Acne is a common skin problem affecting all ages. You can use makeup to reduce the appearance of pimples, but you have to be careful about the products you use.
No imperfection can ever tarnish your beauty. But if you want to lessen that red or discolored pimple on your chin, we totally understand. Here’s everything you need to know to conceal your pimples with cosmetics.
How to hide a pimple?
You’re not the only one who wants to use makeup to conceal spots on your face. In a small 2017 study of people with dark spots from acne, 70% said they used makeup to conceal them.
After all, rashes can be a big deal. Even after the bumps disappear, you may have scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (i.e. dark spots). But a little makeup magic can help cover up these skin issues.
The best types of makeup to cover acne are:
- the foundation
- concealer
- tinted moisturizer
- beauty balm cream (BB)
- color control cream (CC)
Put on the foundation.
The foundation acts as a base. It helps to even out skin tone and texture. It can be found in liquid, powder, cream and stick form. Foundation can help cover small bumps that aren’t too red or discolored. Remember that there are different types of foundation for different types of skin concerns.
- Light coverage foundation will even out discolorations slightly, but your skin will still glow. Use it for a more stripped down look.
- A medium-coverage foundation is generally effective in camouflaging light redness, discoloration, or small bumps.
- Full coverage foundation is more opaque and can be used for more obvious pimples or uneven skin tone.
Blend with concealer.
Concealers are available in stick or liquid. They conceal pimples better than foundation alone. Green concealers may seem to give off an alien glow, but they actually reduce redness or discoloration. The green tint neutralizes the tone, so it won’t show through your regular foundation. Pro tip : Use a yellow corrector to correct the color of purple colored buttons.
Shade with tinted creams and moisturizers.
Tinted creams and moisturizers can give you a subtle glow while reducing the appearance of pimples. Think of tinted moisturizer as the sister of foundation. It can cover a pimple, but may not be ideal if you have very dark or discolored acne marks.
Applied like your regular moisturizer, the tinted moisturizer contains just a little color to even out your entire face. BB and CC creams are like tinted moisturizers with added benefits. Formulas vary widely, but often include:
- spf
- a pigment
- vitamins
- lightening agents
- moisturizers
- firming agents
Choose the right shade.
Choosing a shade can be the trickiest part of the entire makeup process. The wrong color can draw attention to what you’re trying to hide.
The safest way to choose a color is to ask a makeup consultant in the store and hygienically test a swatch on your face. If that’s not possible, hold the color next to your face in the brightest possible light or natural light and look in a mirror.
Consider buying the two closest shades and mixing them together. Ultimately, if the most recommended product doesn’t have a shade that’s right for you, it might not be the right product for you.
Pass your application.
If you really want to make those pimples go away, it’s good to have an app plan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do your makeup like a pro:
- Wash your hands and cleanse your face.
- Apply anti-acne treatments if you use them and let them absorb completely.
- Apply a primer for a more mattified skin texture.
- Apply concealer only to the areas you want to cover.
- Apply foundation, tinted moisturizer or cream all over. Be careful not to disturb your concealer.
- Fix everything with a powder.
Can makeup make acne worse?
Many acne sufferers turn to makeup to hide their blemishes and give them a boost of confidence. However, some experts believe that certain types of makeup can actually make acne worse. Makeup that is oil-based or contains ingredients that clog pores can clog them and cause breakouts. Also, heavy foundation can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. Some experts also believe that touching your face while wearing makeup can transfer bacteria and oil to the skin, increasing the risk of breakouts. Therefore, it is important to be careful in choosing makeup and to wash your face thoroughly before going to bed to remove all traces of makeup. By taking these precautions, one can minimize the risk of worsening acne.
