Makeup Guide

Benefits of Camouflage Cosmetics

Camouflage cosmetics are a combination of medicine, science and art sometimes referred to as skin care makeup, corrective cosmetics, cover-up makeup, or paramedical camouflage foundations.

This terminology reflects the benefits and healing properties associated with the medicinal, natural ingredients that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, calming effects of inflamed skin, chemical free sunscreen and are actually considered "healthy for the skin" makeup while providing all of the above benefits.

These products can be safely used by post operative plastic surgery patients, dermatological patients, and those who have medical skin conditions. Camouflage cosmetics are used to hide, conceal and cover various skin conditions as well as for those having a desire to enhance and improve their complexion. By using the proper techniques, tools and with continuous practice, the benefits of camouflage cosmetics are unimaginable. These cosmetics come in a variety of colors, are used by anyone regardless of skin color, ethnicity, age or gender. Many people use these cosmetics to contour and improve facial features, to either draw attention to or from an area by casting shadows with highlights. They are used to minimize facial flaws, facial features, hide swelling, bruising, scars and for much more!

Understanding Skin Tone/Making Color Choices 

Determining your skin tone, undertone or skin color is of  the utmost importance in making the correct selection of a foundation color.  The key to identifying skin tone and creating an ideal foundation is to choose a color that closely matches your skin so that when it is  well blended it disappears  into your natural skin with no obvious lines. It is important not to create a contrast between the color of your face and neck. An important fact to remember is that the foundation color should be applied along the jaw line and blended carefully beneath the chin, preferably in natural sunlight. Extra attention should be given to the inner eye, jaw, hairline, chin and the creases around the nose.

Although the ideal result is to match the skin color of your face when choosing a color , in some cases it is more important to match the foundation to the color of your neck.  If your face is darker than your neck and the foundation matches the face it can look like a mask because of the difference in color.  If your face is lighter than your neck and the foundation matches the neck this holds true also.  The best solution is to match the foundation closer to the darker of the two and choose a color in between.  Blending is the most important rule to remember! Combining foundation colors can also solve the exact color dilemma since each skin color is unique.

The objective for corrective cosmetics is  to cover skin imperfections, medical skin conditions and to create a "flawless looking complexion" for those who desire it.  Corrective cosmetics can minimize undesirable  features by drawing attention away from them.  By using a foundation cream that is darker or lighter than the natural skin color, we can create illusions.  Darker colors give the impression of decreasing the size of facial features while highlights are created by the use of lighter colors.  These techniques are mastered by professional estheticians, makeup artists and are also achievable by anyone who practices and uses camouflage cosmetics.

Generally, regardless of age, nationality or skin color your foundation should be shades of neutral ivory, neutral beige, tan, dark browns with slight undertones of yellow.

HOW TO CHOOSE COLORS

pHK Paramedical Camouflage Foundations

Nude Cream - Fair, porcelain , Caucasian, pink and yellow tones

Natural Cream -  Light to neutral skin tones, pink and yellow tones

Natural Beige (Med) - Medium with pink and yellow tones

Natural Beige (Light) - Tan, pink and yellow tones

Olive Beige (Med) -  Medium, olive, Asian, Indian, tan, yellow tones

Olive Beige (Light) - Exotic, South American, Latin, Asian, yellow tones

China Doll - Asian, Indian/Latin/tan, yellow tones

Soft Pecan -  Fair skinned African American/tan, some pink, yellow tones

Dark Cream -  African American/dark, deep complexions, yellow tones

pHK Mineral Loose Foundation Powders

Blonde, Shell, Cream - Fair

Tender, Sand, Sunlit - Medium

Toast, Mocha, Chestnut - Darker

For information on specific skin conditions, " Click Here "

Application Techniques

BLEND, BLEND, BLEND - By using the proper tools and brushes you will achieve the best application.

CONCEALERS

The chemical composition of concealers is similar to that of creamy foundations as far as consistency, contains moisturizing benefits and is applied sparingly under your foundation color. It can also be used alone if the color matches your skin. pHK Paramedical Camouflage Foundation can be used as a concealer alone or in combination with several colors.

The pHK color correctors are also used to conceal and come in two distinct colors. They can be applied under the eye and in any area that needs a complete coverage. products.

