For Really Bad Skin Days

Even though my cystic acne days are for the most part behind me I still have those days when my skin looks absolutely dire and I need every inch of help that I can get. Years of covering up nasty breakouts and scars has taught me plenty of lessons, there is a formula to covering it all without weighing the skin down and masking your complexion completely. So here are the products that I reach for when I'm having a really bad skin day: 

I always make sure my skin is properly prepped for make up with a good moisturiser and of course a layer of Effaclar Duo +. Then I reach for a primer, I have three on rotation depending on what kind of state my skin is in. If I've got the mother of all breakouts I reach for a combination of The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and the Clinique Anti Redness Primer, the mixture of the two is perfect. The tea tree mattifies and soothes any active spots down whilst the Clinique offering really helps to take out any severe redness. If I need any help evening out the texture of my skin then the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch* is the perfect option, it helps to smooth out any uneven patches and it helps to hydrate any areas that need a boost.

Concealer before foundation is always my motto, I find it helps me use less product and then if I do need a little more help afterwards I can add a little more without disturbing all the make up underneath. The Seventeen Stay Time concealer has been my favourite for a good couple of years and I don't think I will be trying anything new anytime soon. It's pale enough, it's cheap and most importantly it covers even the worst blemishes whilst still hydrating the area. If I'm really struggling with redness is a particular area then I will reach for the Dr Jart Water Fuse BB Cream, it's really good for diffusing any blemishes that are practically glowing. 

My two base options that I flit between depend on the overall condition of my skin, if my skin is a little drier than I will reach for the MAC Studio Sculpt but if it is more on the oily side of proceedings then I will reach for the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation. Both of them are incredible on bad skin days, I always work in light layers with my base as too much product just looks awful. I've also found that working in light layers really helps the make up last longer too which is what you want when you're suffering with bad skin. When it comes to setting everything into place I tend to reach for something that offers just a touch more coverage, the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural and the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation are both great options. They set your make up for the entire day without looking too powdery or disturbing any of the make up underneath. 

What do you reach on really bad skin days?

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