EXPERT SECRETS | Skin highlighter for truly hidden spots

SPOTS AND I go way back. Decades, in fact. So I have some -- years -- experience in covering them. I feel like somewhat of an expert in the area. The number of compliments on my complexion always seem proportionate to the number of spots I'm actually hiding, which makes me believe I must have some skill at it.

In any event, I've tried EVE-RY-THING on the market to hide them. Every wand, pot, compact, brush, stick and pan of concealing makeup out there. Some are quite great. Some are meh. Some actually make the situation worse.

A great general rule of thumb to apply to your concealer search is: the drier and tackier the formula, the better it'll be. Why? Because it'll STAY IN PLACE, is generally more opaque and, well, that's what you want in a concealer, right? You don't want it slipping and sliding all over the place, do you?

The second rule you should live by is to apply just the tiniest bit to the absolute center of the spot and gently gently gently press it in. Get any of the concealer anywhere but the red spot and your efforts are ruined.

The third rule flies in the face of the first two and it's one I've recently started sticking to. I still love dry, tacky concealers and I apply them with the tiniest makeup brush to just the reddest part of the spot before I pat it in. But I've also learned a great trick, especially for those with spots who are going to have pictures taken.

The highlighter pen.

Spots are obvious because of the way they jut out of your face and their color. You can deal with the color by using a conventional concealer but not with the shape. They create a shadow, even when concealed. Why not put a concealer on top that actually reflects light, thereby making the spot look flat instead of domed? Makeup is all about light play, if you think about it, so why not apply that knowledge to your spots too instead of resignedly just slapping some obvious makeup on?

Twist the bottom of the wand to just load the brush of your product (I flux between Givenchy Mister Light and YSL Touche Eclat), dab just a bit on top of your spots and pat in. Set with powder and do the rest of your makeup as usual.

If you accidentally rub a bit off, just carry the wandy with you and re-apply through the night.

Plus, for those of us with wrinkles and spots, the highlighting pens are great at concealing fine lines with their light reflecting properties too.

My once expensive and single purpose skin highlighting pens have now become a whole bunch more afforable with their new multi-tasking status.

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SPONSORED POST | Clinique Anti-Blemish Liquid Makeup

Clinique's new anti-blemish range is pretty great, sponsored post or no sponsored post. I (just weeks shy of my 30th birthday) STILL HAVE SPOTS and love love love makeup that actually works to help clear up your complexion instead of just concealing (heh) the problem.

Clinique says "Many blemish sufferers need a foundation that properly addresses their skin imbalance.  Furthermore, the foundation needs to be gentle enough to not aggravate already irritated skin and not leave skin feeling tight or uncomfortable - which can further exacerbate the look of blemishes. Luckily, there’s now a solution.  An industry leader in dermatological skin care solutions, Clinique now brings blemish care to the makeup category by introducing NEW Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup, a new partner to treating blemishes that also leaves behind a beautiful, natural finish."

Say it, sister.

I tried it out in-store recently (because I'm a truth sleuth so have to know about what I'm talking about here!) and love the finished (minimized pores), that it doesn't have red undertones (huge if you already have ruddy skin) and didn't make my skin feel tight or dry. All key if you have inflamed, sensitive, acne-prone skin.

They say it lasts up to 8 hours. Curious? Find out for yourself... Anti-Blemish Liquid Makeup is available in 8 shades for all skin tones (from super light to very deep), is allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, oil-free, dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested and non-comedogenic.

Buy or learn more about Clinique Anti-Blemish Liquid Makeup (30ml RRP £20.00 €28.00).

5 WAYS TO | Foundation

CHANTECAILE NEW FUTURE SKIN FOUNDATION There's nothing but high praise for this stuff and its gel formulation. And it has the same light-reflecting properties as products like Touche Eclat. Non-drying and doesn't slide around at all.

VICHY FOND DE TEINT ANTI-IMPERFECTIONS I have dry, acneic skin yet still love this stuff. It instantly mattifies, gives good coverage (for those with redness) although it doesn't look heavy. And unlike some of the reviews, I don't find it makes my skin flake or sit in my fine lines. On the contrary, it's one of the easiest and most effective foundations I've come by. Don't be put off by the small bottle. It lasts an AGE.

SUE DEVITT TRIPLE C-WEED WHIPPED FOUNDATION Light as chocolate mousse, this foundation moisturises and reminds me of a product I can no longer find that was made by Daniel Sandler for Urban Retreat. Massage it in for a flawless medium-cover finish that's pretty good for your skin.

MAYBELLINE DREAM MATTE MOUSSE FOUDNATION This is the best drugstore foundation out there... totally even coverage, matte and as light as it promises to be. It holds its own against all the high-priced players. Works good on young skin, older skin, dry and oil skin... pretty good all-arounder for medium to high coverage.

GIVENCHY PHYTO'PERFECTION FLUID FOUNDATION This offers good coverage, almost like a concealer, but it doesn't feel like one. It's light and blends easily with a matte finish that really cancels out any redness. 

Not a single one is new on the market and we're not accounting for ingredients (so some might be chokka of nasties while others might be relatively free from nasties. Not the point right now). Every single one of them delivers and has passed through my hands at some point in the past year. (All prices on individual websites.)

Have any suggestions? What's your favourite foundation? We're all ears!