We’ve all likely experienced this universal problem: Waking up to a giant, angry pimple the morning of a big event. Now, my first instinct when this usually happens is to it conceal it as much as possible and hope for the best. But if you’ve ever done this, you know all too well how it often backfires (cakey makeup, irritated skin, and a pimple that somehow looks worse by midday despite your best efforts.
The truth? Covering pimple properly is an art and a science. When done right, you can camouflage it seamlessly while letting it heal. However, when it’s not properly done, you risk clogging pores, causing more inflammation, or even scarring.
Below is a foolproof, (and dermatologist-approved) method to hide those nasty pimples without sabotaging your skin.
Step 1: Prep the Pimple Area:
Clean & Soothe
- Endeavour to wash your face with a gentle cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating or La Roche-Posay Toleriane has proven helpful).
- Avoid picking or popping the pimple as this spreads bacteria and worsens redness.
Reduce Swelling
- Ice it for 30 seconds (wrap the ice in a thin cloth to do this).
- Apply a redness-reducing treatment such as Aloe vera gel (which calms inflammation), Niacinamide serum (The Ordinary 10% works fast). Alternatively, apply a dab of hydrocortisone cream (for extreme swelling) use this particular product sparingly.
Hydrate Strategically
- Avoid using heavy creams near the pimple as they’ll make your makeup slide off.
- Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer instead (eg Neutrogena Hydro Boost).
Step 2: Color-Correct
Match the correction to your pimple’s color:
- If you have a red pimple, a green corrector will do wonders (try NYX Color Correcting Concealer)
- For a purple or dark spot, a peach colour-corrector will do just fine (e.g., LA Girl Pro Concealer)
- For a Whitehead, skip correctors entirely and just disinfect with a dab of salicylic acid.
How to apply:
- Use a tiny brush (not your finger) to pat corrector only on the pimple.
- Let it set for 30 seconds before moving on.
Step 3: Conceal Like a Pro
The Right Formula
- Cream or liquid concealer (avoid sticks—they drag and irritate).
- Full coverage but non-comedogenic (NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer or Maybelline Fit Me).
Application Trick
- Pat (don’t rub) a small amount directly on the pimple.
- Let it sit for 10 seconds (this helps it adhere better).
- Blend the edges with a clean fingertip or sponge, but leave the center slightly thicker.
Set It Properly
– Translucent powder (Laura Mercier or Fenty Invisimatte) pressed gently with a small brush.
– No powder? A single-ply tissue sprayed with setting spray works in a pinch.
Step 4: Make It Stay All Day (Without Clogging Pores)
The No-Touch Rule
– Once your makeup is set, don’t keep touching it because it’d transfer oils and bacteria.
However,
– If your makeup starts to get shiny, blot with oil-absorbing sheets. However, if coverage fades, reapply your colour corrector and concealer. Don’t make the mistake of putting on more product.
Takeaway
You can cover a pimple flawlessly—without making it angrier. The key? Prep, correct, conceal strategically, and let your skin breathe when possible.
Always keep in mind though, that covering a pimple is a short-term fix, and the long term goal is for it to heal. For this, you can try:
- Pimple patches under makeup for daytime treatment.
- Salicylic acid spot treatment at night (eg Paula’s Choice 2% BHA).
- And always removing makeup with micellar water (eg Bioderma) before bed.
