[erinemily]

Does anyone have any advice on covering scars with makeup? The Homecoming dance is coming up soon and I have some pretty new scars on my wrists. I don't want to completely cover my arms in bracelets, and I don't want my friends seeing my scars. I'm really, really pale and the foundation I use for my face is noticeably darker than the skin tone of my wrists. The tone I use for my face is already the palest shade that most brands offer. Help?

[sonnenschein]

If it's just for one night, you might be able to get a free sample of a pricier European/French brand that carries lighter shades. I'm too pale for most foundations, but Lancôme's palest just about works for me. Try to chat up one of the assistants at a department store- they'll know which lines carry the lightest colors, and you can always say you'd like to try it out with samples before you buy. Usually, they test out the color on the back of your hand first, so you'll know if it works with your wrist.

Originally Posted by erinemily

Does anyone have any advice on covering scars with makeup? The Homecoming dance is coming up soon and I have some pretty new scars on my wrists. I don't want to completely cover my arms in bracelets, and I don't want my friends seeing my scars. I'm really, really pale and the foundation I use for my face is noticeably darker than the skin tone of my wrists. The tone I use for my face is already the palest shade that most brands offer. Help?

I've used concealer (which is always several shades lighter than the foundation) which works most of the time, depending on depth of scars and location. If that hasn't worked, you can ask the pharmasist for a 'general scar concealer' as there are some very good ones on the market but not all stores carry them. 'Glamoflage' is one.

I hope this is helpful...enjoy your dance

[Grey Matter]

Green tones are good for riding of the red/purple/what have you appearance of scars. For my job interview I usually use a method with separate makeup to what I could use on my face. You don't need the expensive stuff, if you have a Target E.L.F makes good quality makeup at usually $1-$2 a pop. Which is a steal. Concealer is going to work better as a base, foundation on top. If you just use foundation, it will melt off (learned this at work a few years ago). Be SURE to use these methods on HEALED scars, okay?

here is a tutorial on youtube that does a pretty good job of showing it
TRIGGER WARNING FOR VISIBLE SCARS

Enjoy your dance!

Just my opinion..... but WHY hide the scars. I am a cutter, I am a guy and I am older than pretty much all of you (48). So I do not fit the standard image of a cutter. But, I am in a group that is for self harmers and it took over a month just to get an appointment (because they have so many like me).

Okay - enough of my background. Back to your question. WHY hide them. This may sound twisted to non-SHers. But I LIKE seeing marks. I do not want anyone to "hurt" themselves. But seeing another cutter - it is IDK... refreshing. Welcoming. AND (not trying to be pervy) it is very sexy to me. Instantly I know I have something relate-able with that person. I understand their pain and they understand mine. We have an instant connection.

So yes - cutters are super sexy. Do not hide it. It is part of who you are. And if you are embarassed about it - then cut on your thighs were you can hide it better.

[Edda]

Originally Posted by Useless Me

Just my opinion..... but WHY hide the scars. I am a cutter, I am a guy and I am older than pretty much all of you (48). So I do not fit the standard image of a cutter. But, I am in a group that is for self harmers and it took over a month just to get an appointment (because they have so many like me).

Okay - enough of my background. Back to your question. WHY hide them. This may sound twisted to non-SHers. But I LIKE seeing marks. I do not want anyone to "hurt" themselves. But seeing another cutter - it is IDK... refreshing. Welcoming. AND (not trying to be pervy) it is very sexy to me. Instantly I know I have something relate-able with that person. I understand their pain and they understand mine. We have an instant connection.

So yes - cutters are super sexy. Do not hide it. It is part of who you are. And if you are embarassed about it - then cut on your thighs were you can hide it better.

I am equally inspired and disturbed by your post post. I am in a similar age group - considerably younger though - so I am not the disturbed teenager either.

I guess I just haven't gathered the strength to openly wear my scars. I mean... they ARE awful; no, NO makeup would hide them. I sometimes feel grief over the fact that I can never wear short sleeve tops in public ever.

I think I am not really ashamed of them - I want to/need to hide them because they are the outcome of very personal struggles.

You don't want to cast your pearls before swine...

[erinemily]

Originally Posted by Teen Idle

Green tones are good for riding of the red/purple/what have you appearance of scars. For my job interview I usually use a method with separate makeup to what I could use on my face. You don't need the expensive stuff, if you have a Target E.L.F makes good quality makeup at usually $1-$2 a pop. Which is a steal. Concealer is going to work better as a base, foundation on top. If you just use foundation, it will melt off (learned this at work a few years ago). Be SURE to use these methods on HEALED scars, okay?

I'll be sure to try this out! Thank you so much!!!!!

[Sterella]

I know you wanted advice for a single event, but if you are looking for a way to nearly erase the appearance of scars I recommend mederma advanced scar gel. It worked pretty well for me, and I had some really nasty scars on my arms. But, anyways, have fun!

[Grey Matter]

Originally Posted by Useless Me

Just my opinion..... but WHY hide the scars. I am a cutter, I am a guy and I am older than pretty much all of you (48). So I do not fit the standard image of a cutter. But, I am in a group that is for self harmers and it took over a month just to get an appointment (because they have so many like me).

Okay - enough of my background. Back to your question. WHY hide them. This may sound twisted to non-SHers. But I LIKE seeing marks. I do not want anyone to "hurt" themselves. But seeing another cutter - it is IDK... refreshing. Welcoming. AND (not trying to be pervy) it is very sexy to me. Instantly I know I have something relate-able with that person. I understand their pain and they understand mine. We have an instant connection.

So yes - cutters are super sexy. Do not hide it. It is part of who you are. And if you are embarassed about it - then cut on your thighs were you can hide it better.

As you stated, you're older. And liking your scars and wanting to hide them so you can be comfortable for a night, a job interview, etc is perfectly normal. I do not care if someone finds my scars attractive or anything. What matters to others and myself is the comfort level we can get a grasp on for ourselves. I've only had negative experiences with people seeing my scars. I'd rather not go through it again. And the OP wanted her dance to be much the same. Worry free.

Also it doesn't seem wise to suggest where to cut, especially on a forum where a lot of us are trying to recover.

@Teen Idle...

I fully get what you are saying and I did not intend on devaluing that viewpoint. I was just trying to let you know that *everyone* does not look down on you for how you need to deal with issues.

I am a cutter & head-banger myself. It works for me. And I know it may not be the ideal way of dealing with my problems (or your problems) - but I view it as a LOT better than what I would likely do if I was limited..............

Hang in there. You are NOT alone.