Make-Up for Chloasma

In her regular column Ask Lauren, 4Beauty resident make-up artist Lauren Dunn gives expert beauty advice.

I was recently diagnosed with chloasma on my face. It's not very noticeable during winter but the patches get darker during summer. My uneven skin tone makes finding foundation impossible. I currently wear a tinted moisturiser during the day but it would be lovely to look like I had a nice even skin tone. Linzi

Chloasma, also known as melasma, is a discolouration of the skin. The main symptom is the appearance of dark, irregular patches of skin, often on the upper cheek, nose, lips and forehead. These patches usually develop gradually and some will eventually disappear, but some may stay.

Although it can affect anyone, it is particularly common in pregnant women, those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives and those who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It's important to wear a good SPF (30+) at these times, and if you think you're developing chloasma, it's always worth going to see your GP in case there are other underlying causes.

While you are waiting for the patches to fade, the best way to get an even skin tone is to use a good base (foundation or tinted moisturiser), concealer and a powder. A foundation will give you more coverage than a tinted moisturiser. Watch my How to Apply Foundation video, which includes advice on how to choose the right one for you.

Next, you need a good concealer to conceal the darker patches. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is one of the best concealers on the market in my opinion. I'd recommend going into a department store and asking a make-up artist to try it on you so you can see how to use it. To get precision coverage and a longer lasting effect, use a brush. I like Cover FX's Concealing Brush.

The last product you will need is a translucent setting powder. Once you've applied your concealer, press on some powder to set the concealer and make it last. No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder is a favourite of mine.

Lauren x

Lauren Dunn is 4Beauty's resident make-up artist.