A sudden eruption? I’m not talking about applause. In my biz (show business) the entrance of a pimple might be the death of a scene. Will the audience enjoy my actor’s performance if a red flashing bump is commanding the spotlight? Do you feel like zits add drama to your life?
Picture this. Amber Heard #TheWard arrived at my makeup trailer along with her unscripted pimple. Who wants to be filmed on HD (hi-def) with a skin blimp? Dim the lights is the party over?
For Amber, I called a pimple-buster…the dermatologist. A corticosteroid (steroid/cortisone) was directly injected into the pimple to flatten and reduce the size. I share more about filming with Amber Heard in my upcoming book MIRROR MIRROR: Confessions of a Celebrity Makeup Artist.
I don’t always have a derm on speed dial, like I did while filming with Amber. Here are other ways to successfully reduce inflammation:
Ice with a thin facial cloth protecting the skin
Crushed aspirin (acetylsalicylic) powder with warm water to make a paste mask
Clarifying Polishing Mask with sulfur– for sensitive skin types or those allergic to aspirin
Red light therapy spot treatment (Neutrogena)
After Amber’s inflammation subsided I used an astringent containing Salicylic Acid to penetrate deep into the surface of the pore to dissolve dirt, excess oil and dead skin layers while minimizing the appearance of the pore size. I keep Clarify Exfoliating Astringent in my kit, it contains 2% Salicylic Acid, followed with Epicuren Aloe to calm, soothe and hydrate without making the skin oily or shiny. MAC studio fix powder, color corrects the redness and I love Oxygenetix Foundation, which is a breathable formula. It promotes healing and provides complete coverage. I finished with Bobbi brown loose powder to set the foundation and tJordan setting spray for longevity.
On several occasions I’ve made a blemish into a beauty mark. Yes, turn your pimple into a star attraction! Fill in a small round circle over the top with a chocolate brown eye pencil. In the Tristinary it’s called a “chocolate chip.” Now anyone can be ready for his or her close-up!
At wrap time (end of the film day) I cleanse my actors face with Epicuren’s Clairify Cleanser using a Clairsonic and the appropriate brush head. For a 10-minute mask I use 10% benzoyl peroxide (Clear & Clean Persa-gel10) on the affected area only, because it’s drying, to penetrate the pore and kill the acne-causing bacteria with oxygen. My next step is Epicuren Clarify Blemish Eraser, a potent formula anti-microbial spot treatment effective for all grades of acne. Key ingredients include 2% Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Cinnamon Bark Oil, Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera. Moisturizing is important to keep problematic skin hydrated and my go-to is Acidohilus Propiotic Facial Cream rich in Micronized Silver, Aloe Vera, Cucumber and Chamomile.
Lights out for your unscripted pimple. End of Scene.
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