'm also working towards clearing it up for good. Which means not only using the right skin care products, but also starting from within. These articles are a great help if you're looking to do the same:
Do you suffer from oily, acne-prone skin? What tips do you have to ensure your face looks flawless?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
83 Member Comments
Good tips. Bb creams are great for this.I was pretty lucky, I never got pimples..
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OMG that picture of ice cream is so... MEAN!
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Bare face and good skincare routine, and a must healthy whole food plant based diet. Then my skin will cooperate. As soon as I try some complicated skincare routine, my skin goes mad! Also if I wear spf...oh my skin hates the thing
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Very interesting article. Love reading things like these. Beauty heaven has some really great informative articles. I usually use the mario badescu spot treatment
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I'm past puberty and I still have acne :( I find that having some makeup-free days helps my skin to heal.
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I am grateful that I do not have problematic skin. I get the odd pimple or spot. I go makeup free several times a week.
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Using the tools instead of fingers is a fabulous idea
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I was pretty lucky, I never got pimples..
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I do suffer from pimples during that time of the month but I alternate between foundation and mineral powder.
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Well, I'm certainly never looking at a Magnum the same way again...
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Hahaha I know , but it's a great way to describe it, I'm imagining a thick coating of cover stick and makeup over a troubled skin face now.
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Fantastic tips. I try to go bare faced on the weekends to keep my skin clearer.
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I need to avoid any bb or foundations! I broke out again just after wearing it for 4 hours, and it is hypoallergenic "natural"
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I only have a problem with my skin when its hot weather.
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Great tips.....totally agree with make up free days.
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Im still trying to figure out a solution ! Powder foundation definitely helps. Will definitely have to try the mattifying primer! :)
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I don't have much of an issue with this but I have found a mattifying primer makes all the difference
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I usually have make up free Sundays and treat myself to a good cleansing mask. A good cream concealer never goes astray on shocking blemishes for me too.
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Good tips. Bb creams are great for this
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I have crazy oilskin and have tried everything but my makeup still melts off in about 2 hours and I'm left with a shiney face
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I had terrible acne as a teenager,luckily my skin has improved as I've aged.
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Lol at the ice cream picture! Handy tips though, will be passing them onto my teen girls, I was lucky enough to never get acne so can only imagine how difficult it would be.
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hahaha i love the last meme for going make up free! when my skins bad thats the last thing i want to do.
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