Makeup 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.

RELATED: Your make-up tool masterclass

#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?

RELATED: Celebrities without make-up

RELATED: 4 steps to #nofilter skin

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?

83 Member Comments

Nas007 12 Dec 2015 8:54 PM

Thanks for tips. I must invest in a mattifying primer. I have clear skin but lately my skin feels so oily and my pores are more visible.

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clearcrystalwater 12 Dec 2015 7:09 PM

There's these new little sticker spot things I got in the Priceline goody bag and they really work.

TheUglyDuckling 12 Dec 2015 5:03 PM

Yup. Makeup free. If it's bad, I leave it be.

Miss19 12 Dec 2015 1:23 PM

As someone with oily/acne prone skin I take lots of vitamins and supplements, like zinc, to help with my skin.

Beauty Fan 69 12 Dec 2015 1:07 PM

I do suffer from oily, acne-prone skin and my tip is like the one above go make-up free sometimes, it really does make the world of difference. A great article bh! and thanks for sharing!.

Yohanna 19 Oct 2015 3:47 PM

Quitting cacao and dairy helped me. No more

survivor2012 9 Oct 2015 7:47 PM

Love my Clarisonic for keeping pimples away. I would usually one or two at a time. I've recently switched from the Clarisonic sensitive brush head to the regular brush head and haven't had a pimple in over a week.

Lilou 4 Oct 2015 9:38 PM

It's almost impossible to hid pimples :/

Selma 1 Oct 2015 4:17 PM

Toning down the amount of makeup I use has made the biggest difference!

16amber 21 Sep 2015 1:37 PM

That first photo of how girls hide their pimples is so freaking true haha, and I'm guilty of it. Definitely the best way to calm your skin down is to take a break.

sunjeanie 18 Sep 2015 12:37 PM

I'll only wear makeup when I need it. On days when I wake up and I don't look too shabby, or I have no time in the morning, I'll go completely bare to work.

I used to have problematic skin when I was younger but I'm not too bad now. The occasional pimple every now and then, but I have a good daily cleansing routine now and I find your diet and amount of sleep you have really contributes, plus your age. Those pesky teenage years!!

hellodolleh 16 Sep 2015 6:02 PM

I go for just a moisturiser on some days and it feels so liberating. When I feel like I need a bit more, tainted moisturiser is the way!

Shop A Everyday 13 Sep 2015 7:43 PM

A good face mask and exfoliating twice a week really helps too

josella432 12 Sep 2015 4:27 PM

My makeup looked so much better once I invested in some brushes! I have oily skin but I've learnt a skincare routine that works for me so I'm lucky my skin now looks pretty clear.

Steph Sweets 9 Sep 2015 5:34 PM

I'd love to try using a mattifying primer.

tarameoww 8 Sep 2015 9:51 PM

I really need to try out a mattifying primer! But I swear by double cleansing :)

Makeup Maven 8 Sep 2015 4:19 PM

I am 51 and still have oily skin and get the occasional hormonal pimple when it is time for my period. I don't want to much powder or anything too matte because it doesn't look good on my older skin. I do use a light dusting of powder to set my BB cream. If I have a pimple I always correct first with a green corrector, then top with a little concealer. Getting rid of the red makes it easier to hide.

Beckky 8 Sep 2015 3:06 PM

Natural skincare and a good diet for me :)

cwingy83 8 Sep 2015 12:10 PM

double cleanse and leave skin free someday to let it breathe

bluerose 8 Sep 2015 10:29 AM

I prefer to use clean fingers instead of a sponge when applying foundation. Although I do love my concealer brush which I sometimes use to stipple foundation or concealer on my face. And I always use a primer and a powder to set my foundation afterward. I used to always have those little oil blotting papers in my bag too, but I haven't had any for a while. It's moving toward warmer weather now, maybe I should invest in another pack or two...

Bobbin01 7 Sep 2015 7:32 PM

I don't have acne so much anymore, thank goodness, but I do have a spectacular oil slick on my face most days and some delightful blackheads.

Powder is definitely my friend. And blotting sheets. blotting sheets are the bomb for midday touch ups. Failing that, even a tissue blotted on the face can calm shine down if you're short on makeup

dailybeet 7 Sep 2015 5:45 PM

I reckon going make up free and letting your skin breathe is always the best option for problem skin

Beautybabe140194 7 Sep 2015 1:00 PM

I do have problematic skin so I try to have makeup free days on the weekend when I am just at home. I like the sound of the MAC primer.

fluffnut 7 Sep 2015 12:33 PM

I wish I was brave enough to go out with no foundation. However, with my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, I don't think I could, especially when I work in a professional environment.

Jessica712 7 Sep 2015 12:26 PM

My skin is currently having a tantrum today, so its a makeup free day for me today.

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