While it’s important to let pimples, zits, and blemishes breathe a bit, there are times (we’re talking important meetings, special occasions, etc.) when going makeup-free clearly isn’t an option. And yes, we definitely know sometimes covering pimples can make them worse, but it's great to know that there are preventive and not to mention effective ways to wear makeup, without making that humongous zit get any worse.
Of course, foundation and concealer can go a long way in achieving a flawless face, but in order to cover a zit properly, it's important to invest in the right tools (think flat concealer brushes and even liquid bandages) and not to mention helpful makeup artist–approved tips that actually work. Green tinted products (yes, really), for example, can make all the difference, especially since they work to conceal any noticeable redness in a flash.
In addition, the way in which products are applied is equally important, especially since setting powders that are caked on too much can make zits look worse than they already appear.
To help hide away frustrating zits without making them worse, we spoke to a handful of makeup artists to help set the record straight on how to do the job right. Here are 15 of their go-to tips and tricks to cover zits like a makeup pro. Trust us, it may be helpful to write some of these down next time a big event comes up on the calendar.
Be Preventive
“It’s important to treat blemishes before they become a problem which is why I suggest making a paste out of baking soda and water and applying a generous amount on the point of the breakout,” says Christopher Macken, celebrity makeup artist and global director of Ready To Wear. “The baking soda will help to draw out the sebum as well as dry up the breakout before it fully starts.”
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Disinfect Pimples Properly
“First, start by sanitizing the pimple with the aid of a cotton swab,” celebrity and editorial makeup artist Kyriaki Savrani. “This will disinfect the area and remove any oil, which will create a perfect base for a long lasting coverage.”
Seal Zits
“Seal zits with a small amount of New-Skin Liquid Bandage to help bind the skin together,” suggests Kate Stromberg, lead makeup artist at COLOR Salon inside Caesars Palace. “This also acts as an antiseptic which will prevent the blemish from becoming further infected. Once dry, the liquid seal gives the skin a smooth surface, making it easier to conceal.”
Use Ice or a Chilled Spoon
“To minimize the size of a pimple, apply an ice cube or a spoon chilled in the freezer to the zit or blemish,” Mindy Green, cosmetologist, and owner of MG Beauty. “This will cause it to shrink temporarily.”
Find the Right Primer
“The first step to ensuring that a breakout doesn't become more irritated is to use a primer,” says cosmologist and beauty influencer Lexington Hartman. “This will prevent foundation from seeping into the pores and creating new pimples. I highly recommend the CoverFx Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment ($38, Sephora). This primer contains Willow Bark extract and Salicylic Acid which help treat and prevent acne.”
Use a Green Color Corrector Before Foundation
“Use a green color corrector on the zit before foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist Sharon L Gjieli of Makeup By Lips. “This will help cover up pimples and help neutralize a lot of the redness.”
Use the Right Tools
“A dabbing motion with a fingertip or a tiny flat concealer brush is best to not rub away makeup layers,” says Sébastien Tardif, CEO and cofounder of VEIL COSMETICS.
If the Zit Is Dense:
“Try to look for a super thick, almost putty-like texture concealer,” says Mary Irwin, celebrity and editorial makeup artist. “A liquid formula just isn’t going to do the trick.”
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If the Zit Is Small:
“The best way to cover up a zit is to use a lightweight concealer,” suggests Mehr Sethi, CEO of Luscious Cosmetics. “Make sure to dab it on and blend it out well. Also to try to avoid using powder to prevent cakiness.”
Take It Slow
“After applying foundation as normal (opt for oil-free products), apply a little concealer on top of the zit and don't blend right away,” adds Gjieli. “Wait about two to three minutes for the formula to thicken a bit, and then blend it.”
Make It Buildable
“The best way to cover a blemish is to use an oil-free liquid concealer with buildable coverage that is self-set,” advises Tardif. “Powder always adds unnecessary dryness and flakiness, especially with a healing blemish.”
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Always Use Pigmented Products
“Camouflaging or erasing imperfections on the skin can be done easily with products that contain enough pigment to disguise and certain flaws,” says Alejandro Falcon, artistic director for Osmosis Colour Mineral Cosmetics. “Pimples can be erased completely by adding a mineral foundation like Osmosis Colour Pressed Base ($44). Not only does a pressed powder cover larger areas and makes the acne disappear but it adds extra coverage on pimples that are hard to hide.”
Less Is More
“When covering acne, it’s important to remember less is more,” explains New York–based makeup artist David Maderich. “For individual zits, I like to use a thick concealer in the exact shade of the skin and a tiny pinpoint brush to carefully cover the zit and set with a no-color powder.”
Heat Concealer
“Heat up concealer for about eight to ten seconds with a hairdryer on warm before lightly applying on with a fingertip,” says Austen Parker, celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. “The goal is to apply just enough pressure onto the affected area to cover it without removing any of the color corrector.”
Clean Makeup Brushes and Tools
“When makeup brushes aren’t cleaned regularly, acne-causing bacteria is easily spread around the face,” adds Irwin. “Spray metal tools (tweezers, etc.) with alcohol frequently and clean brushes after every use.”
