Question

What's the best makeup or concealer that covers up melasma?

I have Melasma. I have tried prescription creams and nothing helps. What make-up will hide Melasma w/o making this condition worse. I hv it on the right side of temple, upper lip and bottom of both sides of face. I hv tried concealers but it looks worse. Thanking u in advance. Mary-Ellen


Asked by: Mary-Ellen
Leesburg, FL

Answers (3)

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1
December 9, 2008

Dermablend, and MAC Full Coverage Foundation - VI Peel for dramatic results

Mary Ellen, as an industry makeup artist, I've encountered many "problems" on  skin that need to be camouflaged. Melasma is hyperpigmentation that usually arises from birth control pills or pregnancy, (hormonal) and aggravated even worse by the sun. Once you have it, it's hard to get rid of, but there are procedures that can help dramatically. A non-invasive peel you can do is the VI peel. It's conducted in a dermatologists office or med spa. It's fantastic for lifting melasma and there really is no downtime, just a few days of peeling. The new skin that turns over is beautiful and drastically more even toned. This is NOT a chemical peel, it's a very simple skin shedding peel, but goes into the dermis deeper to "lift" the dark pigmentation. Another procedure that could be helpful is called Cosmelan. It's a "mask" your doctor applies that you wear for hours at home. I've read the results are dramatic with this one. It can be costly, anywhere between 800-1000.

As far as makeup goes, the best for covering stubborn melasma is Dermablend. This foundation and concealer is used for trouble areas, like scars and tattoos. If you find that it streaks, then your application is incorrect. It's very concentrated, so to sheer it out, you can add a bit of moisturizer to it and mix and apply w/ a makeup brush. Use a latex sponge (as opposed to non-latex) to blend out. Another great product for covering melasma or any hard to conceal imperfection, is MAC Full Coverage Foundation. It comes in a vast array of shades in neutral cool and neutral warm and can be found easily at your local mall.

 

Kimberley Bosso - Makeup Artist - Los Angeles

2
September 6, 2008

Concealing Melasma

Cover Fx Cosmetics is the best line I have ever worked with for concealing skin conditions including Melasma. For 6 years since I began using the product, I have been able to balance out skin with the condition to a point where you can't see the pigment difference.  I recommend reading the Cover Fx website which is www.coverfx.com.  It is not a selling website.  It is an educational website that will talk to you not only about the condition but also give you tips on how to apply makeup as simply as possible.  The website will then help you locate a store near you or you can call their 800 number if you can't find a store in your area.  In the meantime, keep using a good sunscreen as additional exposure to the sun can make melasma spots darker.  I suggest using a full sunscreen even if you are already using a moisturizer with a sunscreen to make sure you are getting sufficient protection.

3
August 27, 2008

Create a skin on top of the skin to best camouflage melasma

One of the best preventative measures you can take with melasma is to use a good physical sunblock everyday, as UV exposure can cause your melasma to worsen. Colorescience mineral makeup is a wonderful tool in that it is the purest mineral makeup available with zinc and titanium to provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays.

For concealing:

  1. Use a primer first to create a good base for the minerals to adhere to.
  2. Apply a foundation color 2 times lighter than your natural skin tone to the areas of melasma, almost "painting" in the darker areas.
  3. Apply your natural foundation color over the top.
  4. Finish with an achromatherapy spritzer to set the makeup and you will have a very natural look with flawless coverage and wonderful UV protection.
Comments (2)
Jimmy_nv
Jimmy_nv
10/4/08

I think you might need a different concealer - one that provides more coverage. I try to use a concealer to create a 'clean canvas' so to speak...so that any blush will apply true to color. Theoretically, you should be able to wear whatever blush that goes with your general coloring. What brand of concealer are you using? I have been using Make Up For Ever's concealer and Laura Geller's new concealer (came in the TSV)...I'm really impressed with LG's, but wish it was a bit lighter (I'm pretty fair skinned). If you have large areas of melasma to cover, you might try something like Dermablend, a brand made for corrective cosmetics like port wine stain etc.

Mary-Ellen
Mary-Ellen
10/5/08

Thx for responding to my question

I tried Dermablend a few yrs ago, and in the warm weather it streaked where I hd the make-up. I went online for Laura Gellers concealer and Im also very fair, wd medium light be ok? or too dark. I want to conceal it, I dont want it to show thru and make it more obvious. Malasma patches I hv is the upper lip, and it looks like I got a mustache. Also on both sides of my forhead. Some of the concealers I used stood out more, instead of hiding the imperfection.

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