Get Rid of a Sunburn: Makeup and Skincare Tricks to Reduce the Redness

Neutralize sunburn with a bit of primer (and a lot of TLC).

Soothe skin with an oatmeal facemask

Oats have been used as a soothing skin treatment for centuries. Try this DIY mask: Combine 1/2 cup hot water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. Allow them to settle for two to three minutes. Mix in two tablespoons plain yogurt, two tablespoons honey, and one egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently wipe the mask away with a soft washcloth. The cloth will exfoliate your skin and remove any flakes that have already begun to peel off. Find more homemade facial mask recipes here.

Moisturize with alovera

Aovera works wonders on sunburns. Apply a generous amount to your sunburn and layer a gentle moisturizer (with SPF!) on top of it. The combination will offer relief and moisturize your skin without leaving a greasy residue. Avoid petroleum-based moisturizers (such as Vaseline) and body butters. Both can intensify burns by sealing heat into your skin. Try these tricks to banish dry skin.

Take a cool bath or shower

A chilly bath or shower will constrict blood vessels, which are working overtime to tend to your burn. To give your bath even more soothing power, add ingredients such as oatmeal (stir in about 1 cup) or milk (try 1 cup powdered milk). These are other amazing beauty uses for milk.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Were you about to reach for your favorite daily face wash? Stop! Harsh chemicals, especially salicylic acid (the active ingredient in most acne cleansers), and harsh exfoliating products (which aren't gentle enough for your skin right now), could further irritate your skin. Stick to natural ingredients. If you're not sure about a product, skip it.

Prime your makeup for perfection

Neutralize redness by using a primer with green undertones (try this Smashbox option). As far as foundation goes, less is more. A liquid formula might block pores and prevent skin from healing, while a powder foundation could accentuate flakes. Try a formula that's gentle on skin and reduces redness: Clinique's Redness Solutions foundation is a proven classic. For light coverage, try an all-natural mineral powder.

Avoid red lipstick and blush

Red lipstick, tinted eyeshadow, blush, and even clothing will accentuate your sunburn instead of neutralize it. Avoid using blush (you've probably got enough color going on naturally) and choose eyeshadows and lip colors in golden hues instead of red ones. This is how to make your face look slimmer with makeup.