How to Cover Acne with Makeup

Makeup will be very useful when you want to cover acne skin. Instead of wearing more layers than usual, you can simply combine concealer by point with a thin layer of foundation. You don’t have to wear a lot of makeup: just keep it clean and use an oil-free product to cover blemishes without clogging pores.

Table of Contents

Choose the right makeup products

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Choose oil-free makeup. Makeup that doesn’t clog pores is listed in English as “noncomedogenic” or “non-acnegenic”. The first ingredient in your makeup should be water. ^{[1] X Source of Research} You should choose mineral-based cosmetics to absorb oil and help cover redness without irritating the skin.

Makeup that does not clog pores does not affect acne medication. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Choose a primer that suits your skin. Use an oil-free primer to keep your makeup in place. Concealer will have a hard time sticking to the acne area, but applying a little primer first will do the trick. A lightweight moisturizing primer that is less irritating to acne-prone skin and is suitable for oily skin.

Use a primer with SPF to protect your skin from the sun, especially if you have scars or dark spots on your face. Sun exposure prolongs the skin’s recovery time.
Apply foundation all over the face to make the makeup more even and last longer.

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Try using a foundation. Mineral foundation usually does not clog pores like liquid foundation but has not high coverage. Choose a matte foundation to absorb oil and give you a smooth finish that helps conceal imperfections.

Avoid creating shimmery makeup because it will draw attention to the skin with defects.
Foundations that can stay on all day will often clog pores, causing more acne.
If you prefer light makeup, an oil-free foundation can be effective for acne-prone skin. It also doesn’t clog pores!

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Find or create a concealer that is the same color as your skin. Concealer that’s too light or too dark will highlight flaws instead of hiding them. Combine two shades of concealer if you can’t find one that matches your skin tone. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Note that oily skin can oxidize the concealer, making it darker. You can avoid this by choosing a concealer that is 1/2 lighter than your skin tone.

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Consider using a setting powder. This powder is suitable for oily skin but can lead to dryness on some other skin types. If using this product, you should choose a light one so as not to trap oil under the skin.

Make up

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Wash and moisturize the skin. Before applying makeup, you need to gently wash your face with warm water. Then, apply an unscented water-based moisturizer to your skin. Apply sunscreen or a moisturizer with sun protection to protect your skin from the sun.

Sunscreen does not cause acne unless it contains harmful chemicals like PABA and benzophenone. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Prepare a makeup brush or sponge. You can use a makeup brush or sponge if you don’t want to touch your face. Acne can be caused by bacteria on your hands, but suckers or brushes can also harbor bacteria, so don’t forget to clean them at least twice a week.

Use primer. Wait a few minutes for your skin to absorb the moisturizer, then use your fingers or a sponge to blend the primer. If you don’t like using a primer all over your face, you can simply dab on the spots to give the concealer grip.

Use concealer. Wait a few minutes for the primer to absorb, then dab concealer in an x-shape over the blemishes. Gently pat the cream on the skin. Do not scrub hard; otherwise, the skin will appear streaky.

Maybe you should use concealer after applying foundation, because foundation can cover many areas of light acne.
You can use green concealer to cover discolored skin. However, do not use green concealer after applying foundation.

Laura Martin

Licensed Esthetician

Laura Martin is a licensed esthetician in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin
Licensed Esthetician

Choose a green concealer to cover up red spots on your skin. “You can use a blue concealer to cover up red or inflamed breakouts, or you can use a skin-colored cream. If you’re using a cream that’s tinted with your skin, choose one,” says Laura Martin, beautician. has a tone that’s half a tone lighter than your skin tone.”

Apply the background layer. Wait a few seconds for the concealer to absorb into the skin, then use the brush to apply the foundation. Use as little as possible. If the first layer of foundation doesn’t seem to be enough, apply a thin layer or more until satisfied.

If you still see acne, wait a few minutes for the foundation to absorb into the skin, then use more concealer.
If you want to finish with a powder that holds the base in place, you can do so right here. Use the brush to apply the powder on the face slowly in a circular motion.
Once the foundation is absorbed, you can continue with the rest of your makeup.

Advice

The superior ingredients in mineral makeup will have a positive effect on the skin. Ingredients like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide help absorb oil and cover redness without irritating the skin. Dimethicone also helps to mask redness. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Warning

If your skin is swollen, itchy or red after applying makeup, you should stop applying makeup immediately. Some cosmetics have allergic ingredients that lead to contact dermatitis. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Steps

Choose the right makeup products

Make up

Advice

Warning

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