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Vitiligo Cosmetics – What and What Doesn’t Work to Cover Skin Flaws?

If you have vitiligo, tattoos, scars, birthmarks or dark patches on your skin, you can cover them up to get that flawless complexion of the stars. Yes, the stars you see on TV and in the movies use cover up cosmetics because they have the same skin conditions that plague the rest of us. The difference is they have cosmetic experts to help them hide the flaws.


The same manufacturers that produce vitiligo cosmetics also use blends to conceal other skin flaws such as scars, lacerations and birthmarks. The first goal is to know what works and what doesn’t, the second goal is to know what makeup to use, the third goal is to know how to use the makeup and the fourth goal is to know where to get help when you need it.

Vitiligo cosmetics that don’t work

Simple cover or foundation make up you buy at the local pharmacy or big box store isn’t going to work, so don’t waste your time and money buying these products with the idea that they will. Concealers designed to cover a spot or two, like that unwanted zit, won’t work either to cover larger problem areas of the skin.

Two other cosmetic corrections that don’t work include liquid dyes, Loha Bhasma and Swarna Karani. These concoctions come off the skin too easily.

Vitiligo cosmetics that work

To cover vitiligo and other skin flaws you will need corrective makeup, also called cover makeup and camouflage makeup.

Tattoos as cover makeup

Before we discuss cover makeup, I just want to mention tattooing is an option used by some vitiligo sufferers. Tattooing is used as a vitiligo cosmetic to cover the white spots primarily around the mouth and back of the hands. It is most effective on darker skinned people. However, the tattoo option does have some drawbacks.

If the doctor or technician isn’t highly skilled, you may end up with an unsatisfactory color match. If you go to a tattoo technician that’s doesn’t thoroughly sterilize his or her instruments, you can come away with hepatitis or aids. Also, tattoos fade over time and the procedure will need to be performed again in 2 – 5 years.

Cover makeup

Five big names in vitiligo cosmetics include Covermark, Dermablend, Dermacolor, Keromask and Veil. These are not the only companies that provide cover makeup, but they’re a good place to start.

Covermark offers one-on-one counseling if you click on their “Ask the Expert” tab and explain the skin problem you’re trying to cover. Dermablend suggests which of their products to use depending on which skin condition you have. Kryolan’s Dermacolor offers palets of color so you can experiment until you get the exact match that you want. They also have an excellent section on how to apply their products. Veil has an awesome sample kit that you can purchase on their website. They also have a good set of instructions and tips. All five companies have tattoo concealing products.

Before you race out and buy these products or any others, check out each company’s website. There you will learn more about the products they offer and which product you may want to try for your specific skin problem.

You can purchase these products online and sometimes at larger department stores such as Penny’s and Macy’s.

How to use cover up cosmetics

You begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin. This is standard procedure regardless of which cosmetic you choose.

After you cleanse, the next step is somewhat of a blur. Some folks recommend a moisturizer at this point and some staunchly recommend against it. Whether you use a moisturizer before your cover up cosmetic is going to depend on two things; which product you have chosen to use and your skin type. Check with the manufacturer.

Dermablend has some great videos that show you exactly how to apply their products. Other manufacturers have written instructions. Don’t be afraid to contact them if you have questions or problems.

Generally, you will apply a cover up in thin coats. Don’t try and rush the process. Start from the middle of the affected area and work outward. Extend the cover up a few millimeters beyond the scar or white patch. Allow the concealer to dry for five minutes then add an additional coat if needed and allow it to dry for five more minutes. Continue this process until the desired coverage is achieved.

After the last coat of concealer is dry, a powder is applied to set the concealer.

Since the concealers are waterproof, you will need a cream to remove them. All of the above companies sell removers for their products along with the setting powder, and supplies.

When and where to get help

If the application of vitiligo cosmetics involves larger portions of your skin or you can’t quite figure out the right way to camouflage a scar, it’s time to see a professional makeup artist. You will find these specially trained professionals in online directories, in beauty shops, spas, and at cosmetic counters of higher end department stores. Do a search of the yellow pages for your area and there will probably be some listed. You might also talk to your dermatologist for help in finding someone. Cosmetic artists will charge you a fee for their service, so you want to make sure you know how much that is and if they have experience in covering your skin condition.

There are many helpful tutorials online on applying cover up. I usually go there first. They’re free and that’s a good thing.

A final word

If you don’t like having white spots on your body, you can make them disappear with vitiligo cosmetics. If you don’t like that red look from rosacea, get rid of it with a good cover up. If a scar or other unwanted mark is giving you fits, you can get rid of that too. That’s the beauty of cover up cosmetics; they’re wonderful at hiding what we don’t want others to see. Just remember, we here at SpaFromScratch love you just the way you are.

Now go have fun and relax.

Related articles:

Vitiligo Treatment – Medical Treatments [1]

Vitiligo Treatment – The Alternative Approach [2]