QuestionI am a 29 year old female with a portwine birthmark covering almost half of my face (my eye, my nose and my cheek are covered). I have had approximately 25 surgeries on the birthmark, so it is faded quite a bit and is now a pink color instead of red (but still very prevalent). I have used Dermablend in the past, but it was very thick, and is not needed at this time since the birthmark is not so dark. Currently, I am using Covergirl foundation and a powder foundation compact over it. It covers my birthmark very well, but gives the impression that I am wearing makeup. I am very pale, so it also makes me look REALLY pale, and it can be cakey looking, as well. Recently I have been trying to find a new makeup that can cover my birthmark, without looking cakey and if not overly priced. I had gone into JC Penny's one time, and went to the MAC counter, where they did cover my birthmark, but told me how I would need about $75 worth of makeup products, two of which I would have to carry around with me in my bag (right now I only carry the compact foundation because I can put it in my pocket when I go out, as I do not generally carry a bag with me). The MAC makeup also made me look kind of orangey. The girl put on a coverage, then a foundation, then told me I would need a compact and a spritzy bottle thing. Since I am used to only using a foundation and a compact, I would like to keep it simple if possible. I then tried Lancome, and Clinique makeup, which did not cover the birthmark. I was wondering what type of makeup I should try next, whether in a department store or something I could find at CVS. Your help is much appreciated to my dilemma. Thank you.
AnswerHello Stephanie,
I'm happy to read that the surgeries have helped your port wine birthmark. I will be honest to let you know that I have hadn't many questions or clients with your situation. I am curious if you are being treated with pulse dye laser? I've done research on this and have read many wonderful results from clients.
As many of the products you have mentioned above is what I would suggest - I can also suggest to use a face primer under your makeup. The primer is a moisturizing base to help your makeup or concealers go on smoother.
MAC and Sephora both carry primers.
I'd like to suggest:
- MAC's Prep and Prime Skin
- Makeup Forever HD microperfecting primer ( I use this on my self as well as brides for a flawless look ) this can be found at Sephora stores
- Smashbox's Photo finish color correcting foundation primer in green. also found at Sephora stores (Green will reduce the redness / purple ) I use this for dark circles on all ethnic faces and it works wonders! :)
There is also Nancy Roberts products which can be found online at www.smartcover.com
They will send anyone who wants to cover a birthmark a $15 gift certificate by simply writing directly to them.
If I may ask, if you are working do you have health insurance? Is it helping you pay for your treatments?
Many insurance companies still classify treatments of vascular birthmarks as a cosmetic surgery.
This is because for many years insurance companies refer to medical textbooks which may be outdated. There is an appeal brochure which can be found on: www.birthmark.org
It is quite lengthy but may be helpful for you.
I'm sending you my personal email which is: stelaine_99@yahoo.com
Would you be so kind to keep in touch so I can read your progress?
I hope that what I've written here will help. I look forward to your reply
Take good care
Warmly,
Elaine :)
