As you may or may not know, I was in a serious car accident about two years ago. The car I was in was struck by a drunk driver going nearly three times the legal speed limit. Our car was torn open as a result, and the gas tank exploded right by where I was seated.
Needless to say, I suffered burns to my face and scalp. It’s been a difficult journey (and one that isn’t even yet over) but I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way to help mask my scars. While there’s nothing wrong with scars (and they should always be celebrated!), I still want to cover the redness/rough texture if I’m out and about.
With that said, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite makeup products that have helped me over the last two years. While not every item I use will make sense for everyone, I’ve run the gamut of products and thought something I use may help solve a problem someone else has.
Without further adieu, here’s a short list of some of my favorite makeup products with review:
Glossier Boy Brow
My right eyebrow was burnt in the accident, but it has mostly grown back. It’s a bit thinner now though, which has had me looking for ways to fill my eyebrows in without *looking like I filled my eyebrows in.*
And y’all, there were a few days for awhile where my eyebrows looked ROUGH. It was a process.
I’ve tried so many products (WunderBrow is excellent if you’re going swimming, FYI) but Glossier’s Boy Brow (I use the brown shade) has been life changing. I use it daily, whether I’m going out or just hanging at home. It has helped my right eyebrow look so much more normal and I can’t thank Glossier enough for creating this product.
And if I ever need any extra help just filling in my eyebrows, Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define is the way to go.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
I’ll never forget the day I was finally cleared to wear makeup after my accident. I went straight to Sephora without a clue of what to buy. I knew I needed products with SPF (because a scar’s pigmentation can permanently change if exposed to too much sun) but how could I slather sunscreen on top of makeup?
Enter Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Mineral SPF 45.
The woman at Sephora that worked with me that day showed me this product and I’m obsessed with it. I keep one in my bag in the summer, just in case I’m caught outside for too long and need some extra protection. And I always use it as a setting powder when I’m done with my makeup.
It’s a neutral-color, it’s easy to apply and the SPF 45 is perfect for what I need. This is a product I’ll never be without.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer
My scars are red. Well, not red *red* anymore, but definitely a darker shade of pink. Laser treatments and time can help, but it’s something I’ve worked hard to correct.
I’ve found that Make Up For Ever’s Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer is a good place to start. It’s light and perfect if you’re trying to even out light redness. It’s not going to remove severe redness though, which is why I have two products on hand for this very issue (more below).
I recommend this product if you’re looking to color correct just a little redness. They also have other colors if you have something else bogging you down.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector (in green)
As I mentioned above, I need something that can really reduce redness on some areas os my skin. That’s why I turned to Lancome’s Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector.
Here’s the thing: It’s VERY green. When you put it on and start blending, you’ll look a little like Kermit the Frog (or like you’re going to be sick). It’s OK, though. It blends well (just give it a minute!) and it really does reduce redness.
I typically only wear this product if I know I’m going somewhere, will be photographed, or it’s a night out. For day-wear, I typically stay just with my Make Up For Ever version and use foundation to help cover additional redness.
*** *** ***
Now, I have way more products that I use beyond just these four. I wanted to start here though, because these are staples in my makeup routine. Caring for scars has been a learning process, but it’s been fun to get to know other makeup and beauty products along the way.
Prior to my accident, I had hardly tried anything different in the makeup world. I was a powder concealer and bronzer gal, with a little blush, eyeliner, and mascara. I now use a bit more, but I like to still keep it simple. The products above allow me to do that and to still feel like me.
And I’ll happily circle back with more makeup and beauty product recommendations soon. If there’s something you’re particularly interested in, let me know. You can email me, tweet at me, or leave a comment below.
With that said, I’m off to get my face ready for the day.
Erin