Camouflage make –up is the application of
make up to conceal or disguise unwanted
‘marks’ or irregularities in the skin using a
variety of specialised cosmetic products.
These products are design to even the skin
tone and give a natural appearance.
Brain storm: In groups brainstorm and think
about the following
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Who would use camouflage make-up
What conditions or reasons would it be
applied.
How will you have to act if treating a client
with a medical condition.
How may the client with a medical condition
feel.
The aim of the consultation is the discover the
needs of your client and the out come they
desire.
If treating a client with a skin condition
remember they may feel embarrassed and
have low self esteem. Be understanding and
reassuring. Try to make the treatment as
relaxing as possible.
Keep their expectation realistic, camouflage
make up can hide uneven skin tones but any
uneven texture will still be visible although
may appear less noticeable. It can only offer
up to 75% coverage.
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Birthmarks
Chloasma (Also known as Malasma, mask of pregnancy as causes green pigment, Symmetrical dark patches
on the face)
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Vitiligo (Michael Jackson had this, White patches on the face and body)
Moles and freckles (Pigmentation caused by melanin)
Port wine stain (Very dark red stain on the skin)
Strawberry mark (Usually a shape and or red in colour)
Scars, Burns, Bruising
Hypo pigmentation ( Loss of colour)
Hyper pigmentation ( Increase of colour)
Tattoos
There are several well known brands of
cosmetic camouflage make up available but
who created camouflage cosmetics and why?
In 1928, this University graduate used her
knowledge of chemistry and love of painting
to develop a cosmetic product to disguise her
port wine stain birth mark. Covermark
products were created. Covermark is the first
and only foundation to receive a patent by
the US Patent and Trademark Office, this
paved the way for camouflage products to be
accepted as medical aids rather than beauty
product.
During the 1950’s Joyce researched and
implemented the concept of ‘Remedical
Camouflage products’
Joyce trained members of the British Red Cross,
She was involved in setting up initial clinics
around Britain to help WWII victims.
She helped Veil developed new colours.
In 1985 she formed the British Association of
Skin Camouflage.
She dedicated 50 years of her life promoting
skin camouflage and training.
Is another pioneer who was born with a facial
birth mark. She promoted camouflage makeup by writing papers for the British Journal of
Dermatology. She supports the use of laser
treatments to reduce birth marks.
She founded the Disfigurement Guidance
Centre, which offers information, guidance
and support for those with facial
disfigurements.
In the early 1920’s Max factor developed
camouflage make-up with the aid of
American plastic surgeons to aid war veterans
who were severely scared.
Max factor is not so well known for his work
with camouflage make-up but is renown for
creating pancake make-up.
There some brands of camouflage make-up
available to purchase, 5 are available on NHS
prescription:
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Covermark
Dermablend
Dermacolour
Keromask
Veil
Hypo – allergenic
 Highly pigmented
 Perfume Free
 Opaque (Not transparent or translucent. Offers up to 75% coverage)
 When applied and fixed is water resistant
 Lasts for 8 – 24 hours if fixed
 Contain a SPF factor
( Titanium dioxide and Iron oxide are used to
reflect UV light but have 2 disadvantages –
when photographed can cause whitening and
if applied to darker skin tones it can appear
grey.)
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Ensure your work area is clean, tidy and have
all the equipment you need.
All full and detailed consultation must be
performed.
Ensure there is correct lighting – Tungsten
lighting gives a yellow colour cast.
Fluorescent lighting gives a green colour cast.
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Make sure the clients skin is ready to apply
the camouflage make-up. Cleanse, tone and
moisturise if needed. Ensure the product you
use are suitable for the client.
Chose the correct colour to neutralise the
dominant colours. Remember these are
opposites on the colour chart!
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Powder, wait then reasses the area, if more
neutralising colour needs to be added then
do so. Remember it is better to build up the
layer than add fewer thicker layers! Take your
time!
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When the predominant colours are muted
then apply a match of their skin tone. More
than one colour may need to be mixed to
create the correct skin tone – this can be
checked on another part of the ‘natural’ skin.
Powder again, when you have the desired
look finish with setting powder and fixing
spray.
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Remove make-up with an oil based cleanser,
again this need to be suitable for the clients
skin.
Tone and moisturise if need.
On larger hard to reach areas of the body the
make-up can be left on for longer.
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The client should avoid using oil based
product on the camouflage area (unless
removing it)
Although camouflage make-up is water
resistant avoid rubbing the area and pat dry
instead.
If a client is required to reapply the make-up
ensure they fully understand what they need
to do and feel confident in doing so.