Makeup Artist Gucci Westman Explains How To Cover Melasma in 3 Simple Steps

Having worked on editorials for the likes of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue and for some of fashion’s top names including Oscar de la Renta, Nina Ricci, Proenza Schouler and Carolina Herrera, makeup artist Gucci Westman is heralded as one of the best in the world. Now, following the launch of her eponymous beauty line, Westman Atelier, the renowned makeup artist is sharing her top tricks and tips with followers. This week’s topic? How to cover melasma.

Melasma is a form of hyper-pigmentation that results in brown patches on the skin. It is “often triggered by UV exposure or hormonal shifts in pregnancy” says Westman (HEV light is also a factor) and is incredibly difficult to get rid of. Westman explains that one of the most frequent questions she’s asked is how to cover melasma, so she’s broken it down into three very easy steps. Here’s what you need to know...

Apricot-tones are your best friend

“I would go in with an apricot undertone which tends to cancel out the brown shade. Pat it on with a smaller spot checking brush or a foundation brush that’s more precise.” Plus, if your skin is oily, Westman suggests looking for formulations which are a little more dry in their consistency.

Pop your foundation over the top

“On top of that, I would go in with a shade that matches your skin tone [Westman also refers to this as a neutralizing shade] and blend it.”

Use powder, but sparingly

“Powder a little bit on top so it stays put, but you don’t want too much.”

Before launching her beauty line, Westman served as the International Artistic Director at Lancôme from 2003 before moving to Revlon in 2008 as the Global Artistic Director. In previous years she’s been a fixture backstage during fashion week and has also worked on movie sets having begun her career working for Spike Jonze, David Lynch and Michael Bay.