How to Hide Acne Scars with Makeup

As if dealing with acne wasn’t challenging enough, sometimes you can be left with acne scars. The good news is, you can temporarily disguise the appearance of acne scars with makeup. Curious how? Follow our step-by-step tutorial below to learn how to hide acne scars.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

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 micellar water (try 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 moisturizer, such as 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 primer first. The L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base can help smooth the appearance of lines, hides pores, and banishes imperfections. The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin with a matte finish. Apply it after moisturizing 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. So, for redness, you’d want to apply a green color correcting concealer. You can find one in the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit. Once you’ve finished correcting the appearance of acne scars, try the peach corrector on dark circles, the yellow on discolorations, and the purple on dullness. (Learn more about using a color correcting kit here.)

Step 4: Apply Concealer

For added coverage, use flesh-toned concealer on any acne scars, directly over any areas you applied color corrector. With the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Concealer, paint a criss-cross pattern over acne scars, then blend out the edges with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Concealer 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 face for a seamless finish.

Step 6: Set Your Makeup

After applying face makeup to cover acne scars, set it with a finishing powder or spray. A setting product can help prevent your makeup from budging as you go about your day. Spritz your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray. Just shake the bottle and hold it 8-10 inches from your face, close your eyes, and then mist your face 4-6 times. Spray in an “X” and “T” motion to help ensure your makeup is totally held in place.

7. Complete Your Face

Once you’re happy with how hidden your acne scars are, it’s time to finish your face. Pair your seemingly perfect complexion with a vibrant lip color or a statement smoky eye. For lips that stand out, figure out if you want to wear lipstick with a matte or metallic finish. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lips Metallic. For a dramatic eye makeup look, don’t forget the mascara. Try the L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Voluminous Mascara. Keep the focus to just one areas of your face—your lips or your eyes.

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