List of Best Concealers for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks from rapid weight gain or pregnancy can be embarrassing and unsightly. The red marks that occur when your skin stretches too fast may be dark or light, long or short, deep or shallow. While only laser treatment can resurface the skin and do away with them altogether, you can use products that will conceal the stretch marks so that they are less noticeable.

Mineral Makeup

Mineral makeup is ideal for stretch marks because it fills in as it conceals. Stretch marks make shallow lines in the skin that are sometimes more noticeable than their color, and they need to be filled in to be properly concealed. Mineral makeup's main ingredient is titanium dioxide, which does a superior job of giving coverage and can be layered to fill the channels. Apply a few layers of the mineral makeup to the stretch mark alone before adding a layer to blend it with the rest of your skin. Although it won't be waterproof, it is ideal if you are wearing more revealing clothing and don't want your stretch marks to show.

Body Makeup

Liquid, water-resistant body makeup is sometimes used to cover scars, spider veins or other skin marks and maladies. Usually used on a professional grade, products such as Coverblend Corrective Leg & Body Makeup (see Resources) can be purchased from the drugstore and are meant to be used on the body. Body makeup can conceal the bright color of stretch marks, making them less noticeable. And because the makeup is waterproof, you can go swimming with it on, without worrying about beach-goers gawking at your stretch marks.

Self Tanners

Because of the color difference between your skin and stretch marks, those with fairer skin may notice that their stretch marks look especially dark and dramatic. Adding a self tanner to your daily moisturizing routine can give your body a little color, making the stretch marks less noticeable. If you have pale skin, try a self tanner that darkens gradually. You can also try a professional airbrush tan for immediate results. Because such a tan dyes your skin, you don't have to worry about makeup rubbing off. You will, however, need to upkeep the tan, whereas a self-tanning lotion lasts from five to seven days.