We talk to Liz Kenna, Kryolan senior artist and product specialist, about how to conceal even the trickiest of skin issues.
Hard-to-conceal skin issues come up for a professional makeup artist all the time, what do you recommend?
“Kryolan’s Dermacolor is often used by makeup artists to conceal dermatological imperfections arising from injury, illness, congenital disorders, old age and more recently tattoos,” says Liz Kenna, Kryolan Senior Artist and Product Specialist.
What skin conditions can a product like this cover?
“Some of the skin conditions it is effective in concealing include rosacea, age spots, bruising, freckles, scars, varices, acne vulgaris, haemangioma, telangiectasias, port wine birthmark, vitiligo, circumorbital rings and chloasma.”
So it’s quite medical…
“Dermacolor is a tried and tested product used in leading remedial and hospital facilities worldwide,” says Kenna. “Plastic surgeons and cosmeticians use and recommend the Dermacolor system as it has been tried and tested for over 70 years. They love it because it simply works! All ingredients used in the Dermacolor range are low irritant and formulated to nourish the skin rather than dry it out. Specific ingredients that promote skin enhancement include; mineral oils, beeswax, paraffin and vitamin E and carnauba wax.”
And makeup artists love it too…
“It’s a staple in most makeup artist’s kits because Dermacolor also performs as a full coverage foundation and concealer,” says Kenna. “It can be transformed to a liquid consistency when mixed with a drop of Kryolan Makeup Blend.”
What makes Dermacolor so effective?
“The Dermacolor formula is highly pigmented and has been specifically developed to conceal undesirable, often psychologically distressing, scars, marks, blemishes, tattoos and pigmentation on the surface of the skin,” says Kenna. “Only the best-in-class ingredients are used within the products, which are available in an extensive range of intermixable shades that provide a natural appearance.”
Is there a backstory?
“This product was created in 1971 by Kryolan founder, Arnold Langer, after he encountered a young girl sobbing in a park,” says Kenna. “She had experienced serious facial injuries in a fire. Even once these injuries had healed the damage left scarring to the face, which was very hard to conceal. Arnold immediately set out to develop a product to allow for people affected by pigmentation and remedial conditions to restore hope and rebuild confidence.”
Camoflage is needed by professional makeup artists on set. Any stories you can share?
“The range has been previously used to transform Halle Berry for role in “Cloud Atlas” and helped Taylor Lautner wolf out for “Twilight: New Moon”,” says Kenna. “It is also featured in Kim Kardashian’s beauty kit and extensively used by her makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic on his A list clientele. Dermacolor can be found in all leading makeup artists kits; clinics and hospitals globally.”
What is the finish like? How detectable is the skin issue beneath?
“Dermacolor provides a natural finish, with the skin issue benefit unrecognisable when applied correctly,” says Kenna. “Apart from being a superior camouflage system for the face, body and soul, Dermacolor restores the skin’s natural appearance, is waterproof, protects against harmful UV rays, and gives confidence back to those who need it most.”
What is the best way to apply it?
“It really depends of what you are trying to conceal but generally the best application technique is layering,” says Kenna. “There are a number of Dermacolor educational videos available on YouTube. In Australia we also have a team of highly skilled makeup artists who regularly provide product application masterclasses and presentations on the most effective techniques for application for different skin types, issues and concerns.”
Do you have any tips for a natural finish?
“The trick to concealing densely pigmented anomalies lies in using colour corrective shades,” says Kenna. “This will neutralize the unwanted pigment, improving the ability to completely remove the unwanted shade. For example: D30 (Orange based) or D32 (Red based) are great for covering dark blue/black shades in tattoos and bruising, while a green based product such as D7 or the Neutralizer will eliminate redness in the skin caused by Rosacea and other irritations.”
Skin pigmentation and disfigurements can be really hard on a person psychologically, have you had feedback from how this system has helped boost people’s confidence?
“Yes, over the years we have been overwhelmed by the response clients have had using the system,” says Kenna.