Makeup tips and tricks for pierced faces
You want to enhance your features, but you also want to avoid irritating or damaging your piercing. Getting makeup on or in your piercing can cause irritation or even infection. Fortunately, with a few tips and tricks, you can apply makeup with confidence and without compromising your piercing.
Understanding Your Piercing
Healing Process
The healing process for a piercing can vary depending on the location and type of piercing. It’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. During the healing process, you should avoid applying makeup to the area until it’s fully healed. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Your piercer can best guide you on the healing time frame and aftercare.
Types of Piercings
There are several types of facial and dermal piercings, each with its own unique healing process and aftercare instructions. Here are some of the most common types of piercings:
Nose Piercing: This type of piercing is usually done on the nostril and can take up to six months to fully heal.
Lip Piercing: A lip piercing can be done on the upper or lower lip and can take up to three months to fully heal.
Eyebrow Piercing: This type of piercing is done above the eyebrow and can take up to six weeks to fully heal.
Dermal Piercing: A dermal piercing is a single-point piercing that can be placed anywhere on the body. It can take up to six months to fully heal.
It’s important to choose the right makeup products for your piercing to avoid any irritation or infection. Avoid using heavy makeup or products that contain alcohol or fragrances. Stick to gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores.
Preparation Steps
Cleanliness is Key
The first step to preparing your skin for makeup application is to make sure it is clean. This means removing any dirt, oil, or bacteria that may be on your skin or around your piercing. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Wash your face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs that can irritate or damage your piercing.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing or pulling on your piercing, as this can cause irritation or discomfort.
- Use a cotton swab or pad to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or saline solution to your piercing. This will help disinfect the area and prevent infection.
Selecting the Right Makeup
Once your skin is clean and dry, it’s time to choose the right makeup for your piercing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Look for makeup products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” These products are less likely to clog your pores or cause breakouts, which can be especially important if you have a facial piercing.
- Avoid using makeup that contains glitter or other large particles, as these can get trapped in your piercing and cause irritation or infection.
- Choose a makeup formula that is easy to apply and blend, such as a liquid foundation or cream blush. This will help you avoid tugging or pulling on your piercing, which can be painful or damaging.
- If you have a fresh or healing piercing, avoid applying makeup directly to the area. Instead, focus on other areas of your face until your piercing has fully healed.
Applying Makeup Around the Piercing
Foundation Application
When applying foundation, be careful not to get any on or around the piercing. If you do, gently wipe it away with a cotton swab or tissue. If you have a fresh piercing, avoid applying foundation directly on the area until it has fully healed. Instead, apply foundation around the piercing and blend it in gently with a makeup sponge or brush.
Eye Makeup
When applying eye makeup, be careful not to tug or pull on the skin around the piercing. Use a gentle touch and avoid applying too much pressure. If you have a facial piercing, consider using a waterproof eyeliner and mascara to avoid smudging or transferring the makeup onto the piercing.
When applying eyeshadow, choose colors that complement your piercing and your skin tone. Avoid using glitter or shimmery eyeshadows that can irritate the piercing. Instead, opt for matte or satin finishes.
Lip Makeup
When applying lip makeup, be careful not to get any on or around the piercing. If you do, as with other pierced areas, gently wipe it away with a cotton swab or tissue. If you have a fresh piercing, avoid applying lipstick directly on the area until it has fully healed. Instead, apply lipstick around the piercing and blend it in gently with a lip brush.
Choose lip colors that complement your piercing and your skin tone. Avoid using lip gloss or shiny lipsticks that can irritate the piercing. Instead, opt for matte or satin finishes. By following these tips, you can apply makeup around your piercing without causing any damage or irritation. Remember to always be gentle and take your time to ensure your makeup looks flawless.
Post Makeup Application Care
Cleaning the Piercing
When you are ready to remove your makeup, you should clean your piercings with a saline solution or a gentle, fragrance-free soap and water. Use a cotton swab or a clean cloth to gently clean around the piercing, being careful not to move the jewelry too much. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers, as they can irritate the piercing and cause discomfort.
Preventing Infections
To prevent infections, it’s important to avoid touching your piercings with dirty hands and to keep them dry and clean. Avoid using makeup brushes or sponges on the piercing, as these can introduce bacteria and irritants.
If you experience any redness, swelling, or pain around the piercing after applying makeup, seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate an infection or other complication, and prompt treatment can help prevent further damage or discomfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Harsh Products
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when applying makeup with facial or dermal piercings is using harsh products. This can cause irritation, redness, and even infection. Instead, opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin.
2. Applying Makeup Too Close to the Piercing
Another mistake that people make is applying makeup too close to the piercing. This can cause the piercing to become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to infection. To avoid this, be sure to apply makeup at least a couple of millimeters away from the piercing.
3. Not Cleaning Your Piercing Before Applying Makeup
It’s important to clean your piercing before applying makeup to avoid infection. Use a saline solution or a gentle cleanser to clean the area around the piercing before applying any makeup.
4. Using Too Much Makeup
Using too much makeup can also be a mistake. This can clog your pores and cause breakouts, which can be especially problematic around piercings. Instead, use a light touch and build up your makeup gradually.
5. Forgetting to Remove Your Makeup
Forgetting to remove your makeup at the end of the day can also be a mistake. This can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and even infections. Be sure to remove your makeup at the end of the day using a gentle cleanser or makeup remover.
Conclusion
Applying makeup when you have a facial or dermal piercing can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely doable. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a beautiful makeup look without compromising the integrity of your piercing.
Always be gentle when applying makeup around your piercing, and avoid using harsh products that can irritate the area. Stick to hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Consider using a small brush to apply foundation and concealer around the area. This will help you avoid accidentally getting makeup on your piercing, which can be difficult to remove and may cause irritation.
For dermal piercings, be careful when applying powder products like blush or bronzer. Use a light hand and a fluffy brush to avoid getting makeup on the piercing itself.
