Undergoing in-office aesthetic procedures such as laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or injectables (like Botox or dermal fillers) can leave the skin temporarily red, irritated, or inflamed. While these side effects are typically short-lived, many people feel self-conscious about the redness, particularly when they have to go back to their daily routines. Fortunately, the right makeup can help cover up this redness and restore confidence while the skin heals.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best makeup options for covering redness after in-office procedures. We’ll cover the types of makeup products you should use, key ingredients to look for, and expert tips to ensure your makeup is effective without irritating the skin.
Understanding Redness After In-Office Procedures
Before diving into the makeup options, it’s important to understand why redness occurs after certain aesthetic treatments. Redness is typically caused by irritation or inflammation of the skin as a result of the procedure.
- Laser Treatments: Lasers, especially those that target pigmentation or perform skin resurfacing, can cause temporary redness due to the heat and energy used.
- Chemical Peels: These treatments exfoliate the skin and can leave the skin red and sensitive as the outer layers of skin shed.
- Microdermabrasion: This procedure involves gentle exfoliation, which may lead to a flushed appearance immediately afterward.
- Injectables (Botox and Dermal Fillers): These treatments can lead to localized redness due to the injections themselves, though it’s typically mild and subsides within a few hours to a day.
No matter what procedure you’ve had, it’s essential to give your skin time to heal properly. Makeup can help camouflage the redness, but you should always follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice to ensure your skin heals as expected.
The Best Makeup Products for Covering Redness
When it comes to covering redness after a cosmetic procedure, the right makeup can make all the difference. To achieve effective coverage, the makeup should be gentle, non-irritating, and capable of providing a smooth finish that hides any redness without causing further inflammation. Let’s go through the best types of makeup to use:
1. Primer: The Foundation for Redness Coverage
A primer serves as the first step in your makeup routine and can provide a smooth canvas for applying the rest of your makeup. It also helps makeup stay in place longer and can improve the overall finish. When you’re dealing with redness, you’ll want a primer that specifically targets skin redness and irritation.
- Green-Tinted Primers: Green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, so green-tinted primers are ideal for neutralizing redness. They help cancel out the red undertones in your skin, making the skin tone more even.
Best Picks:
- Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer: This green-tinted primer helps neutralize redness, creating a smoother surface for foundation.
- E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer: Affordable and effective, this primer is infused with calming ingredients that help balance skin tone.
2. Foundation: Finding the Right Coverage
Foundation is the core of any makeup routine, especially when you’re trying to cover redness. When choosing a foundation after a cosmetic procedure, consider one that is hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin. Opt for full coverage or buildable formulas that can camouflage redness effectively.
- Full-Coverage Foundations: These foundations are perfect for covering redness because they provide opaque coverage that hides irritation or inflamed skin.
- Hydrating Foundations: Post-procedure skin is often dry or sensitive, so look for foundations with hydrating formulas that won’t exacerbate dryness or cause further irritation.
- Non-Comedogenic: If your procedure was acne-related or you’re prone to breakouts, opt for non-comedogenic foundations to prevent clogging your pores.
Best Picks:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup: This full-coverage, long-lasting foundation offers excellent coverage without irritating the skin.
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: This lightweight, buildable foundation provides a natural glow while still offering ample coverage for redness.
- Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup: This foundation is specifically designed for sensitive skin and helps reduce visible redness while soothing irritated skin.
- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream: This CC cream is highly hydrating and provides full coverage while also offering SPF protection, which is important after in-office procedures.
3. Concealer: Targeting Stubborn Redness
Concealer is one of the best tools for spot-covering redness, especially if your foundation doesn’t completely camouflage it. Look for concealers with thicker, creamy formulations for more coverage, and make sure they are hydrating so they don’t exacerbate dry patches or irritation.
- Green Concealers: Just like green primers, green-tinted concealers can be used to counteract redness. A little goes a long way, so be cautious not to apply too much.
- Buildable Concealers: Choose a concealer that offers buildable coverage so you can layer it on areas of redness until it’s sufficiently covered.
