I mentioned the other day that I recently came down with a bad case of the breakouts. I went through my trusty cleansing and treating routine, my skin cleared up for a week or two and then went it back to it's old ways. Humph. I was not happy. 

It actually turned out to be a bit more intense than I had originally thought, so I went to the doctor to see if there was anything I could be prescribed. I was showing her what I had going on, I showed her my neck and chest and told her that my face was exactly like that, but all over. She commented that I had done a wonderful job covering it up with my makeup, so sure, I was erupting, but you couldn't totally tell with my full coverage!

Here's the deal: sometimes you just need to cover it all up. I know this may not be popular opinion with certain makeup artists or dermatologists, but acne can make you feel very self concious and sometimes you need a good, full coverage makeup look. 

I wanted to share with you some of the products that I use and how I use them in case you are in the same boat as I am. When I'm going through a breakout, my skin tends to be very oily and greasy, so my makeup focuses on controlling the shine, keeping the matte look and reducing oil. 



Step 1: Primer 

I like to use either a tone correcting primer, a matifying primer or a primer that helps my makeup stay put, all day long. 

Stila One Step Correct (C$47.00)

Step 2: Foundation 

This particular foundation has been my saviour for the past few months and I actually just ran out. I'm a bit worried about what I might resort to. This foundation is very matte, quite pigmented and has great coverage. It is thicker and I've found that I have a tougher time blending it, but for days when my face has lots of redness, it's my go-to. I use this foundation with a stippling brush and for areas that need a bit of blending help (around my nose), I use a sponge. 

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation (C$40.00)

Step 3: Concealer 

I know that I talk A LOT about this concealer, so I'm going to keep this short n' sweet: it's good. It's heavy, so it won't be for everyone, but when you need something opaque enough to cover a tattoo, this is your guy. I usually use my fingers with this concealer and pat it on in very red areas. I use it sparingly and layer if needed. 

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer (C$5.98)

Step 4 + 4b: Concealer No.2

I told you this was full coverage. If I need, for extra tough blemishes, I will lightly dab on some extra concealer (either using a small brush or my finger). I'm partial to the cream concealers. I will also use a cream concealer for dark circles. I love highlighters but if I am extra oily, sometimes this just adds to the shine so I will also substitute a highlighter with a lighter shade of concealer. 

Essence Match2Cover Cream Concealer (C$3.49)
Joe Fresh Duo Concealer (C$8.00) 

Step 5: Setting Powder 

Setting my makeup is essential for me. I don't like re-applying and this keeps my makeup where it should be throughout the day. I like to go with an oil absorbing powder, one that won't clog pores. I apply it with a large fluffy brush. I prefer loose powder - I feel like it applies more evenly. 

MAC Loose Blot Powder (US$24.00)

Step 6 + 6b: Setting Powder No.2

This isn't really a next step, more of an addition to step 5. On red, bumpy blemishes, I use a small, dense and fluffy brush (similar to an eyeshadow blending brush) with a translucent setting powder over concealer. I might also use a translucent powder that has clay properties with the same brush on trouble areas with lots of oil (like my t-zone). 

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder (C$39.00)
bareMinerals Mineral Veil (C$25.00)

Step 7: Blush 

I'm not sure if there is much science behind this, but I swear by this blush because it is made by clay, for it's oil absorption. This means less shininess by the end of the day! I apply my blush with a dense, tapered brush. 
 
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush (C$31.00)

What makeup products do you use for breakouts? Do you have any surefire tips?