How to Hide Acne Scars with Makeup

As if dealing with acne wasn’t challenging enough, sometimes you can be left with acne scars. And while you may have mastered your acne skin care routine, have you mastered your acne scar makeup look? That’s right—you can temporarily disguise the appearance of acne scars with makeup. Curious how that works? Follow our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to hide acne scars.

STEP 1: COMPLETE YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Before reaching for your makeup, it’s a good idea to work your way through your skin care routine. First, use a facial cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, then follow up with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Consider using a water-based facial moisturizer, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin.

STEP 2: PREP WITH PRIMER

You’re probably ready to break out the correctors and concealers to start hiding your acne scars, but you’ll actually want to reach for a makeup primer first. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer smooths skin and blurs imperfections. The formula glides onto skin with a matte finish that lasts all day. Apply it all over your face or to targeted areas (i.e. wherever your acne scars are located).

STEP 3: CORRECT THE LOOK OF IMPERFECTIONS

Besides being marked by texture, you may notice that acne scars have the appearance of redness. That’s where green color-correcting concealer can come in handy. Remember the principle of the color wheel? (Yep, the same one from elementary school art class!) The theory is that colors opposite each other on the wheel can cancel each other out. That’s why, for redness, you’d want to use a green concealer. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Color Correcting Crayon in Green, dotting it onto any scars and blending out with your finger. Once you’ve finished correcting the appearance of your acne scars, you can use a peach crayon to disguise dark circles and a yellow one for discolorations.

Editor’s tip: Learn how to color correct like a pro by reading our article, Your Step-by-Step Guide to Color Correction.

STEP 4: APPLY CONCEALER

For added coverage, use flesh-toned concealer on any acne scars, directly over the areas where you applied color corrector. With the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer, paint a criss-cross pattern over acne scars, then blend out the edges using a makeup blender.

STEP 5: FOLLOW UP WITH FOUNDATION

To keep your acne scars completely covered, wear a full coverage foundation. Using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, apply an even layer of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation all over your face, bouncing it onto your skin for a seamless finish.

STEP 6: SET YOUR MAKEUP

After applying face makeup to cover your acne scars, setting all of your products with a finishing powder or spray is a must. A setting product can help prevent your makeup from budging—revealing your scars—as you go about your day. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray, holding the bottle eight inches from your face and misting four to six times. Spray in an “X” and “T” motion to help ensure your makeup is totally locked in place.

STEP 7: FINISH YOUR FACE

Once you’re happy with how hidden your acne scars are, it’s time for a few finishing touches. Pair your seemingly perfect visage with a vibrant lip color or a statement smoky eye. For lips that stand out, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Lipstick—depending on your preferred finish. If you’d rather rock a dramatic eye makeup look, don’t forget the mascara. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara.

If you still experience breakouts, learn how to effectively hide them with our tutorial, Breakout Beauty Guide: How to Help Hide Acne with Makeup.