Beauty Lessons No. 3 - Reed Clarke

Beauty Lessons No. 3

The Ghost of Acne Past

Indentations from old acne scars can leave skin textured. How you apply blush & highlighter shouldn't make it look worse.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BLUSH FOR ACNE-SCARRED SKIN

If your skin has significant texture due to scarring, powder blushes can sometimes settle unevenly and accentuate imperfections. Instead, I would suggest using a cream blush such as one from Ere Perez and applying it with a Beautyblender® or other dome shaped beauty sponge.

BEST CREAM BLUSH APPLICATION TIPS

  1. Use a damp beauty sponge: Wet your sponge until fully saturated, then squeeze out 80% of the water to keep it lightly damp.
  2. Apply in layers: Dab the sponge onto the blush, then gently “bounce” it onto the skin, focusing on areas that complement your facial structure.
  3. Blot excess product: Use the back of your hand to remove any extra product before applying to avoid over-application.
  4. Fix mistakes seamlessly: If you’ve applied too much, blend it out with a bit of foundation or concealer on the sponge to “marry” the products for a flawless finish.

Recommended Cream Blush Product: 

  • Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot – A highly blendable cream blush available in shades like Harmony (a bright orange hue). 
  • If you prefer a bronzer over a blush, use a cream bronzer and the same techniques as above.

Recommended Cream Blush Product: 

  • Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot – A highly blendable cream blush available in shades like Harmony (a bright orange hue). 
  • If you prefer a bronzer over a blush, use a cream bronzer and the same techniques as above.

CAN YOU WEAR HIGHLIGHTER WITH ACNE SCARS?

Anything very shimmery will accentuate the different planes of skin surface caused by the scarring so you’ll want to be mindful of the product you use as well as the placement.


However, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid highlighter altogether, I would just be mindful of placement. 

  • Add a touch of a cream highlighter like the one from NOTO to the tops of the cheekbones and blend it up in a gentle C shape outward, along the temple towards the end of your brow. A little goes a long way so be sparing—the goal is to add a touch of luminosity and dimension to the cheeks in a believable way, so you don’t need much. 
  • If having any shimmer makes you nervous, opt for a clear, dewy balm like the one from Japanese brand Addiction to add a sheen-free highlight to the skin. 
  • You can add a very light dusting of setting powder if that’s your preference. It can also help make the makeup last longer throughout the day.