Cam*ou*flage (kam e-flaj) n. -- Camouflage is defined in the dictionary as a means of disguising things completely, so they appear a natural part of the surroundings. This holds true for the advanced camouflage make-up available today that conceals major to minor skin imperfections, with precision, yet with a perfectly natural look. This new technology, offers the convenience of a cover-up formula that works for both face and body without setting powder.
Application techniques have also become more patient friendly to accommodate the women and men who may not wear ordinary make-up, but need to cover unsightly skin flaws. According to the most recent criteria requested by Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and other skin care professionals, camouflage cosmetics should have these inherent qualities: * Clinically Tested
* Allergy Tested
* Fragrance Free
* Non-Comedogenic
* Opaque Coverage
* Long Lasting
* Waterproof
* Non-Greasy
* Smudge-Resistant
* Appropriate For All Skin Types
* Natural Shade Selection
* Ease of Application
* Blendability
Serving as an adjunctive service to physician care, Camouflage Therapy helps people help themselves. Skin problems can range from pigmentation disturbances to post operative trauma to diseases of the skin. The camouflage material must be versatile enough to mask most skin imperfections including: Birthmarks, Post Laser Redness, Surgical Discolorations, Chemical Peels, Bruising, Hypo and Hyper Pigmentation, Vitiligo, Rosacea, Lupus, Melasma, Dark Eye Circles, Broken Capillaries, Cleft and Craniofacial Conditions, Acne Blemishes, Psoriasis, Sun Spots, Age Spots, Brown Spots, Varicose Veins and Spider Veins, Surface Scars, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines, Furrows, Freckles, and Tattoos.
Detailed instructions should accompany Corrective Cosmetics so that patients can master the cover-p applications that best suits their needs. They want instructions to be short, simple and easy to follow at home. Support services should ideally be provided at a toll-free number or on a dedicated website.
In today's society, where outward image and appearance are increasingly important, camouflaging is gaining speed s the practical solution. "Cosmetic cover-ups are desirable options for eliminating some of the emotional barriers caused by skin disfigurations, says Steven D. Shapiro, Board Certified Dermatologist, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He commends the fact that the new age concealers have become uncomplicated and satisfy his multigenerational patient base.
With the increased use of camouflaging to hide skin flaws, new application techniques have been developed by Aestheticians and Corrective Make-Up Artists, to provide gratifying results for their clients. Consider these case studies:
* Case #1. Linda K, was born with a large port-wine stain running from her neck down to her shoulder. As a twin, having this noticeable mark was very disturbing during her formative years. Until she discovered a concealer that would really last, she tried to live with it. However, she now applies a one-step formula that goes on creamy and dries to a matte finish and she wore a low cut dress to her daughter's wedding (see photo below)
* Case #2. Angela E, was born with a hemangioma on her face that grew to huge proportions and seriously disfigured her physically and mentally. With the support of her grandmother and caring physicians, she underwent over 30 surgeries and grafts to give her a more normal appearance. Now that she is in her late teens, camouflage make-up has been a welcome solution to some of the scarring and uneven skin-tone that resulted from the reconstructive surgery.
Proven Application Techniques:
According to Christina Smith, Hollywood Make-Up Artist and Academy Award nominee, "I couldn't do my job without Camouflage Cosmetics. Most of the beautiful stars I work with have something to hide and I must give coverage that lasts under studio lights. Very often, I need to mix 2 or more shades to obtain the perfect match for my client's skin tone (there's no retouching in film photography). Although the shade mixing can be done on the hand, I prefer to use a Q-tip and blend the shades on a piece of wax paper... less mess and easier blending.
* Camouflage make-up is very opaque and should be applied gradually until complete coverage is achieved. Allow time for make-up to dry completely.
* Corrective Cosmetics should be formulated to be worn under make-up, over make-up or alone.
* For best results choose a camouflage make-up shade that closely matches your skin tone. Match the area that is being covered since the skin on your hand may be a different shade than your face.
* Use a light, non-greasy primer before applying camouflage products. This primer will help prepare the skin for a smoother application.
* Blending is the KEY to successful camouflaging on large areas. For a nice smooth finish, apply cover material and use a dry, wedge-shaped sponge to evenly blend make-up on face and neck. For targeted areas such as scars and blemishes use fingertips to blend edges.
* Try using camouflage products for contouring: use a slightly darker shade than your natural skin tone to minimize areas. For example, to minimize a broad nose, draw contour line down both sides of the nose and blend with a sponge. Contouring and highlighting can help minimize the look of swelling.
* Camouflage products are much more than ordinary foundations and concealers. They can be used daily as a foundation for uneven skin tones and to soften the redness associated with rosacea.
* For scarred areas use a camouflage crème slightly darker than skin tone since scarred tissue usually has a loss of pigment.
* For post surgery, use a concealing make-up that is creamy in texture so it won't pull on the skin during the application process.
* It is recommended that cosmetic surgery patients purchase their camouflage makeup before surgery in the correct shade since it is difficult to "shop post op."
* After procedures around the eyes, it may be simpler for the patient to use a highly pigmented cover-stick with a creamy consistency to get into corners and avoid tugging on the delicate eye area.
* A word of caution -- all cosmetic cover-ups should never be applied to open skin lesions or raw irritated skin. Seek the advice of a physician if you are in doubt about when it is appropriate to apply a concealer.
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