A pimple rarely appears at a convenient time—especially when an important event or special occasion is just around the corner. Fortunately, pimples and redness can be concealed with the right makeup products and a few simple tricks. But how can you cover pimples without your makeup looking unnatural or cakey? We’ll show you how to cover pimples step by step with concealer and foundation, which products are best for the job, and what to look for when you have blemished skin.
Concealing Pimples: Which Products Do You Need?
To conceal pimples, you primarily need a concealer that matches your skin tone. If needed, you can also use foundation, a green color corrector, and setting powder. Which products are best depends on how visible the blemishes are and what makeup finish you want.
Concealer for Concealing Pimples
A high-coverage concealer is particularly suitable for concealing individual pimples. Choose a shade that matches your natural skin tone or foundation as closely as possible. Concealers that are too light can make pimples stand out rather than concealing them discreetly.
Highly pigmented formulas with medium to full coverage that can be applied in thin layers are especially practical.
24,90 €
24,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 14,99 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
11,90 €
11,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 7,14 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
You get an email as soon as the product will be available again.
Thank you for signing up. We will notify you as soon as the product is available again.
42,90 €
42,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 34,32 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Foundation for Blemished Skin
Foundation can help even out the overall skin tone and make redness less noticeable. You don't necessarily need to use a full-coverage foundation. Often, light to medium coverage is sufficient, which you can then supplement with concealer where needed.
For blemish-prone skin, light, non-comedogenic formulas can be a good choice. However, the "non-comedogenic" label is not a guarantee that a product will not promote blemishes on all skin types.
26,90 €
18,83 €
with the code
-30%
Latest lowest price: 17,48 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
42,90 €
42,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 42,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
You get an email as soon as the product will be available again.
Thank you for signing up. We will notify you as soon as the product is available again.
50,90 €
50,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 40,72 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Green Color Corrector for Redness
Do you want to conceal particularly red pimples? Then a green color corrector can be helpful. Green is the complementary color of red and can therefore visually neutralize red areas of the skin.
Apply only a small amount to the affected area and blend it in carefully. You can then conceal the area with skin-colored concealer or foundation.
14,90 €
10,43 €
with the code
-30%
Latest lowest price: 14,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Powder and Setting Spray
To help your makeup last as long as possible, you can set the concealed areas with a little powder. For oily skin in particular, a mattifying powder also helps visually reduce excess shine.
A setting spray can further set the makeup. However, be careful not to apply too many layers of product, as this can emphasize dry patches and skin texture.
26,90 €
26,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 26,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
29,90 €
29,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 29,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
34,90 €
34,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 34,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Concealing Pimples the Right Way: Step-by-Step Guide
To conceal pimples as naturally as possible, you should first moisturize your skin, apply a thin layer of foundation if needed, and then conceal the blemishes with concealer. A green color corrector can help with severe redness. Finally, carefully set the makeup with a little powder.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face and Prepare Your Skin
Start with a gentle facial cleanse, then apply a moisturizer and sunscreen that suit your skin type. Well-cared-for skin forms the foundation for even makeup and can prevent foundation or concealer from settling into dry patches.
Step 2: Optionally Use a Primer
A primer can help visually smooth the skin's surface, reduce shine, or support the longevity of your makeup. However, it is not essential.
If you already use several skincare products, be careful not to apply too many layers on top of each other. Otherwise, your makeup may later roll off or look uneven.
Step 3: Neutralize Redness with a Green Color Corrector
For particularly red pimples, you can first apply a small amount of green color corrector. Use a clean, small makeup brush or your clean fingertips.
Gently pat the product onto the reddened area and avoid rubbing it in vigorously. You can then conceal the green color with skin-colored makeup.
Step 4: Apply Foundation in a Thin Layer
Distribute a small amount of foundation from the center of your face outward and blend it evenly. Depending on your preference, use a foundation brush, makeup sponge, or your fingers.
Tip: A thin layer of foundation is often enough to even out the skin tone. You can then conceal individual pimples with concealer instead of applying more foundation to your entire face.
Step 5: Conceal Pimples with Concealer
Apply a small amount of concealer directly to the pimple. Then gently pat the product in with a clean brush or your fingertip.
Be sure to blend the edges, especially, to create a soft transition to the surrounding skin. Do not rub too hard directly on the pimple, as this will remove the coverage.
Step 6: Set Your Makeup with Powder
Finally, you can set the concealed area with some translucent or skin-colored powder. Use a small brush or powder brush and gently press the product into the skin.
If needed, you can then use a setting spray to finish your makeup.
Which Concealer Is Best for Concealing Pimples?
Not every concealer serves the same purpose. While brightening concealers are often used for the eye area, a concealer for concealing pimples should above all provide good coverage, last as long as possible, and match the surrounding skin in color.
What Coverage Should a Concealer Have?
Concealers with medium to full coverage are particularly suitable for concealing pimples. They can conceal redness without requiring large amounts of makeup.
Be sure that the coverage can be built up gradually. This allows you to reinforce the product specifically where you need it.
Which Concealer Shade Conceals Pimples Best?
To conceal pimples as discreetly as possible, your concealer should match your skin tone. A significantly lighter concealer can make the affected area stand out.
For severe redness, you can also use a green color corrector. This visually neutralizes the red undertone before you apply a skin-colored concealer.
Liquid or Cream Concealer for Pimples?
Both liquid and cream concealers can be suitable for concealing pimples.
