Sunspots can be a stubborn skin issue that makes you feel self-conscious. Luckily, with the right makeup techniques, you can easily conceal them and flaunt flawless-looking skin. From prepping your skin to selecting the right makeup products and even bonus tips for long-lasting coverage – I’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to sunspots and hello to your best skin yet!
What Are Sunspots?
Remember those youthful days of summer when your parents would tell you to get outside and get some fresh air? For me, that never required sunscreen. I’d spend every day of my summer vacation in the direct sun coloring rocks, playing with Barbies, or making mud pies. Sunscreen was the farthest thing from my mind.
But when it came to my daughter, there wasn’t enough sunscreen in the world to cover her delicate skin. Even now, when we’re headed outside, especially on sunny days, it’s sunscreen first.
And thanks to that lack of skin protection, I’ve noticed some sunspots around my eyes, nose, and shoulders.
In a nutshell, sunspots are flat, brownish spots on the skin caused by frequent exposure to the sun’s UV rays. They are caused by overactivity in skin pigment cells, and contrary to popular belief, they’re not caused by the liver.
And while there’s no medical cure or need to remove them, they certainly are pesky little buggers that we’d like not to see every time we look into a mirror. So, to mask their appearance, here are some easy tips for the best makeup and how to apply it to get the best result.
Choosing the Right Makeup for Your Skin Type
Choosing the right makeup products is crucial when trying to conceal sunspots. First and foremost, look for products with full-coverage formulas that will help hide discoloration, and cream or liquid foundations tend to work best for this purpose. Additionally, opt for a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly—going too light or too dark will only draw more attention to your sunspots.
It’s important to also consider the texture of your products. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating products that won’t cling to any dry patches. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, choose oil-free products with a matte finish to prevent any unwanted shine.
Don’t forget about the importance of setting your makeup products with a powder. This will help your makeup stay in place all day and prevent any creasing or settling into fine lines. Look for a lightweight, translucent powder to set your makeup without adding any extra coverage.
Best Makeup for Covering Sunspots
When covering sunspots with makeup, the proper foundation can make all the difference. You’ll want to look for a foundation designed to address discoloration, like age or sunspots. These foundations typically have buildable coverage that can be layered without looking cakey, allowing you to customize your coverage to ensure a natural finish.
As a rule, matte or semi-matte formulas are a good choice for long-lasting coverage, as they tend to stay put throughout the day. If you prefer a dewy or luminous finish, consider using a setting spray or powder to help keep your makeup in place.
A high-coverage concealer can be a lifesaver when concealing particularly stubborn sunspots. Look for a creamy, blendable formula that can easily blend into your foundation for a seamless finish. For on-the-go touch-ups, consider a foundation stick or concealer pencil that can be easily applied to targeted areas throughout the day.
Prepping Your Skin
Before applying makeup to cover up sunspots, it’s important to prep your skin correctly. This will not only help your makeup look better, but it will also protect your skin and prevent further sun damage. Start by cleansing your skin with a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt and impurities. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate and soften your skin.
Next, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from UV rays. Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily routine, even if you’re not planning to spend a lot of time outdoors or on cloudy days. Make sure to let your sunscreen absorb completely before applying makeup.
If you have dry or flaky skin, consider using a gentle exfoliating product to smooth out the surface before applying makeup. This will help your makeup go on more smoothly and prevent it from looking patchy or flaky.
Finally, if you have any areas of redness or inflammation, consider using a color-correcting primer to even out your skin tone. Green primers work well for redness, while purple primers help brighten dull skin. Prepping your skin properly will create the perfect canvas for flawless, long-lasting makeup coverage.
Applying Your Foundation Properly
To achieve flawless sunspot coverage with makeup, starting with a smooth foundation is essential. First, prepare your skin by cleansing and moisturizing it. Next, apply a primer to help fill fine lines and pores and create a smooth base for your foundation. You may want to choose a primer with color-correcting properties for sunspots.
Pump a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand or onto a damp makeup sponge. Using a brush or sponge, apply the foundation in a thin, even layer to your face, starting from the center and working outward. Use a stippling motion to blend the foundation into your skin, paying extra attention to areas where sunspots are most visible. Avoid using too much product, as this will create that overdone, cakey appearance.
Once you have applied your foundation, it’s time to set it with a lightweight, translucent powder. This will help your makeup to stay in place all day and prevent creasing and settling into fine lines. And when it comes to powder, less is more. I avoid the immediate areas of my eyes as powder tends to settle in the fine lines, and I use a beauty blender to smooth everything out.
Concealing Sunspots
To fully conceal sunspots with makeup, you’ll want to focus on the areas where they are most visible. Using a concealer that matches your skin tone, apply a small amount directly to the sunspot with a precise brush or your finger. Gently blend the edges of the concealer into the surrounding skin, being careful not to smear or rub it away. I like to use a small brush, or even a liner brush, to cover the small areas.
If necessary, apply a second (but very thin) layer of concealer to further minimize the appearance of the sunspot. Remember to use a light hand, as too much product can create a cakey look.
To ensure your makeup stays put, consider using a setting spray. A few spritzes of setting spray will help to lock in your makeup for a long-lasting finish. Then, I like to go over the setting spray and press it into my skin with the used beauty blender or sponge to ensure everything is well blended.
Read More:
What is the Best Sunscreen Choice for You? We Asked a Dermatologist
