How to Cover Acne Spots with Makeup

I remember I was 16 and my face was starting to break out with a few red pimples. An important event was coming up and I got myself a stick concealer to try to hide my very obvious spots.

I was so frustrated that it didn't matter to me if the concealer was the wrong shade (too pink) or that I had no idea how to use it (I pretty much applied this all over my face, even on parts where my skin was clear). All I knew was that I needed to hide my spots.

Fast forward to now, I am thankfully makeup-savvy after watching thousands of Youtube tutorials. I can pretty much give a speech on makeup if necessary. I now cringe at the thought of that time because I remember glancing in the mirror at that time and seeing to my horror that the concealer had made my acne even more obvious. I wish I could go back and tell me previous self that it was okay, that acne is not the end of the world and that I was better off without any cakey, pink concealer.

But since that is not possible, I can instead try to help others in this situation. I will try to show you how to cover acne the right way. Not because you need to hide them but because sometimes, we all want to be seen as something more than just the spots on our face.

I won't suggest that you spend tons on expensive makeup and tools. If you already have great makeup, then cool. If not, I will just be using a few basics that will not cost you too much.

Here's what to get:

• Moisturiser (your regular moisturizer should do). If you don't use a moisturizer, then that's crazy! No matter your skin type, use a moisturizer!
• A base, this can be a foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturizer. Just make sure to get a shade that matches your skin tone. You want this to blend in and not stand out.
• Concealer (for extra coverage)
• Face powder, any kind works (pressed, loose, translucent etc.)

Let's get started!

• If you can manage it, then start by icing your face. This helps to give your skin a smoother appearance which in turn allows you to apply makeup more smoothly. Take an ice cube and rub it all over your face for a minute.
• Next, go ahead and apply moisturizer. Be sure to get the areas around the nose as well. Allow the moisturizer to sink in for some minutes.
• Now, get your foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturizer. Use your fingers to dot this product all over your face. Next, use your fingers or a sponge or brush  (whatever you like) to spread the product. Go in soft, stroking motions to cover the skin.
• If necessary, dab on concealer on the spots or blemishes. Don't rub the concealer in, just gently dab with fingers to feather it out and blend with the rest of your skin.
• Now take face powder and apply lightly to areas where you are prone to get oily. If you rather lean on the dry side of the skin spectrum, then use an extra light hand to apply under the eyes (you can skip the rest of the face if it looks fine)
• Now go ahead and do your eye makeup, put on some lip color and you are all done! You can use blush, but if you have active acne on your cheeks, the blush will accentuate those. So, it is better to skip blush and concentrate on your eyes and lips to take center-stage.

I saved the best tip for last:

Remember to stay confident and to keep smiling. Acne is just what you are dealing with, not who you are. So, don't let it rule your life or prevent you from having a good time.

In fact, the less you worry about acne, the faster it will disappear. Stress and thinking about acne can cause you to breakout even more. So, instead of worrying about which medicines to take for acne, take a chill pill instead. Even if you didn't learn any new makeup tip, I hope you take my advice and live to the fullest, acne or no acne. Now, where is my phone, I need to take a makeup-free selfie :D