Hey Leigh! First, how are you today? And second, I know you never do makeup posts anymore, but I have a bad birthmark (a port wine stain) on my leg, and I've never worn shorts in my entire nearly 16 year life. Any concealer suggestions?

Okay, let’s start with the practical… 

1. First thing that comes to mind is Dermablend. It will take some practice to make it look natural, but it was designed to cover birthmarks, tattoos, etc. That said, it will also transfer. The only thing that holds up to sweat and heat and won’t transfer is makeup with an alcohol base. That would be something you airbrush on. It can be done, but it’s expensive and a bit of a hassle. Also, you may not be thrilled with the finish—very dry.

2. I had a friend with a port wine stain on her face and she had laser treatment for it. Expensive, but she was very happy with the results.

Now, I started with the practical because it’s not my job to talk you out of what might make you feel more confident in your skin. That said, I want to encourage you to WEAR THE SHORTS. I know it’s hard not to feel like everyone is looking and judging, but maybe keep this in mind:

Some chubby girl is thinking, “I’d trade these thighs for a birthmark in a second, then I’d totally wear shorts."

Some skinny girl is thinking, “I’d trade these bony knees for a little junk in the trunk in a second, then I’d totally wear shorts."

Some older woman is thinking, “I’d trade these stretch marks for bony knees in a second, then I’d totally wear shorts."

We carry this crap, this fear with us all of the time and it’s dreadful, because we should all WEAR THE SHORTS. Yes, there’s a chance that someone will look at you and think something negative or even ask some ridiculous question. But most people will glance at you and that will be the end of it, because everyone is wrapped up in their own nonsense and insecurities. It feels like everyone is looking but it’s just not true.

WEAR THE SHORTS.

Pep talk over