6 Tips for Concealing a Pimple Using Makeup

There’s nothing quite like a budding, new pimple popping up before an important event or a first date to make you feel like your whole makeup look is ruined. Because that’s always the way it happens, right? If you’ve tried to conceal a new pimple, you likely know that it’s always not the easiest thing to do.

Too much makeup leads to an automatic cakey complexion, while not enough can sometimes look like you didn’t even bother. Successfully concealing a pimple comes down to using the right products and being strategic with your application. Read on as we share tips for concealing an unexpected pimple in a moment’s notice, along with products for a flawless makeup look.

6 Tips for Covering a Pimple with Makeup

Successfully concealing a pimple with makeup isn’t as simple as slathering concealer over the area and hoping for the best. Check out our top tips for concealing a pimple with makeup.

1. Apply Fewer Layers Of Makeup

When you have a pimple you’re trying to conceal, it’s easy to want to layer on a bunch of products like foundation, concealer and powder in hopes that it will hide it. However, this can lead to cakey makeup and can cause your blemish to be more noticeable. Especially as your makeup wears throughout the day and your pimple gets dry or the products start cracking. 

Instead, you’re better off concealing your blemish with a dot of concealer and tossing it in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. A good rule of thumb when trying to conceal a blemish — apply your makeup in light layers. Using less product is going to keep things looking more natural, which means your blemish is going to be less noticeable.

2. Use Pimple Patches 

A new, growing pimple is sometimes red, filled with fluid, inflamed and tender. Rather than reaching for a spot treatment, use a pimple patch to absorb any drainage before applying makeup. Pimple patches are hydrocolloid patches that work to draw out the fluid from your blemish, drying them out and speeding up the healing process. 

If you notice a new pimple in the morning and you have an important event that night, apply a pimple patch immediately. Just wearing one for a short amount of time can make a big difference in the size of your blemish. It’s especially helpful because it’s never a good idea to pop your pimples at home.

3. Embrace Color-correcting Concealer

Utilizing a color-correcting concealer is a great way to tone down the redness of a blemish. By toning down the redness, you’ll need less concealer and therefore, your blemish will look more natural when you cover it. 

The L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green works great for taming redness. Color correctors cancel out the colors opposite of them on the color wheel so green cancels out red while peach or orange cancels out darkness and discoloration with blue or gray tones. 

4. Clean Your Brushes

If you’re concealing a blemish or pimple with dirty brushes and makeup sponges, this can be the very reason for your breakout. Dirty makeup tools are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to acne, so make sure you’re cleaning those on a regular basis. 

If you’re using your fingers to apply makeup, always wash your hands with warm water and soap before you begin. Using your fingers can be really effective when you’re trying to conceal acne and blemishes since your fingertips aren’t going to absorb product like a makeup sponge or brush would, meaning you’ll need less product for your desired outcome, decreasing the chances of a cakey makeup look.

5. Opt for Full-Coverage Formulas

A full-coverage formula is a good way to give your blemish coverage without multiple layers. For full coverage concealer, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage. The flawless, matte formula can conceal imperfections, redness and scars, lasting up to 24 hours. 

If you prefer a full-coverage foundation over concealer, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, a lightweight, long-lasting foundation with a transfer-resistant and non-comedogenic formula.

For touch-ups throughout the day, keep the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder handy. This full-coverage powder foundation has a lightweight finish that doesn’t look cakey combined with a smudge-proof formula and a natural blurring effect. Of course, it can also be used as a foundation for all skin types.

6. Don’t Forget to Prime and Moisturize 

You should make a habit of always moisturizing your skin before applying makeup. In the morning, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30 to moisturize and provide sun protection. As an alternative, you can also reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream, a lightweight moisturizer that suits all skin types. However, this water cream does not contain SPF so you will need to layer on one after.

If you’re covering a blemish that’s a few days old, meaning it’s drying out but not completely gone, hydration is especially key. If you apply concealer or foundation over a dried-up blemish, it’s just going to call more attention to it. 

Prime your skin with the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Blurring Face Primer Infused with Serum. This blurring primer diffuses fine lines and texture, giving your skin a glowing, healthy-looking finish. Once your face is primed, use a creamy concealer and lightly stipple the product into your skin with clean fingertips.

Next: Why Multi-Masking Your Foundation Is a Game Changer

Written and Photographed by: Reece Andavolgyi, Design Credit: Sarah Duvivier