Cosmetic camouflage

Cosmetic camouflage is the application of make-up creams and/or powders to conceal colour or contour irregularities or abnormalities of the face or body. Cosmetic camouflage creams were first developed by plastic surgeons during World War II to cover the massive burns received by fighter pilots. Nowadays, men, women and children can use cosmetic camouflage.

Conceal Abnormalities

• Birthmarks- A birthmark is a blemish on the skin formed after birth. Port wine stains are a type of birthmark characterized by large, splotchy, wine colored marks. They can be camouflaged to quite an extent with a green concealer.
• Rosacea-Rosacea is a skin condition that results in dilated facial blood vessels with redness sometimes combined with pustules. A green concealer should be applied to the affected areas to neutralize redness.
• Vitiligo
• Chloasma
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
• Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate
• Veins
• Burns-A burn is a type of injury to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, light, radiation or friction. It can be camouflaged using green concealer.
• Scarring from surgery, trauma, acne, etc. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. E.g. Blepharoplasty (Eye lift). Blepharoplasty gives a completely new look to the face by removing the crepey, laggy skin & tired looks of the eyes. Green concealer should be used sparingly in the area where there is redness. It is preferable not to use kohl or mascara for at least 3–4 weeks after surgery.
• Tattoos-A tattoo is a marking made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification. . Choose at least two colors. One shade should be up to two shades lighter than your skin tone and will neutralize the darkness of your work of art. The second color should match your skin tone. Clean and dry the tattooed skin. Begin with the lightest color. Use a thin paintbrush, concealer brush or a cotton swab to paint over the tattoo. Ensure that all of the ink has been covered with the product, but avoid the surrounding skin. Apply the second shade in the same manner but extend cream just over the outside edges of the tattoo. Blend edges very gently into your skin.
• Many other dermatological conditions

References

Further reading

• Ronald Marks (1996). "Advice on cosmetics: Cosmetic camouflage". Practical Problems in Dermatology. Taylor & Francis. pp. 74–76. ISBN 185317050X. 
• Ann Gallant, Kathy Gillott, and Jackie Howard (1993). "Makeup: Cosmetic camouflage". Principles and Techniques for the Beauty Specialist. Nelson Thornes. pp. 148–149. ISBN 0748715509. 
• Julia Conway (2004). "Cosmetic camouflage". Make-up Artistry. Heinemann. pp. 189–204. ISBN 0435453300.