Liquid concealers are often easy to distribute and blend. Depending on the formula, they offer light to full coverage.
Cream concealers are often more pigmented and may be particularly suitable for concealing individual blemishes.
Which texture suits you best depends on your skin type, the desired coverage, and your preferred finish.
Concealing Pimples Without Foundation: Is It Possible?
Yes, you can also conceal pimples without foundation. Especially if you prefer a natural no-makeup look, it is often enough to conceal individual blemishes with concealer.
To do this, apply a small amount of concealer to the pimple after your skincare and gently pat the product in. Then blend only the edges so that the concealer blends as discreetly as possible with your natural skin tone.
If needed, you can set the area with a little powder. This allows you to conceal individual pimples without having to apply makeup to your entire face.
Concealing Pimples of Different Types
Not every pimple can be concealed in the same way. Depending on whether it is redness, an inflamed pimple, or a raised blemish, different techniques may be suitable.
Concealing Red Pimples
For red pimples, a green color corrector can help visually even out the redness. Apply it thinly and then use a skin-colored concealer.
It is especially important to gently pat the products in so that the individual layers do not shift.
Concealing Inflamed Pimples
You should treat inflamed pimples as gently as possible. Avoid rubbing vigorously and use clean makeup tools so as not to irritate the skin further.
For closed, slightly inflamed blemishes, you can carefully use concealer, provided your skin tolerates the product. However, you should avoid applying makeup directly over open, weeping, or broken pimples as much as possible.
Concealing Blind Pimples
Blind pimples lie deeper in the skin and can be visible as distinct raised areas. While concealer can conceal the redness, makeup cannot completely even out the skin texture itself.
Instead of applying several thick layers of product, you should therefore focus on concealing color differences as naturally as possible.
Concealing Pimple Marks and Red Spots
Even after a pimple has healed, red or brownish pimple marks may remain.
For red pimple marks, a green color corrector can help. Depending on the skin tone and intensity, brownish discolorations can sometimes be visually neutralized with a peach- or orange-colored corrector.
You can then even out the area with foundation or concealer.
Concealing Pimples Without Making Your Makeup Look Cakey
You have concealed your pimples with concealer, but the result looks unnatural or mask-like? This is often because too much product was applied or several layers of makeup have settled on the skin.
To help your makeup look as natural as possible, these tips can help:
- Use less product: Start with a small amount of concealer and build up the coverage if needed.
- Properly moisturize your skin: Well-prepared skin makes for an even application.
- Use concealer specifically: Apply the product only where you need additional coverage.
- Gently pat your makeup in: This prevents the coverage from being lost by rubbing vigorously.
- Use powder sparingly: Too much powder can emphasize dry patches and unevenness.
Also remember that makeup can only even out color differences. Raised pimples and natural skin texture often remain visible.
Can Makeup Make Pimples Worse?
Makeup does not necessarily cause pimples. However, certain ingredients or formulas can promote blemishes in some people. Inadequate makeup removal and dirty makeup tools can also contribute to skin problems.
If you are prone to pimples, you should therefore look for products that suit your skin type. Non-comedogenic formulas can be a helpful guide, but do not guarantee complete compatibility.
Clean your brushes and sponges regularly, avoid sharing your makeup products with others as much as possible, and remove your makeup thoroughly but gently in the evening.
Concealing Pimples with Pimple Patches
Pimple patches are a practical alternative to concealer for concealing individual blemishes. Hydrocolloid patches in particular can protect superficial pimples, absorb excess wound fluid, and prevent you from constantly touching the affected area.
For the most discreet result, thin, transparent pimple patches are suitable, which, depending on the product, can also be covered with makeup. Apply the patch to clean, completely dry skin and carefully apply foundation or concealer over it if needed.
At the same time, colorful and cute-looking pimple patches are a great way to conceal pimples playfully and incorporate them into your look as a creative beauty statement.
9,90 €
9,90 €
with the code
-0%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
9,90 €
9,90 €
with the code
-0%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
9,90 €
9,90 €
with the code
-0%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Most Common Mistakes When Concealing Pimples
When concealing pimples, small mistakes can make the blemishes stand out more or prevent the makeup from lasting long.
- Applying too much concealer: Thick layers can settle on the skin and emphasize pimples even further.
- Using a concealer that is too light: This can make blemishes stand out more visually.
- Popping pimples beforehand: This can irritate or damage the skin.
- Rubbing foundation and concealer vigorously: This often removes the coverage.
- Using too much powder: Dry and flaky areas in particular can become more noticeable.
- Not preparing the skin: Without proper moisturization, makeup can look uneven.
- Using dirty makeup tools: Clean brushes and sponges regularly.
- Not removing makeup thoroughly: Residues should be gently washed off in the evening.
- Applying makeup over open pimples: Broken or weeping skin should avoid being covered directly with makeup as much as possible.
Removing Pimple Makeup the Right Way
If you are prone to blemishes, it is especially important to remove your makeup completely in the evening. Use a gentle facial cleanser that suits your skin type.
For long-lasting foundation or waterproof makeup, double cleansing may also be suitable. First, remove the makeup with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm, and then cleanse your skin with a mild water-based cleanser.
Avoid rubbing vigorously and using harsh exfoliants when removing your makeup. Afterwards, you can apply your usual moisturizer to support the skin barrier.
I hope you enjoyed and found this blog post helpful! Feel free to let me know if you have any further questions or comments about this.
