5 Simple Makeups To Cover Varicose Veins (Spider Veins)

Feel confident in that short dress as you no longer have to worry about gnarled veins.

Reviewed by Madison Williams, Permanent Makeup Artist
Written by Nisha Baghadia, MA (Mass Communication)

Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) • Nov 24, 2023

5 Simple Makeups To Cover Varicose Veins (Spider Veins)

Image: Shutterstock

Well, then you should try some makeup to cover the veins. Just as you hide the dark eye circles, fine lines, and scars on the face using a concealer, you can do the same when camouflaging varicose veins.

Are you interested in knowing more? Then keep reading this post!

Keep In Mind

Tanning Mitt: Apply the tanning product onto the mitt and evenly spread it over your legs to ensure a perfect tan without any patches or streaks.
BB Cream: Apply BB cream to areas with prominent veins using a blending brush. Stipple and blend it out using quick circular strokes. Follow it up with a shimmer body lotion and set with a hydration spray.
Color Corrector: Apply a yellow or peach concealer over any visible veins and blend it out. If your skin looks sallow after using the concealer, apply a waterproof concealer that matches your skin tone for a flawless finish.
Skincare: To soothe varicose veins, apply aloe vera gel on your legs before makeup. Massage it in until absorbed.

It is important to note that while foundation and cover-up cosmetics can help to even out the skin tone and mask minor imperfections such as blemishes and discoloration, they may not be effective for covering large varicose veins. This condition is marked by prominent purple veins and redness. Applying an appropriate tinted moisturizer with an applicator, such as a beauty blender, can help to smooth out your tone and hide any green veins. Learn how to conceal spider veins with makeup to achieve a flawless complexion.

Things You Will Need:

Body makeup
Sunless tanning lotion
Eyeliner makeup brush
Waterproof concealer
Makeup sponge
Airbrush leg sprays

In This Article

1. Applying Sunless Tanning Lotion:

Close up of a woman applying sunless tanning lotion on her legs

Image: Shutterstock

Take a small amount of sunless tanning lotion and spread it over both the legs with your hands. Keep on rubbing gently until all the lotion has completely mixed with the skin and is absorbed. It will take some time for the lotion to dry. Allow it to set and wash your hands well after the application. While choosing a sunless tanning lotion, make sure that you choose a light to medium tan color that looks almost similar to your skin so that the overall impression does not appear fake.

Wear your dress after the lotion has dried completely so that it does not stain your dress or create messy patches. You can apply sunless tanning lotion twice a week to maintain a clean look and hide the varicose veins.

Quick Tip

The sunless tanner might dye your palms orange, avoid it by using tanning mitts, rubber gloves, old fuzzy socks, or a cling wrap.

2. Using Body Makeup:

Image: IStock

Take a body makeup bottle with the shade similar to the skin of your legs. After the lotion has dried completely, it is time to apply the body makeup on the legs using a makeup sponge or fingers. Apply a light layer of body makeup over the complete portion of the leg with varicose veins. For example, if the veins are visible on the lower leg, spread the body makeup evenly over the lower portion of the leg up to the knee. Make sure that the edges of the makeup are properly blended using a dabbing motion so that they perfectly gel with your skin. Once done, move on to the final step: setting the makeup. Body makeup must be set with a translucent powder for staying power and keeping it in place or from migrating to other areas on the skin.

Rita, a YouTuber, shared her experience of using body makeup to hide blemishes, dark spots, and veins on her legs: “I think [it’s] the body makeup that’s giving me the best results in terms of coverage and in terms of transfer (i).”

Trivia

Just like applying makeup on your face, make sure to apply a primer, preferably with a matte finish, before you use makeup products. Also depending on the color of your veins, use a peach or yellow color corrector.

3. Applying Waterproof Concealer:

Close up of a woman's hands holding a concealer and a makeup sponge to cover the varicose veins

Image: Shutterstock

Now, take a thin eyeliner makeup brush and insert it in the bottle of a waterproof concealer. Make sure that the shade of the concealer is a bit lighter than the body makeup. Also, look for an appropriate color corrector to nail your skin tone perfectly. Color correction is needed before applying any concealer that blends with the skin tone. Some concealers need to be made with enough coverage to cancel out dark areas without neutralization, although these products are being phased out. Cover the varicose veins by applying concealer in a thin line.

4. Blending The Concealer:

Close up of a woman using her fingers to dab the concealer on her legs

Image: Shutterstock

Just as the body makeup, it is important to blend the concealer properly into the skin. Use the makeup sponge or your finger to dab the concealer lightly so that it blends well with the skin. Make sure the concealer is blended effectively so that you cannot see the varicose veins at all. Set the makeup with a translucent powder for staying power and keeping it in place or from migrating to other areas on the skin.

5. Aerosol Leg-Spray For Smaller Veins:

Close up of a woman using an aerosol spray on her legs

Image: Shutterstock

In case you have varicose veins that are not prominent at all, you can skip the makeup part and simply use an aerosol leg spray to cover them. You will find this product sold under the category of airbrush legs. First, spray it on the area with the varicose veins, and gently make smaller circles with your fingers to blend it into the skin. Let it dry well before getting dressed.

Infographic: 5 Makeup Steps To Cover Varicose Veins

If the gnarled veins are stopping you from wearing your favorite dress then we have a solution for you! The usual stuff from your makeup kit can double up to cover your spider veins. Check out the infographic to conceal the veins and flaunt your fabulous legs.

5 tips to cover varicose veins with makeup (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Does it not sound like a dream that you can opt for makeup to cover veins? It sure does. With these simple tips and tricks in place, you can flaunt your legs as you have always wanted. So, what are you waiting for? Allow this article to be your guide and help you rock those mini skirts. Get your body makeup, sunless tanning lotion, eyeliner makeup brush, and everything else mentioned above, and conceal those veins that come your way. It is time to shine under the sun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What color concealer covers blue veins?

Yellow or peach concealer covers blue veins as they complement the blue color and neutralize it better.

Does spray tan cover veins?

A spray tan may not cover veins fully. You can opt for color correctors.

How can I have the makeup to cover veins last all day?

Apply a primer before the makeup application and set it with a setting spray or powder to make it last longer.

How can I remove the makeup to cover veins without causing irritation to my skin?

You can rub some baby oil or a lotion to remove your makeup before washing it out. This process keeps your skin moisturized, and allows you to wash off all the makeup using a gentle body wash or cleanser.

Key Takeaways

A sunless tanning lotion can help camouflage spider veins if it is in your skin tone.
While applying body makeup, you can dab some setting powder for a long-lasting effect.
A color corrector helps conceal the darker areas that a simple concealer might not.
The best way to avoid staining your clothes after applying an aerosol spray on your legs is to let them dry first.