How to Cover A Bruise With Makeup If You Have Sensitive Skin

An alcohol-free, low-tannin-containing witch hazel is an easy way to prep the area you want to cover so it is free of lotions, dirt or anything else that will prevent the makeup from sitting nicely on your skin and achieving a realistic covering effect as you planned.
Using a witch hazel that is free of alcohol will ensure that you don’t dry out your skin too much prior to applying your bruise-cover makeup. It will also help to close your pores and prevent a sweat breakout or moisture from disrupting your makeup.

If you haven’t used Skin Saver Barrier Lotion, thank me later, as I might just have introduced you to your sensitive skin’s new best friend!

Skin Saver is the perfect product to prep your skin with if you have reactive skin, or need to use a barrier underneath makeup that not only protects your skin, but soothes and nourishes it at the same time.

So, by applying a layer of Skin Saver to the area you want to cover with makeup, letting it dry for 3 minutes (that’s the key!) and then applying your makeup, you can be assured your skin stays protected, your makeup will remove so easily. Your skin won’t get angry at you.

You can even apply more than one layer if you need to. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly in between coats.
This product is a game changer, so do check it out if you need help finding a barrier to protect your sensitive skin.

Skin Saver was created by film and tv makeup artist Jennifer Aspinall after she found the need for protecting performer’s skin from heavy prosthetics and strong adhesives each day.

It contains aloe leaf oil, jojoba oil, and castor seed oil to help nourish your skin while protecting you.

I have been using Dermashield since my very first professional job almost 30 years ago. We used to call it “liquid gloves.” Maybe it’s still called that; I don’t know. It’s been around that long!
Dermashield provides a thin, breathable barrier onto your skin that stays with repeated washing.
So by dispensing a small amount of this, and applying it to your bruised area, letting it dry, and then applying your bruise cover makeup. This way you can be sure that your skin is well protected and your makeup will stay on while you need it and remove with ease when it’s time as well.

Once again, the secret is to allow it time to dry on your skin. No rushing the benefits of Dermashield. You can read more here about just how effective and safe Dermashield is.

This is not the first time I have sung the praises of the Dermacolor Mini Camouflage Palette. These are staples in pro makeup artist’s kits worldwide for good reason.

This is a cream-based makeup that is highly-pigmented, and while it may feel a little on the dry side to use, for the purposes of being durable, using on your body (and not necessarily on your face) this is a great, user-friendly option for covering bruises.
You will need a spatula or try these great spatula and palette sets so you can easily decant the shades you need, and mix and match as you please.
I still use my Dermacolor palettes for quick tattoo or bruise cover-ups on set, because it lasts, is highly durable and provide excellent coverage, too. You will get more life out of your cover if you powder and set the cream, as is the case with almost all cream makeups anyway.

I absolutely love this Evo Cream Palette from European Body Arts. And while it works a treat to cover tattoos, blemishes , bruises, you name it, on the skin. I do wish there was a deep skin tone palette, and a fair skin tone palette in the Skin line.

This is a very middle-of-the-road range of shades. So if you’re super fair, or super deep, you may have to look elsewhere.
But, if your skin tone is within the shades you see above, then this is definitely worth checking out for your bruise-covering needs.
The Evoo creams are very soft, and easy to use, easy to blend and mix to match your own shades.
These palettes also look really sleek, are slim and easy to store, and, dare I say – almost pass as a MAC palette (some of my faves for the slick black packaging alone!)

But appearances aside, this is a solid and reliable palette to cover your bruises with ease. And do powder and set afterward to ensure your makeup lasts all day. I just wish it was available in a broader range of shades.

This is one of the best concealer types and one of my all-time favorite palettes. The teeny, tiny Maq Pro Fard Cream Palette AB03. Much like the Dermacolor camouflage cream makeup I mentioned above, this full coverage concealer is highly pigmented, very durable, and may be way too dry for some. But for covering unwelcomed bruises, these can be the perfect product.
You will want to give the cream a light power once you’ve finished, to help set the makeup and keep it in place.
I also love how compact these palettes are. AND how much product you get in such a small product. They really do seem to last a lifetime, and provide the perfect shades to use as a color corrector or for tackling shade variation within the one spot.
Take a look at the other palettes in this range for a massive variety of shades and tones, as well as corrective colors for all purposes.

Now, you know I love a good palette (or 31!) but I wanted to show you that you do have options for different types of makeup as well.
The Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup is a fantastic, high-coverage, liquid foundation texture that is basically made for the very reason you need! Putting makeup on your arms and legs, right?
Leg and Body Makeup is vegan, allergy tested, sensitive skin tested, fragrance-ree, pthalate-free, you name it.
Take a look at the advice given on their site, and do give it time to dry after applying. And be sure to use a powder to set as well as a good setting spray for the best results of durability and to prevent transfer.

Now, this might come as some surprise, but the MAC Pro Airbrush Makeup is fast becoming one of my go-to’s for so many things within the makeup realm. And its staying power is just one of the reasons you might like to consider this makeup. And if you don’t airbrush? No probs. You can use this straight onto your makeup palette or wax paper palette and with your favorite foundation brush.
Now, with all flawless finishes, you may have to work in layers to create a good coverage, so it might take a bit of time between layers. To dry the makeup before coming in with your next layer, but believe me, this stuff goes nowhere!
You have to work quickly, but once you get it, you will get it. I love the Pro Airbrush makeup line that MAC has given us. I use it a lot on men, on arms and hands when I need to match shade variations and will keep doing so as long as they keep making it! (And I have one of my very favorite makeup artists to thank for the method!)
Remember to set with powder and setting spray for best results.

