How to Cover Up Pimples in 5 Easy Steps

Is there anything worse than looking in the mirror one morning and noticing a giant, inflamed, look-at-me pimple taking up residence on your face? Unfortunately, acne is a fact of life. But that doesn’t make zits any less embarrassing. 

Fortunately, blemishes heal, and in the year 2022, there are even some promising treatments for acne so you can kiss pimples goodbye forever. 

However, in the meantime, learning how to cover up pimples is your best bet—and you don’t even need to be a professional makeup artist. Here’s how to cover up pimples in 5 easy steps so you can face the day with confidence.

1. Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize, Treat, and Protect

Before you reach for the concealer, make sure you take the time for your skincare regimen. A consistent, comprehensive skincare routine makes a huge difference in healing and preventing breakouts. 

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser before using an alcohol-free toner to remove traces of dirt and bacteria. Next, use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Then, treat your skin with a topical acne treatment such as salicylic acid and apply a layer of SPF to protect your skin and help prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Lastly, at the end of the day, make sure to remove all of your makeup to expedite the healing process and allow your skin to breathe.

2. Prime Your Skin with a Quality Primer

Primer is the secret weapon of professional make-up artists. Applied on bare skin, it helps hold your makeup in place and prevents caking. This is especially important for covering up acne. A thin layer of primer means you’ll need less foundation, so you can achieve a more natural look. 

3. Target the Blemish with Concealer

Once you’ve achieved an even skin tone with foundation, you can target your pimple with concealer. Opt for a color-correcting concealer (may be red, green, peach, or orange, depending on your skin tone) that contains salicylic acid. Gently dab the concealer on the zit until it’s blended. Then, use a concealer that matches your skin tone to achieve full coverage. 

4. Use a Full-Coverage Foundation to Even Your Complexion

When you’re covering up acne, your sheer BB cream just won’t cut it. You’ll need to break out the big guns: full-coverage foundation. Use a clean makeup sponge or beauty blender to apply a non-comedogenic foundation evenly across your face and neck. Resist the temptation to add extra foundation to your pimple—that will lead to an uneven look that draws attention to your zit. Save the spot treatment for the next step!

5. Set Your Makeup with Powder

The last step is to set your makeup with powder for a finished, matte look. Look for a mineral powder that matches your skin tone and won’t clog pores. Use a clean makeup brush or sponge to apply an even layer of powder on your face and neck. When your makeup is set, you’ll be ready to conquer the day with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Breakouts are the worst—there’s no denying it. But a solid skincare and makeup routine goes a long way in helping you feel better about your battle with acne. 

If you’re ready to put acne behind you once and for all, our AviClear experts at Skin Spa New York are standing by ready to discuss your treatment options. Find a skin spa location near you to book a consultation.