The mint color corrector is used to cover areas of redness while the lavender color corrector is beneficial and used to cover areas of shallowness.  Either way, concealers are beneficial in helping to camouflage skin imperfections.

Using specific brushes such as the angle, camouflage brushes will help to reach those areas of concern and smooth out and allow the colors to glide on effortlessly. There are specific brushes that are intended to be used on different areas of the face, neck and body and with the variety of sizes, shapes, there is a special brush for any area! Apply a small amount over the area of concern, blend carefully especially around the eye area which is extremely delicate. You do not want to stretch this delicate area, so be extremely gentle. Using the proper brush will enable the application to go on smoothly. 

pHK PARAMEDICAL CAMOUFLAGE FOUNDATION

Camouflage Foundation techniques are a makeup artistry and used for a variety of reasons; as a temporary measure while recovering from surgery, such as a face lift, to disguise a congenital defect, or to hide scars and other effects of an accident or burn victim.  It is also used to create a "flawless looking complexion" for movie stars, and for anyone who desires.

The #1 rule is before any makeup application - CLEANSE, TONE AND MOISTURIZE -The application of makeup requires practice, skill and is considered an artistry.  There are makeup artists, aestheticians and even paramedical camouflage experts that are trained in the application of makeup and in the use of skin care products.  With continuous use and practice the basic techniques can be mastered by anyone. Practice makes perfect!

PHK Paramedical Camouflage Foundation is a creamy foundation used to correct uneven skin tones, camouflage skin imperfections, medical skin conditions by enhancing the appearance of the face, neck and body.  It is not used to treat any medical condition, it is a camouflage makeup that enhances. 

It is easier to darken a skin tone with foundation than to lighten it, so try to avoid using a lighter shade foundation than your natural skin color.  The lighter color will not blend into the neck properly and may create a "mask like appearance", looking unnatural.

If you have an uneven skin tone, we suggest purchasing two different colors of foundation and you will have the ability to create a look where the lighter color is used in the center of the face and the darker color can be used as a contour around the edges, neck.  Blending is the trick to a more natural effect. 

Use the selected foundation brush, dip it into the paramedical cream foundation and apply small amounts in different areas over the face, nose, cheeks, chin, temples and in between the brows.  Using the camouflage brush always work from the face outwards to avoid applying too much in the hairline area.  Move the foundation from between the brows going down the nose and then from the chin outward.  Blend carefully around the hairline, below the eyes and ears and feather just beneath the jaw line.  BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.

pHK MINERAL LOOSE FOUNDATION POWDER

Using the proper brushes (Kabuki Brush or Chisel Brush) will make the application of mineral loose powders feel effortless. The main objective is to CREATE AN EVEN APPLICATION by blending. The other important thing to accomplish is to use the powder sparingly because it is so concentrated and a little goes farther than imagined. It is beneficial to use less at first, adding more if necessary.  If  too much is used initially, then continue swirling, blending with the Kabuki or Chisel Brush which will help correct and spread the minerals evenly over the skin.

FIRST CLEANSE, TONE AND MOISTURIZE.  The moisturizer must be completely absorbed into the skin before any mineral powder is applied.  Otherwise,  the minerals may not spread evenly or effortlessly.

To release the minerals from the sifter jar, remove the lid to find a seal with a tab.  You can either puncture holes in the seal for a more controlled flow or remove part of the seal or remove it completely.  The sifter should never be removed because this controls the amount of minerals released under the lid. Replace the lid, turn the jar upside down, tap gently on the bottom and a small quantity of minerals will be released.

Remember, because the powders are extremely concentrated, a very small amount will go a long way. It is better to use the minerals sparingly applying in layers until the desired coverage is obtained. You can always add more.

DIP the brush into the jar, SWIRL the brush (Kabuki or Chisel powder brush) in the mineral powder making sure that all of the bristles are lightly covered.  Gently tap the excess powder off either on the lid, top of the sifter or on a protected area.  Now you are ready to apply the minerals to your completely absorbed moisturized skin. For a sheer coverage, use less, for a more opaque coverage use in layers either alone or on top of the paramedical camouflage cream foundation for a complete coverage look.