How to Fake Flawless Skin

Jacqueline Hempstead, 48, wants her makeup to look fresh and natural--but also to tone down her redness and dark circles. Her technique--using a heavy foundation stick on her cheeks and a light concealer under her eyes--had uneven results. Makeup artist Ross Burton showed her a much better way to hide imperfections while creating a glowy complexion.

Step 1

To avoid visible lines or streaks, dot concealer under your eyes and use a damp wedge sponge to blend it. Don't skip the inner corners of your eyes, where shadows can be darkest. Run the sponge across your eyelids as well to minimize discoloration there.

Step 2

Dab several dots of the concealer on rosy areas of your cheeks, chin, and forehead. Blend the dots with the sponge; use the edges around the corners of your nose, which can often be red.

Step 3

Apply liquid foundation all over your face with a brush, which creates a natural finish and prevents smudging of the concealer. If you have dry skin or want a dewy look, mix the foundation with a few drops of your favorite moisturizer on the back of your hand before applying.

Step 4

Step back from the mirror and assess your work. If you see remaining red or dark spots, take a small concealer brush and dab the concealer on those areas only. Gently tap the concealer into your skin with your ring finger.

Step 5

Dip a large, fluffy brush into a loose translucent powder  (like Nars Light Reflecting Setting Powder) and dust it over your face to make sure the makeup stays in place all day.

Find the Right Shade 


A yellow-toned concealer neutralizes both redness and darkness under the eyes. Your ideal color is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Look for a creamy formula that comes in a small pot or tube, like Lancome Effacernes .It's labeled for undereye use but works beautifully all over the face.