Easy solutions to skin dilemmas

The magic of makeup is nothing the world is unaware of. You watch in awe as style gurus instantly turn themselves into divas with just a few strokes.

How exactly do they do it? How do those acne scars and dark circles magically disappear to give flawless radiant skin?

Well, it's hardly a mystery anymore as we inform our readers of all the tips and tricks behind the illusion. For the rest, who are not makeup savvy and swear by everything natural, we will not disappoint you either.

MAKEUP JABS TO REMOVE PUFFY EYES

While this might seem like a bizarre idea, do not brighten up the undereye skin as that will make your eyes seem puffier. Instead, apply concealer on the shadows below your bags. Opt for liquid concealers as they reflect more light. Finally, finish off with a subtle shimmer or shiny powder on the lower lids.

The whole idea is to highlight areas around the puffiness to create an illusion of a more uniform skin. In fact, thicken your eyebrows and apply an extra layer of mascara to those beautiful lashes of yours to draw attention away from the puffiness.

SUREFIRE TIPS FOR A MORE NATURAL SOLUTION

Soak two caffeinated tea bags in warm water. Chill them in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Place one tea bag over each eye for around ten minutes. Viola! Now you have sparkly eyes. The puffiness is entirely gone.

MAKEUP TRICKS FOR LARGE PORES

Quite common among those with oily skin, large pores are often a combined result of genetics and age. What happens is that the oil clogs the pores and makes them seem bigger. Start by picking the right primer. Opt for those that are silicone-based, oil-free and mattifying.

The labels on the primers usually have this written, and so it should not be hard to find. Then put on matte foundation, and lightly press it into your skin in a circular motion to fill the pores. Finish off with loose setting powder.

Use a powder puff to press and roll the setting powder over the face for a smooth finish. If you still have oil on your skin, blot it out with tissue paper and then use a bit of setting spray to lock up the makeup.

SOLUTION THE NATURAL WAY

Whip two egg whites in a separate bowl. Add in two teaspoons of lemon juice. Leave on for five to ten minutes. Rinse off with cool water. With regular application, the pores will surely reduce.

MAKEUP HACKS TACKLING BREAKOUTS

Whether it is due to changing hormone levels, medication or stress, one can never quite predict when a breakout is going to occur. If you are alarmed that acne is going to ruin your look, here is makeup to the rescue!

While you might have been told to not wear makeup during breakouts, some products actually have ingredients that fight acne. So, opt for those while you are shopping for makeup. Make sure they are all light, oil free formulas that will allow your skin to breathe.

For foundation, use warm or neutral toned powder ones since cool tones tend to magnify redness. Instead of using creamy concealers, go for those that are lighter on the skin and are formulated with acne treatment. Apply a dot of concealer on the pimples, and then blend the edges into the surrounding skin to hide the redness.

Set the concealer using a cotton swab and apply a dab of powder on the area. For the rest of your makeup routine, stick with powders for your bronzer, highlights and blush. Powders will give your skin more opportunity to breathe and will not clog pores like liquids can.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TO THE RESCUE

Take two teaspoonful of vinegar for 250ml water. After proper cleansing of the skin, splash the mixture over your skin. You can also use a cotton ball for the application process. Let it sit for 5-20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry. Repeat the procedure at least twice a day for flawless skin.

MAKEUP TO THE RESCUE FOR AGE SPOTS

Age spots can appear anywhere on our bodies and not just our faces. These although are natural, can look dry and blotchy at times, and can be a barrier to healthy glowing skin. To smoothly cover up these grey spots start off with a moisturiser on the parts you want to cover up.

If you have oily skin, stick with gel moisturiser. Next use a yellow corrector on the spots -- this prevents the foundation from looking grey when applied, which is common with age spots.

After the yellow corrector, follow up with water based foundation to even out the skin. Follow with a thicker foundation or concealer only on the spots that are still visible, and use a stippling brush to apply it; this gives a natural airbrushed finish. Finish off with some setting powder to keep the foundation in place all day long.

NATURAL HACKS FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION

For the papaya remedy to work we need a green papaya. Separate the papaya from its skin. Blend the pulp using a fork or a blender. Apply the pulp evenly on skin and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Regular application will ensure a bright skin minus the age spots.

TIPS TO COVER UP CELLULITE

Start off with dry brushing your skin, and follow up with an exfoliator. These will ensure an even skin for the later steps, smoothing out some of the cellulite instantly. Next use a pore filling primer. This will help even out some of the ups and down, since its job is to fill in gaps within the skin. Next use a thick foundation and blend it in your skin using a sponge. Last of all finish with a pressed foundation in powder form, and use a big fluffy brush to apply it to the areas.

SAVING THE DAY WITH COFFEE GROUNDS

Take ¼ cup coffee grounds and add to it three tablespoons of sugar. Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Use this concoction regularly over the places where there is cellulite. And soon you will forget that you ever had them.

So, these were just few techniques to remove major skin issues that we face daily. Next time we face any major skin trouble; we must remember to refrain from any sort of fretting and look out for smart solutions, both the natural way and through makeup.

The latter will definitely provide an easy way out and immediate escape whilst the natural way is bound to provide relief for the long term.

Photo: Collected