The question
I'm terribly clumsy and always get bruises on my legs. Is there a good way to cover them up?
The answer
Depending on what stage your bruise is at, you have a couple of options for covering up your injury. If the bruise is purple or blue, you'll need a yellow-orange or salmon-coloured concealer to help cancel out the cool tones of the bruise. (This may go without saying, but be sure to apply the makeup gently to avoid causing more damage to the area.) A light dusting of a translucent powder will help set the cosmetic in place but don't overdo it; the skin on the legs is not naturally matte, so, if there's one spot that is shine-free, it might look a touch obvious that you're trying to cover something up.
If you're dealing with smaller patches or lighter discolouration of bruising, you can try using makeup specifically formulated to temporarily colour the legs, such as Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs. It comes in lightweight spray and lotion formulas that will deal with minor marks and blotchy areas. It's also water– and transfer-resistant, so you don't have to worry about leaving streaks behind on clothes or furniture.
Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has appeared on CTV, Global TV and City. Follow her on Twitter: @baharniramwalla. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.