If you have red skin and need to deal with it fast, makeup is your best friend. We spoke to makeup artist Vanessa Jarman, who shared her pro tips for ensuring that your flushed face doesn’t leave you hiding at home.

1. Patience is key
After washing, exfoliating or toning your face, give your skin time to rest. “Your skin tends to flare up or increase in sensitivity after cleaning or exfoliating, so give it time to rest after cleansing,” says Jarman. “That way, you can conceal and cover your skin in a natural state, minimizing the amount of product and coverage you need.”

2. Stipple, don’t swipe
“I always start with foundation,” says Jarman. “It will conceal most of the redness.” If you have specific problem areas (extra-ruddy cheeks or chin, for example), make concealer your next step. Jarman recommends stippling or tapping your concealer on problem areas instead of swiping. This technique gives more precise coverage while packing the product into place, whereas swiping just moves the product back and forth. Opt for cream concealer, as it tends to be thicker and grab onto the skin better.

3. Stay away from pink and red
If you’re prone to redness, avoid red or pink makeup, as it’ll only accentuate the colour in your skin. (This includes blush.) Instead, opt for bronzer and highlighter, which will give your cheekbones definition without adding pink pigment. “The same applies to lip colour,” says Jarman. “If red or pink lipstick bleeds or smears around the lips, it will bring out any extra redness that you naturally have.”


Tool kit: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Salut, $28, sephora.ca. Stila Illuminating Beauty Balm, $49, beautyboutique.ca. Mistura Complexion Corrector $38, rexall.ca.

Have more time? Check out our article about reducing skin redness with a new skin-care routine.