The Ultimate Cover Up Guide for Men by Lauren D. Weinstein

The desire to face the day feeling and looking your best is not gender specific. When it comes to obliterating those dreaded blue and purple undereye circles, rogue blemishes, acne scars, uneven skin tone and other multitude of sins, it’s perfectly acceptable for a man to reach for color correctors, concealers and tinted moisturizers to quickly tackle these pesky imperfections.

As the stigma around men’s use of skincare continues to dissolve, men can easily borrow these items from their female counterparts or purchase products that are specifically formulated for their naturally thicker, and due to testosterone, oilier skin.

Here are some simple tips and product options to help you get out of the door looking rested, snatched and ready for your closeup.

1.Prep your skin. Cleanse to remove sweat, oil and other impurities. Moisturize to soften, hydrate and protect from environmental irritants. Gently dab a pea size amount of eye cream or serum under the eye to moisturize, soothe, reduce puffiness and provide a smoother application of products.

Contains cica, microbiomes, spirulina.

Water-gel formula. Targets redness, lightweight, sheer, blurs imperfections. Available in 10 shades.

Has an applicator for depuffing, brightens with niacinamide, hydrates with hyaluronic acid and moringa seed oil.

Deflates bags with caffeine, soothes and brightens with niacinamide and anti-inflammatory lemon balm.

2. Color Correct. Color correctors visibly neutralize unwanted tones and come in a variety of shades from yellow, red, orange, blue, lavender and green. Knowledge of color theory would come in handy but don’t panic and trust the process. Opposite colors on the color wheel are called complimentary colors, when applied to the skin they help cancel out unwanted skin tones.

RED tones apply Green

BLUE tones apply Peach/Orange

PURPLE tones apply Yellow/Deep Gold for darker skin tones

SALLOW tones apply Lavender or Purple

Less is more. Apply a small amount of product either with your finger or with a concealer brush on the exact area that you want corrected. Gently dab and blend, and blend some more! Now you are ready to conceal.

3. Concealer. Choose a concealer in a formula of choice. (liquid, cream or stick) that matches your skin tone. Usually, a shade or two lighter for the under eyes.  With your fingers, sponge or concealer brush, gently apply and blend to diffuse. Easy, right?

Color Correctors:

Concealers:

8 shades, discreet and sleek packaging, and travel friendly.

Stick formula, matte finish, and a diverse range of shades.

Full coverage, blurring, wears all day, 30 shades.

Self-care and taking pleasure in your appearance is healthy and a confidence booster. The next time you’re looking peaked and bleary-eyed or wake up to an angry pimple that suddenly showed up like an unwanted guest, you can take pride in knowing you have the skills and tools to send them packing.

For more skincare insights from Lauren Weinstein—including tips for men—check out the stories below.

The Crush Letter
The Crush Letter is a weekly newsletter from Dish Stanley curating articles & intelligence on everything love & connection - friendship, romance, self-love, sex. If you’d like to take a look at some of our best stories go to Read Us. Want the Dish?