Covering bruises with makeup can be a lifesaver, whether you need to hide a bruise for a special event, a professional setting, or just to feel more confident in your appearance. This guide will walk you through the steps and techniques to effectively conceal bruises using makeup, ensuring a flawless finish.
Bruises and Color Correction
The Life Cycle of a Bruise
Bruises change color as they heal, typically transitioning from red to blue or purple, then to green or yellow, and finally fading away. Understanding this color progression is crucial for selecting the right makeup products to neutralize the bruise at each stage.
Color Theory and Correctors
Color correction is the foundation of effective bruise concealment. Using the color wheel, you can determine which color corrector to use:
- Red Bruises: Use a green concealer to neutralize the redness.
- Blue or Purple Bruises: Use a yellow or peach concealer to counteract the cool tones.
- Yellow Bruises: Use a lavender concealer to neutralize the yellow hue.
- Brown Bruises: Use a white or peach concealer to lighten the area.
Preparing the Skin
Cleanse and Moisturize
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type and follow with a moisturizer. If you have dry skin, consider using a lightweight lotion to ensure the makeup adheres smoothly and doesn’t flake off.
Prime the Skin
Apply a primer to create a smooth base for the makeup. A color-correcting primer can be particularly useful, as it helps to neutralize the bruise’s color before you even apply concealer.
Applying Makeup to Cover Bruises
Step 1: Color Correcting
Using a brush or your fingertips, apply the appropriate color corrector to the bruise. Blend the edges well to avoid harsh lines. For example, if your bruise is blue, use a yellow or peach corrector and blend it gently over the bruise.
Step 2: Concealer Application
Choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Dab the concealer onto the bruise using a makeup sponge or your fingertip, and blend it in well. Ensure that the concealer covers the entire bruise and blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
Step 3: Foundation
Apply a full-coverage foundation over your entire face to ensure a uniform look. Use a foundation brush or sponge to blend the foundation evenly. This step helps to further conceal the bruise and create a natural finish.
Step 4: Setting Powder
Set the makeup with a translucent or tinted setting powder. This step is crucial to ensure that the makeup stays in place throughout the day. Use a powder brush to apply the powder lightly over the entire face, focusing on the area with the bruise.
Additional Tips and Techniques
Using Accessories
If the bruise is on a visible part of your body, such as your arm or leg, consider using clothing or accessories to cover it. Long sleeves, pants, scarves, or hats can provide additional coverage and reduce the need for heavy makeup.
Drawing Attention Away
Use bold eye makeup or bright lipstick to draw attention away from the bruise. This technique can be particularly effective for facial bruises. A smoky eye or a vibrant lip color can shift the focus from the bruise to other features.
Layering for Severe Bruises
For more severe bruises, you may need to layer products. Start with a color corrector, followed by a concealer, then foundation, and finally setting powder. Be gentle when applying each layer to avoid disturbing the previous one.
Long-Lasting Coverage
Choose long-lasting, water-resistant makeup products to ensure that your coverage stays put throughout the day. Products like Dermablend or Estée Lauder’s long-wear foundations are excellent choices for their durability and coverage.
Product Recommendations
Concealers
- NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Concealer Palette: Offers a range of colors for different stages of bruising.
- Dermablend Quick-Fix Body Makeup Full Coverage Foundation Stick: Known for its full coverage and long-lasting formula.
Foundations
- Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation: Lightweight with excellent coverage and water resistance.
- Estée Lauder Foundation For Face and Body SPF 15: Provides excellent coverage and is water-resistant.
Setting Powders
- Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder: Affordable and effective for setting makeup12.
- Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder by Jane Iredale: Provides a natural finish and sets makeup well.
Conclusion
Covering a bruise with makeup involves understanding the color theory, preparing the skin properly, and using the right products and techniques. By following these steps, you can effectively conceal bruises and feel confident in your appearance. Remember to be gentle with your skin, especially if the bruise is tender, and choose high-quality, long-lasting products for the best results.
FAQs
What color concealer covers bruises?
The color concealer you need depends on the color of the bruise. For red/pink bruises, use a green concealer. For purple/blue bruises, use a yellow or orange concealer. For brown bruises, use a white or pink concealer. The green cancels out red tones, yellow cancels purple, and white brightens brown discoloration. Use the color opposite the bruise on the color wheel.
How do you hide bruises with makeup?
First, apply a thin layer of the color-correcting concealer (green, yellow, etc.) directly on the bruise. Blend well. Next, apply a skin-toned concealer one shade lighter than your skin over the color corrector. Blend outwards. Set with a translucent powder. Finally, apply foundation as usual over the concealed area for a seamless finish. Reapply powder as needed throughout the day.
What color cancels out purple bruise?
Yellow is the color that cancels out purple bruises. Yellow and purple are opposite on the color wheel, so the yellow pigments in the concealer help neutralize and cover the purple tones of the bruise. Use a yellow color-correcting concealer first, then follow with your regular skin-toned concealer on top.
What color covers green bruise?
To cover a green bruise, you need to use a red or reddish-pink concealer. Red is the opposite of green on the color wheel, so a red color corrector will help neutralize and mask the green discoloration of the bruise. Apply the red concealer first, blend well, then follow with your regular concealer on top.
How to choose the right concealer for covering bruises?
To choose the right color-correcting concealer for bruises, look at the predominant color of the bruise and select the opposite shade on the color wheel. Green cancels red, yellow cancels purple, red/pink cancels green, etc. For best results, use a cream or liquid concealer formula that offers high coverage and blendability. Test shades on your skin for the perfect match.
