Rashes and other skin conditions can be devastating to your confidence. I remember when my father went through chemotherapy and broke out in an acne-like rash all over his face. He seriously didn’t want to leave the house. It broke my heart, as isolating oneself from people doesn’t do any good, especially if you’re fighting an illness like cancer. I remember applying some concealer on his face and how that profoundly changed how he felt about his appearance. If you’ve got a rash causing you embarrassment, try some of my makeup tips to camouflage it so you can feel more like yourself again.

1. Clean & moisturize. First you need to prepare your skin. Gently clean skin in lukewarm water with a safe product (free of toxic ingredients), then pat dry and apply a hydrating but light moisturizer that will help your skin heal as you go about your day. Consider soothing ingredients like aloe, calendula, oat extract and licorice root to relieve itchiness so you won’t be tempted to rub and touch your makeup later in the day. Be sure to clean gently so you don’t further aggravate your rash, and no rubbing!

2. Make sure you don’t forget sunscreen. While your skin is trying to heal from a rash, sun exposure can be especially damaging. Make sure to apply your safe sunscreen before your makeup. Even if your foundation has SPF, it’s usually not enough. Look for formulas that are oil-free, chemical-free, and non-comedogenic.

3. Use light and hypoallergenic makeup. Sometimes your makeup may be the cause of your rash—or at the very least, it may make it worse. Make sure your makeup is non-comedogenic (free of clogging ingredients like mineral oil), fragrance-free, and is made without toxic ingredients (use my Ingredients to Avoid list). Make sure it feels light and comfortable on your face (not like a mask). It’s up to you whether you choose liquid formulas or powder ones. However, liquids will be more hydrating. Also consider whether or not it can be easily removed, as you don’t want to have to rub and pull at your irritated skin just to get it clean.

Step 1: Start with concealer. Choose a color that matches your skin tone (or a little lighter—don’t go darker), then apply with a small concealer brush over red and raised areas or over broken capillaries. For areas that are really red, you may want to try a green concealer, as it will help neutralize the redness. Test the color by applying some to the red areas and see if it helps them disappear. Use concealer only on the areas you want to cover—using too much can make your skin look cakey, which will make the rash more obvious. If you have acne-like pustules, a yellow-based concealer is best, applied from the center out and blended will at the edges.

Step 2: Choose foundation based on coverage you need. If you have just a mild rash, a light foundation may be enough, but if yours is more severe, feel free to experiment with cream foundations that provide more coverage. Match your natural skin tone as closely as possible, and use a brush or sponge rather than your fingers to avoid adding oil or bacteria to your already sensitive skin. Many rosacea sufferers love mineral powder foundations because they’re oil-free and feel less irritating to skin rashes.

Step 3: Skip the blush. Your skin is already red, so most likely you don’t need blush. If you do want a little color on your cheeks, use a sheer color.

Step 4: Dab of powder. Using a loose face powder lightly over the red areas can help to further camouflage them. Just be careful not to use too much so it doesn’t look cakey and dry.

Step 5: Less is more. Keep your eye makeup light so that you don’t look over done. Also, choose a neutral lip color. A bright red lipstick can bring attention to the redness of your skin. Choose instead a softer, neutral color or light gloss.

Have you had to camouflage a rash? Let us know if you have any tips.

Photo courtesy Brixton Street via Flickr.com.

We’ve collected a bit of information here to help narrow it down for you. As a basic rule: oily skin types should go for more powder and matte formulas, whereas normal to dry can use more oil-based options. If you’re going through chemotherapy, you most likely have dry and dehydrated skin which will work best with liquids. Here are the foundations, and when it’s best to use each one.

Liquid: The most popular option, liquids have been around for a long time and continue to be favorites because they’re so flexible and natural-looking. Oil-based formulas are best for dry to normal skin, and water-based formulas are better for those with oily skin. Liquids also work well in color combinations, if you’re into making your own shades by mixing two or more colors. Be careful of the long-wearing, smudgeproof versions. Though they may stay on longer, they typically have waxy and oily ingredients that can cause skin irritation or breakouts. (In humid conditions, though, they can be lifesavers.) Oil-free options or matte finish brands are best for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Ultra-mattes can also be good for oily types, but tend to leave the skin dry and taut.

Tinted Moisturizer: These are great for ladies who don’t want a lot of coverage but need something to even out skin tone and relieve dry skin. It also cuts down on the application process, combining two steps (moisturizer and foundation) in one. Tinted moisturizers usually come with effective sunscreens, and are great for normal-to-dry skin types. If you’re going through cancer treatment, this is a great option for casual days. If you have acne-prone skin, however, these may not be for you. (Try Juice Beauty Organic Mineral Light Moisturizer.)

Mousse or Whipped: These simply have a little air whipped into them. The process makes the foundation lighter and smoother, so it goes on your skin a little easier. This can be a good option for mature skin as it’s less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Cream-to-Powder: These go on as a liquid or crème, but then dry to a powder finish. If you like the quick application and no-powder mess, this option is for you. Cream-to-powders also offer a bit more coverage than liquids or mousses. However, some can create a thicker, made-up look, and the cream ingredients can make oily skin types look more oily. This option is best for normal to dry skin types.

Cream: Cream foundation is a good choice for those with dry or mature skin. It provides medium to heavy coverage, and helps skin look soft and smooth.

Sticks: These foundations come in solid form and have more of a drying effect, which may make them best for those with oily skin. They are also good for covering scars and flaws, and for creating more coverage. These are often used in photography sessions, but for everyday use, you may find them too heavy and thick-feeling.

Pressed Powder: These come in a compact and act much like any pressed powder, with a little extra coverage ability. They feel light on the skin and are great for women with normal to oily or combination skin. If you have flaky or mature skin, don’t chose pressed powder.

Powder: Similar to pressed powder, loose-powder foundations help control shine. However, they can be too drying. All but the most oily skin types may want to use these for touch-ups only. They also work well when you’re in a hurry, and can be great options for young girls just starting out on makeup as they’re light and easy to apply.

Minerals: Perfect for people with sensitive skin, minerals are the latest to hit the market. The foundation is made mostly of inert minerals, and is brushed on with a large foundation brush. Dry skin types, however, may want to steer clear, as the powder can accentuate fine lines. (To try: Jane Iredale.)

How do you choose the best foundation for you? Let us know.

Photo courtesy of Anita_Bonita1 via Flickr.com.