Inclusivity in Beauty: Acne, Sensitive Skin, and Learning to Love What You See

I relate to every single one of those worries because I have struggled with acne for half my life. Acne loves me. It pops up out of nowhere. It leaves whenever it wants, but it always finds its way back.

People sometimes compliment my skin and say it looks so good, but that is not always my reality. No matter how well I take care of myself, acne and texture remain part of my life. Out of everyone in my family, I am the only one with this skin journey and that can feel incredibly disheartening.

Being a Makeup Artist With Acne

Imagine being a makeup artist who does not even like wearing foundation.
Not because I am magically confident in my bare skin, but because covering my face never changed the fact that people will still see my texture. They will still see the pimples. They will still see the marks.

There are days when I need to go out quickly or when it is hot or it is 3AM and I just cannot be bothered doing a full beat. Sometimes I spot conceal. Sometimes I go bare. Sometimes I simply do not care.

It took me years to make peace with that.

Why I Understand My Acne and Sensitive-Skin Clients So Deeply

Because I am one of them.
I test products on myself first because my skin is both acne prone and sensitive. If something burns or breaks me out or reacts badly, I know it will not make it into my kit.

I try to keep my kit filled with sensitive-skin-friendly products such as fragrance-free options, hydrating bases and non irritating formulas.

Even if your skin is not sensitive, it is still nice to know the product touching your face is gentle enough for everyone. And if your skin is sensitive, you are in good hands because I have lived that life.

“Can you work with my acne” The answer is always yes

My answer is always yes.
My next question is how do you want it.

Do you want full coverage
Do you want spot concealing only
Do you want a very light foundation, or just skin tint?

There is no right or wrong.
It is not a sin to cover your acne.
It is not a sin to leave it as it is.

Society has demonised acne for so long by saying we are dirty or lazy or do not take care of ourselves. And do not get me started on the time of the month comments.

You choose what makes you feel good. My job is to support that, not dictate it.

Texture Friendly Makeup: My Technique

If someone wants full coverage, I have a cream based foundation that covers discoloration beautifully. I used it often in Indonesia not just for acne but for longevity in humid weather.

I am careful with layering.
More product means more chance of cakiness.
So I apply intentionally and sparingly, not in thick coats.

I also want to break a myth I believed for years.
Acne prone skin is not always oily.

My skin was dry and dehydrated while breaking out. Acne products made it even drier and painful, so I learned very quickly that hydration is a must even when you are breaking out.

I moisturise. I hydrate. I prep your skin the same way I would prep anyone’s skin with respect and care.

The Emotional Side of Acne

Loving the skin you are in is a journey. A hard one. And it is not linear.

People hate themselves for different reasons.
Some do not care at all.
Some care too much.
Some zoom in on every pore.
Some blame the photographer or the makeup artist or themselves.
Some think they are not Instagram worthy.

And trust me, I have been there.
I smile a lot. I am bubbly. I love talking to people.
You would be surprised at the intrusive thoughts I have had about myself when I see a video or photo of me.

Social media does not make it easier. Everyone looks flawless. And when you are average or textured or dealing with monthly breakouts, it is easy to feel like you do not belong online.

Take It Easy. You Are Not Alone.

I am not here to preach that you must love yourself because it is not that simple.

I am 30. My hormones fluctuate. My body changes. My skin changes. Some days I cannot tell if I have accepted myself or if I simply do not care anymore.

But I do know this.
You are not alone.
Everyone struggles with something about themselves.
Everyone has insecurities, even the people who look confident.

Take a breath.
Be gentle with yourself.
Let yourself exist without pressure for a moment.