Whenever I go meet a bride, one question that frequently pops up during our time together is “how did you get into makeup?”
The truth is…having acne.
Acne consumed my life in University. I had to find makeup products that would cover it up without worsening it. I was constantly researching ingredients in products to determine which ingredients I was allergic to and which worked well with my skin. I even tracked all the ingredients in a spreadsheet. That’s actually how Product Wars arose. So when brides tell me they have sensitive skin, I can honestly assure them that all products in my kit have been tried and tested by yours truly to ensure no negative reactions would occur.
This is probably one of the most vulnerable moments for me, but I’m going to tell you about my journey with acne and show you photos of me without makeup. Some photos are pretty gross, so you have been forewarned.
2008 (Left) / 2013 (Right)
2008 (Left) / 2013 (Right)
2008 (Left) / 2013 (Right)
During high school, I actually had a lot of acne but prescription from my doctor worked. Once I hit university, the acne worsened. I tried everything from birth control to topical treatments to oral antibiotics to light therapies to acupuncture to change in diet. Some of the products I used were Differin & Retin-A-Micro. How these products work is that it helps shed the outer layer of your skin, so it removes all clogged pores. My skin was constantly peeling to the point where I was using tweezers to peel it off. No amount of makeup can alter skin texture. It really brought my self confidence down, especially when going to events. I remember one day in 2008, I couldn’t stand the acne anymore and bursted out crying to my mom. I had a heart-to-heart with her and told her that I wanted to go on Accutane. She actually discouraged me from it and we would research into alternative remedies. I’m glad that she did, especially after reading the lawsuit going on.
From multiple visits to the doctor, I received a medication that contained Benzoyl Peroxide. I actually had a severe allergic reaction to the point where my face puffed up and I couldn’t see (think Will Smith in Hitch). My friend had to take me to the Emergency Room (thank goodness there was a hospital within our University). I was out of school for two weeks during midterm time on antihistamines. So having most acne products containing Benzoyl Peroxide, it was really slim pickings. Oh and did I forget to mention that I’m allergic to Sulphur? My skin starts to itch and burn when I put on masks containing it.
After years of trial and error on skincare products, I can honestly say that my acne is now mostly gone, except the occasional hormonal ones. My pores get clogged very easily, but the products I’m using now has improved my skin dramatically. I will be posting a video series on YouTube soon on skincare products that works for me.
I can’t say that skincare products alone has made my skin better. Eating healthy has definitely helped and it’s all thanks to Joe from Fight Fit Bootcamps.
There you go, the reason why I got into makeup & my journey through acne.