Stretch Mark Makeup

Can makeup cover stretch marks?

Yes. Makeup covers the color of a stretch mark, and the color is what people notice: the red or purple of a newer mark, or the silver-white of an older one. Once it matches the skin around it, the mark blends in.

What makeup can't do is change the texture. If a stretch mark is a little indented, you may still see a faint line in strong, direct light, but from a normal distance the difference in color is gone. Use it on healthy skin only, not on skin that's broken or irritated.

How to cover stretch marks with makeup

1. Start with clean, dry skin. No lotion or oil on the area, especially under Bombshell.
2. Match the skin around the marks, not the marks. That's the shade you're aiming for. If you're between two, go with the slightly deeper one.
3. Apply a thin layer. With Bombshell, dab a small amount on the Body Brush and tap it over the marks, then blend the edges outward. With the spray, mist the whole area from about 5 inches and blend with the brush or a glove.
4. Add a second thin layer where they still show. Let the first one dry before you add the next. Two thin layers look more like skin than one thick one.
5. Let it dry for 5 to 10 minutes, then press a tissue on one spot. If it comes away clean, you can get dressed.

Stretch marks on the stomach and hips sit right under waistbands, which is where makeup gets the most rubbing. Give those areas the full 10 minutes.

Bombshell or the spray for stretch marks?

• Bombshell is usually the better fit for stretch marks. It comes in 91 shades, so you can match the skin around the marks closely, and you control exactly where it goes. Good for the stomach, hips, chest and arms.
• The spray is faster when the marks cover a big area, like both thighs or the back of the legs. It comes in Light, Medium and Dark.
• Both: spray the whole area for an even color, then dab Bombshell on the marks that still show.

Not sure about your Bombshell shade? Take the shade quiz or try shades at home with the TRY IT ALL Sample Pack.

Will self-tanner cover stretch marks?

Not really. A self-tanner darkens the skin around them, which can make light stretch marks a little less noticeable. But stretch marks often take the color differently from the rest of your skin, so they usually still show, and sometimes more.

If you want them covered, use makeup. If you want a tan too, do the self-tan first, let it fully develop, then use makeup on the marks on the days you want them covered. See our self-tanners.