Best Picks:
- Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer: Known for its full coverage, this concealer can be used to target specific areas of redness without looking cakey.
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: Highly pigmented and buildable, this concealer helps neutralize redness and blemishes.
- NYX Professional Makeup Color Correcting Concealer: The green shade of this concealer is perfect for neutralizing redness on sensitive skin.
4. Setting Powder: Locking Everything in Place
Once you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, setting your makeup is crucial to ensure it stays in place throughout the day, especially if you’re dealing with redness. A setting powder will help reduce shine and lock in your makeup, so it doesn’t slide off or settle into fine lines.
- Translucent Setting Powder: Translucent powders are versatile and help set the makeup without adding any additional color. They work well for all skin tones.
- Hydrating Setting Powders: If your skin feels dry or tight after a procedure, opt for a setting powder that’s infused with hydrating ingredients to avoid further dryness or flaking.
Best Picks:
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: A cult-favorite, this powder gives a matte finish without drying out the skin.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder: This powder is lightweight and available in multiple shades, providing a smooth finish.
- BareMinerals Mineral Veil: This setting powder is gentle on the skin and helps maintain a natural finish while controlling shine.
5. Blush and Bronzer: Adding Color Without Irritation
After covering redness, you might want to add some color back into your face to give it a healthy, natural glow. But be mindful when choosing blush and bronzer after a procedure. Powder formulas may settle into irritated skin, while cream formulas are typically more hydrating and forgiving.
- Cream Blushes: Cream blushes are typically more hydrating than powder versions, making them a great choice for post-procedure skin. They also blend more seamlessly into the skin, reducing the risk of patchiness.
- Sheer Bronzer: Opt for a light, sheer bronzer that doesn’t have too much shimmer or glitter, as these can accentuate any irritation or bumps.
Best Picks:
- Glossier Cloud Paint: A lightweight, buildable cream blush that blends seamlessly into the skin.
- Milk Makeup Cream Bronzer: This easy-to-apply cream bronzer gives a natural, sun-kissed look without the irritation of powders.
- NARS The Multiple: This versatile product can be used as both a blush and bronzer and comes in a creamy, hydrating formula.
6. Finishing Touches: Setting Spray and SPF
After applying your makeup, finish with a setting spray to lock everything in place and help your makeup last longer. Many setting sprays also provide hydration, which is crucial for post-procedure skin.
Additionally, don’t forget to apply sunscreen, especially after in-office procedures, as the skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Many setting sprays now include SPF, providing an easy way to protect your skin while keeping your makeup intact.
Best Picks:
- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray: This long-lasting setting spray helps your makeup stay in place without causing irritation.
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This lightweight sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and can be used as a primer or finishing step in your makeup routine.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 Sunscreen: This sunscreen is designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin and won’t clog pores.
Expert Tips for Makeup After In-Office Procedures
- Patch Test Products: After a procedure, your skin may be more sensitive than usual, so always patch-test makeup products to ensure they won’t irritate your skin.
- Use Gentle Tools: Instead of using makeup sponges or brushes that may tug at the skin, try applying makeup with your fingers. The warmth of your fingers will help the product blend better and avoid unnecessary irritation.
- Avoid Fragrance and Harsh Ingredients: Fragrance and alcohol in makeup products can cause irritation, especially on sensitive, post-procedure skin. Opt for fragrance-free, gentle products to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, which will help makeup go on smoother and last longer.
Conclusion
Covering redness after in-office procedures requires a careful selection of makeup products that soothe, conceal, and protect sensitive skin. The best makeup for this purpose is not only effective in covering redness but also gentle enough to avoid exacerbating irritation. Primers, foundations, concealers, and setting powders specifically designed for sensitive skin will make the healing process more comfortable while allowing you to look your best.
Always consult your aesthetician or dermatologist for post-procedure advice and remember to give your skin the time it needs to heal properly. With the right makeup and care, you can confidently face the world with glowing, even-toned skin.