As the title really. I have pretty bad acne/scarring, and although I'm on meds and bio oil that should clear it up it's going to take a few months. I've spent the past year or so dodging cameras, but it's my 18th next week and prom a couple weeks after and I would like to have some photos wear I look okay.

I'm coming to end of a lot of my make up and so am basically looking for a whole new lot of face products but I'm not sure what to get. The only one I'm pretty certain on is Revlon colourstay, as it gives good coverage and matches my colour (basically white despite the weather last week ) but I'm still looking for a primer, concealer (for red marks not so much under eyes) and powder. I don't have an unlimted budget but as it's two special occasions I'm willining to splurge a little.

Any ideas? Thanks

Go to one of the make-up counters in a department store, or a big branch of Boots, and ask for a trial makeover.

Also, half the battle with looking good in photos is the photographer and their equipment. Those franchised photographers they use at proms are unlikely to give you flattering shots - their technique will probably be old-fashioned. No-one looks good in a rigid pose, staring straight at the lens.

Could you get someone in the final part of a photography course at your local college to take some pictures of you? If you want super-flattering pictures, there's nothing wrong with some light editing, either.

Cassandra Bankson - search that name on you tube. Some really good instructional videos for applying makeup when you have scarred/acne problem skin. Also, strong lighting when having photos taken is good for bleaching out imperfections.

Not really a make-up product as such, but have you tried Alpha-H Liquid Gold? I haven't tried it yet (mine is still in the post!) but this is supposed to be really good for helping imperfections/blemishes etc. If you google it then there are a lot of people who say it works and you can see results within a day or two. Its around £31, but might be worth a go if you have a couple of weeks?

Also, you might find an HD powder useful. It helps with radiance and smoothing out imperfections. I use one from Elf which is pretty good and its only £6.

There is a thread on primers on here, might be worth a read if you're not sure which one to go for!

As an acne sufferer, more than likely you have an oilier skin. A mattifying primer would be really beneficial as this will give you a smooth, oil free base to apply your foundation on top of. Smashbox Photofinish Light would be a good option as it is formulated for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skins.

I would apply concealer first, Vichy Dermablend Foundation Corrective Cream Stick would be an excellent choice as it's formulated for covering scars, birthmarks etc.Once that's blended in, apply your foundation lightly with a stippling brush, gently buffing into the skin.The usual flat foundation brushes will only agitate your skin and make it more likely to produce oil.

Try and avoid a foundation with a high level of SPF. The titanium dioxide in the SPF can leave you with the reverse panda effect, or a very white face in photos.

For that same reason, I would avoid HD powders. A lot of them have light reflecting particles which will again cause flashback in photos. A light application of something like MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural would look more natural in photos.

I know not all of these are budget options, but they're products I've found work really well. I have an oilier skin type and some scarring from spots on my cheeks and forehead.

Hope this helps