Q I am a 22-year-old guy who suffers from very oily and acne-prone skin. My friends have recommended men’s cosmetics to conceal these flaws but I am not sure which products suit me best. I am also not sure how to use them correctly. Please help.
A Make-up may cover all kinds of flaws, but proper skincare is the key to good skin.
So before you pile on the cosmetics, devote attention to your skincare regimen. Clinique education manager Jane Yap has the following advice: Look for a range of anti-bacterial skincare products that will help to control oil and lighten blemishes through non-irritating exfoliation.
She recommends the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System, which consists of Cleansing Foam ($40), Clarifying Lotion ($43) and Clearing Moisturizer ($43).
You may want to supplement this with Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel ($32) to heal blemishes and Anti-Blemish Solutions Post Blemish Formula ($33) to lighten past blemish marks. Using the Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil Control Clearing Mask ($49) twice a week can help to further control your acne and oily complexion.
Another option is L’Oreal Paris Men Expert Pure & Matte range (from all Watsons outlets, left), which helps to reduce sebum production and minimise clogged pores and breakouts.
Use Anti-Blocked Pores Exfoliating Gel ($11.90) from this range twice a week to keep your skin looking fresh. Using the Anti-Regreasing Moisturising Gel ($18.90) daily will help to keep your skin matte.
As for make-up, a good concealer may be enough to do the trick (and looks more subtle than full-on foundation). Try Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing concealer ($32), which camouflages blemishes and helps to treat them at the same time. Pick a shade that is a tad lighter than your skin tone and tap gently on the area you wish to conceal.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
