How to make bruises less obvious.

[aspidernamedfluffy]

I'm wondering if anyone can suggest the best way to cover bruises on bare arms. Before anyone gets concerned the bruising is due to me taking blood thinners (due to having a heart attack last year), and having a physical job and not caused by anything more sinister, I promise.

The reason I ask is that my DD gets married in a few weeks time and I currently have a 6 inch bruise on my lower arm. Whilst I realise that it may well be gone in time, there is every chance another will pop up to take it's place. So wise women of S&B what are your hints, tips and recommendations?

It may be too late for the existing bruise, but arnica cream applied promptly seems to help.

Thankyou for taking the time to reply. I'm off to google arnica cream now.

Mabeline concealer

I think you need camouflage make up. I bought some online for DD for a different reason.

Sadly arnica cream is out as it cannot be used with blood thinners.

Vichy dermablend is good. I use it for spider veins on my ankles (in Summer obv!) and the occasional bruise. There's a less expensive dupe called Dermacol but I haven't tried it yet.

Google tattoo concealer - they are usually more "heavy duty" than ordinary concealers.

I know what you mean about bruising - fellow blood thinner taker here also!

The problem with any makeup solution is that on your lower arm there’s a high risk it will come off on your clothes or someone else’s - especially on a day when you are likely to be hugging people or stood close to them.

You could try a good concealer (NARS is great) and setting spray (Urban Decay gets best reviews). Try it out before the wedding and see if it stays put.

Alternatively would some sort of long sleeve shrug work with your outfit?

I wonder if that Sally Hansen Airbrush legs would help… it’s not a fake tan it’s make up for legs. I’ve never tried it on arms but it does cover up minor imperfections and you could use it over the whole arm. I doubt it would cover very dark brusing but would reduce the appearance. Obviously there’s make up that covers birth marks and bigger facial marks ( and I’d ask ChatGPT to point in you their direction) but im
not sure how that would look in one patch if your whole arms wasn’t done.

What is your outfit?

Would you like to cover the lower arms or does it not work with the outfit?

Dermablend is very popular for things like tattoos, so would be great for bruising. You'll want to practice though:
https://dermablend.com/pages/tutorials?srsltid=AfmBOoqoj-Flf5wUUsTbPobpTIRoPQuEzI-mJW9Fh1-FLI4RI33SN6QI

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is wonderful at covering marks on my legs. It sprays on easily, doesn’t rub off on clothes, in fact you have to wash it off with warm water and soap on a wash cloth. On my legs, it looks like very sheer skin colour tights.

Vitamin K cream, you can get if off Amazon. Also a professional makeup artist can do wonders

Check with your dr as you arecon blood thinners, but being used topically in a localised area for a few weeks I would say OK. Do check though

Just the action of massaging bruises helps dissipate them - doesn't need to be anything special used. I had a skin lesion removed and the surgeon recommended using blue tub Nivea versus expensive Bio-Oil to help reduce scarring because it's not the product that makes the difference.

Is your daughter having a make up artist? Is it worth asking whether they can help with any bruising you have?

I didn’t know that about arnica. I’m on blood thinners and use it. 😳

Yellow and green concealer

This is my dress. DD fell in love with it so that's what I've decided to wear. The sleeves make any coverings awkward as they are quite stiff so will give the upper arms an odd shape iykwim.
https://www.jjshouse.com/a-line-v-neck-tea-length-satin-chiffon-mother-of-the-bride-dress-with-appliques-lace-008225564-g225564

Kat Don't D good apple full coverage foundation and a dense foundation brush, not a sponge.

Edit Kat VON D.

Silly sausage fingers.

I know, I thought it would be ok but apparently not.

That's a good idea. I'm actually having my post 1 year review with the cardiologist in a couple of weeks so I could ask him.

Sunlight is very good for helping bruises break down and disperse. Can you expose your arms as much as possible until then? I'd keep massage as gentle as possible, but it does help.

Bilberries (wild blueberries) and vitamin C help to prevent bruising. Are you allowed to take them in supplement form?

Too much green tea can cause spontaneous bruising, so cut it out if you drink it.

If all else fails, how about long gloves? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fingerless-Fishnet-Bridesmaid-Handwear-Accessories/dp/B07FMSP9Z3

Thankyou all for your suggestions. I have ordered some Boobean concealer to try, fingers crossed it works.

If you are on Warfarin, arnica, vitamin K and green tea are big no nos.