Ask and you Shall Receive: Covering Redness & Concealing Blemishes

A couple of readers have asked us recently if we know of any good products to cover existing spots and blemishes left by acne scars. The problem with this is there are just so many products out there that it's a total minefield trying to choose what would be best.

For the lady who is trying to cover spots and who frustratingly finds that her nicely concealed blemishes degenerate into crusty lumps by lunchtime, I would recommend Lancome's new Rénergie Lift Duo Concealer - because I think the primer element may help fix the concealer and help it stay looking flawless for longer. If that doesn't suit, it could well be the method of application that's at fault - try buying a concealer brush (Laura Mercier does a good one, as do Benefit - or you could also use a lip brush) and delicately apply a layer of concealer, then lightly powder the area. Repeat with a new layer of concealer and this should give you bulletproof coverage that will last.

If that proves too fiddly, try Benefit's Galactic Shield, which is a pen concealer that claims to conceal, shield and heal blemishes with its oil-free, waterproof, anti-acne formulation. It's available in 3 shades and can be bought from department stores, larger Boots and online.

And while we're on the subject, this is a perfect time to tell you all that beaut.ie reader Hilary contacted us recently to rave about Barbara Daly for Tesco Concealer. She says that "Barbara Daly for Tescos concealer is unreal!! A friend told me about of it and now all the girls I know are talking about it. Dark circles, spots, every imaginable blemish is gone with only the smallest amount. I even use it as a eyeshadow base for that wide eyed look! Most importantly it costs around 3.50euro which is an absolute bargain for such a versatile product!! Trust me, its worth throwing into the trolley!". Well with such glowing praise I shall have to stock up the next time I'm in Tesco!

For our gal with the red marks left on her skin, I think La Roche Posay's Unifiance Colour Correction product would be perfect for use under her regular foundation. It provides excellent coverage and longevity, and the products are also clinically tested to be especially kind to sensitve skin. They claim that "imperfections are totally corrected, such as blush imperfections, redness, and universal imperfections." Colour Correction is available in two shades - a green and a yellow.

In general green is used to tone down ruddiness and broken veins, and you can use yellow to help hide dark circles and areas of excess pigmentation. To tone down red scars and birthmarks, yellow works well. Pat onto the skin and set with a bit of loose powder. If you need extra concealer on top, their Complexion Corrector product would be perfect and comes in 7 natural shades. You should expect to pay about €17 for each, and you can find La Roche Posay products exclusively in Chemists.

You could also think about trying out mineral makeup as it's brilliant for skin like yours - Jane Iredale would be a great range to try.