Okay, so I know I’ve been repeating myself about using a setting powder. And here’s my first pick for setting your sensitive skin. Dermablend Loose Setting Powder will set your body and bruise cover makeup for 16hrs.
I recommend using a powder puff to press in the powder in a rolling fashion. I think the kids are calling this baking now! (yep, I’m not young anymore!!) but whatever you want to call it, the outcome is still the same. Available in 4 shades – Original, Banana, Cool Beige, and Saffron, for the purposes of powdering, there is plenty of wiggle room with your shade choice.

If your skin is super sensitive, even when it comes to setting powders, it might be worth giving a mineral powder a try.
The Bare Minerals Veil Setting Powder will give you all the uses of your traditional setting powder, but without the talc, flashback or any other nasties that may give your skin cause for reaction.
Available in 4 shades, the Bare Minerals Veil Setting Powder is a great option if you’re looking to switch up your powder choice and find another option.

Etude is a fantastic Korean beauty brand that I love sharing inside The Makeup Refinery. I kinda feel like it’s a bit of a secret, so that’s why I’m extra excited to share this gem with you.
While the Zero Sebum Powder is intended for use for those among us who have oily skin, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it perfectly for setting your bruise-cover makeup.
And the reason it will work so well is that this powder is designed for sensitive skin, is made almost entirely of mineral powder and a whole bunch of things that are good news for your skin concerns.
Zero Sebum Powder is Talc-free, also free of any animal raw material, and free of artificial fragrance.

A matte, flawless finish setting spray that will keep your makeup on all night? Well, I’m not usually a buyer into hype, but there are always exceptions, right?
I love that Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Setting Spray also contains aloe vera and Japanese green tea to help soothe and nourish your sensitive skin, as well as do the hard work.

This may be one of it’s kind. If not, a water-based, effective setting spray is definitely an endangered species, for sure.
But what I really love about the Jordane Aqua Bamboo Setting Spray is that it doesn’t feel like you have anything on at all. And it still seals your makeup in a big way.
Water-based, and water-proof, this sealer-miracle is something of an industry-insider secret at this stage. And I’m letting you in on it!
And you know it works, because it was designed to work with very heavy theatrical makeup. So it’s definitely going to work for sealing your bruise-cover makeup.

Vegan, smudge-proof, cruelty-free and formulated to control the temperature of your makeup (what?). This matte-finish setting spray is definitely here to stay.
While it does have a large ingredient lost, I must say, try before you buy if you’re extra sensitive. The travel-size bottles are great options if you’re not sure starting out as well. But the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray most definitely lives up to its name. And is worthy of the awards.

Another best kept secret, EBA Unveil is definitely a go-to within film and tv for prosthetic makeup artists, body painters, and other artists who come to rely on products that work.
What makes Unveil so special is that it removes even the strongest of makeup without the use of any alcohol. And that’s kind of a rare thing when it comes to strong makeup and makeup adhesive removers.

One of the best investments I ever made in my own makeup removal was indeed, the Makeup Eraser.
The 7-Day Set is the perfect solution for removing your bruise cover makeup. And they literally fit in your hand and are totally gentle on your sensitive skin.
While the Makeup Eraser works on its own to remove your makeup (how, I will never understand!), using it with one of the removers I mention here is definitely a good idea.
A lot of these makeup products are strong. Of course they are, that’s what they’ve been designed to do. But what that means is that they are hard to get off.
And generally, that can end up in your rubbing, scrubbing, and irritating your skin.
So go gentle; use your Makeup Eraser and pair it with one of these removers for gentle, easy removal.

Dermalogica Pre Cleanse is a fantastic option for getting the makeup off your arms or legs wherever you have to use makeup to cover your bruises.
It’s an oil-based cleanser that contains Vitamin E and Apricot Oils and will gently but thoroughly break down the makeup you’ve fought so hard to keep on all day.
The ample size of the Cleanser bottle will last you a long time, and is definitely worth the price tag.

Another staple in my makeup kit (and almost every makeup artist I know) Edap is the saver of all skin. The go-to for post makeup removal rehydration, regenration, and all things replenishing for your sensitive skin.
It feels so good when you apply it, and I assure you it will minimize redness, and help keep irritation at bay. And if it works for people oin heavy prosthetic makeup, I can tell you it will also work for your bruised leg or arms.

Look for all natural, pure African Shea Butter to help keep your skin from getting irritated when you’re not covering your bruises. Full of Vitamins A, E and F, this is a great product to use daily and keep your skin well hydrated, smooth and as far from irritation as you can.

Arnica 35 is going to help heal and remedy your bruises in between you having to cover them up. So, if you weren’t aware yet, arnica helps speed up the healing process for your bruises by stimulating blood supply and increasing stimulation at the site of your bruise.
So by applying a topical lotion such as Arnica 35, you can clear your bruises up in no time.

That’s right, don’t forget the good, old fashioned ice pack. One of the simplest and most effective ways you can heal your bruising.

Arnica is so good I had to mention it twice! With Vita Arnicare +K, you will give your skin a calming, soothing way to help minimize your broozing and restore your skin. Vita Arnicar +K contains not only Arnica, but vitamin K cream, horse chestnut, comfrey, & collagen cream. All designed to look after your skin. Use twice daily for the best results.