Do you struggle with rosacea like I do? The redness, irritation, bumps, and pimples of rosacea are not the perfect skin I always hoped to enjoy in my 30s.
While I have good days and bad days with my skin, I resist the temptation to go heavy on the concealer and foundation to cover up imperfections – certain cosmetics are actually known to make rosacea worse!
But for those days when you absolutely need some makeup help, check out my simple, subtle tricks below that have fooled even my closest friends, one of whom loves to talk about my “peaches and cream” complexion.
1. Always Moisturize
When my rosacea is flaring up, I have red and irritated skin. With that irritation, my skin gets scaly and flakes. Using a lightweight moisturizer under some very light makeup helps to prevent these areas of dryness, and plumps up the outer layers of my skin, making my skin texture look more even.
My Favorites
Glossier Priming Moisturizer
Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
2. Prime For a Perfect Base
I also like to use a bit of silicone based primer to further even out my texture. With rosacea, my skin can become bumpy and my pores are exaggerated, and don’t get me started on the bumps. Applying a light layer of one of the silicone primers helps my makeup to glide on smoothly. I apply with my fingers and lightly pat the primer onto my t-zone and center of my face. Let it sit for about a minute before applying more makeup.
The layer of primer will add a layer of protection between your skin and makeup, helping to protect your skin from any additional irritation and flare ups.
My Favorite
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Lock Primer
3. Color Correct
When you have rosacea, green color corrector is your friend. Because green and red are opposites on the color wheel, they will cancel each other out. There are a ton of green correctors out there, and it can take a little trial and error to decide which color corrector is the best for you. Rule of thumb – the more intense the discoloration, the more vivid your color corrector should be. Apply only to the affected area to avoid turning your face green!
If you are applying to a large area, look for a color correcting liquid primer or powder. A smaller area is perfect for a color correcting concealer.
If you find that green isn’t canceling out the red as well as you would like, try yellow instead. Yellow correctors also work well for redness and can be more subtle than a green toned corrector.
My Favorite
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Neutralizer
4. Go Luminous
While it is tempting to cover up just the areas affected by rosacea with a heavy concealer, stay strong and avoid this bad habit! It will actually call attention to your rosacea, and certain makeups can make rosacea worse. Instead, look for a lighter coverage, luminous foundation with light deflecting pigments, and gently apply it all over your face — this will help make your skin appear more even. For a very light and even application of your foundation, apply it with a brush rather than your fingertips, and blend it well with a damp sponge for a natural finish.
My Favorite
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
5. Take It Easy On The Powder
Powder will settle into fine lines and imperfections, calling attention to them. Rather than powdering your entire face, only dust a little in your t-zone to keep oil at bay. Don’t sweep the powder into place, as it will smear the makeup you’ve spent so much time applying. Instead, lightly blot the powder into place.
My Favorite
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
6. Choose Peach Not Pink
When choosing blush and lip colors, go for peach or apricot tones instead of reds and pinks. Pinks and reds will bring out any redness in your skin, but peach tones will just add a bit of color without enhancing your rosacea. Use a light hand with your blush; those with rosacea usually don’t need much extra color.
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!