How to Cover Acne Scars with Makeup

Get Rid Of Blackheads The Right Way

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Steal the Style

Severe acne breakouts draw attention and may elicit embarrassment. While there are countless of treatments available, from natural remedies to scientific means, reducing of acne scars takes weeks to happen. Some days, you just need to cover acne up so that it doesn’t distract or stress you out. 

Although a acne cover-up is a short and quick fix, it can at least help you cope and manage the skin condition. To do this, you will need to buy a few beauty products and accessories. If you are going to buy from a beauty store or a drug store, as opposed to using organic solutions, make sure that these are hypoallergenic and oil-free, so as not to aggravate the condition.

Hero CosmeticsHero Cosmetics
 

Use a Facial Cleanser

Using a mild acne cleanser wash your face thoroughly before doing any application to remove excess oil and dirt build-up. Pat yourself dry with a clean towel and make sure that there are no residues.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | Acne Treatment Face Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide | Cream to Foam Formula | 5 Oz

Apply Moisturizer

Acne scars form a layer of damaged skin, which has less pigmentation compared to your natural skin. Because scars have this rough and dry texture, moisturizing the face before any make-up application should help smoothen the surface.

Cetaphil Face Moisturizer, Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Hydrates and Treats Sensitive Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 3oz

Dab the Concealer

Concealers work exactly as how they are named, that is, they hide scars and skin blemishes, as well as reduce redness. Pick out a concealer that is a shade lighter than your own skin tone and using your fingers or a clean cotton swab, dab this on blotchy areas where the scars are. With a make-up sponge, blend the concealer to your skin. Dab and blend a few more strokes as needed.

If the acne concealer comes with an applicator, avoid using this, as you risk the transfer of bacteria from the scars to your tube and back. Use disposable items instead.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer Face Makeup with Salicylic Acid Acne Medicine, Non-Comedogenic and Oil-Free Concealer Helps Cover, Treat & Prevent Breakouts, Light 10.05 oz

Set with a Foundation

A make-up foundation evens out what you have already applied to your face. Lightly apply and blend this using a disposable sponge. Make-up experts say that mineral foundation, which is made using healthy, natural ingredients, provides more coverage and is better at covering scars.

Mineral foundation’s consistency is closer to the texture of the skin. You won’t come off wearing thick make-up or looking “cakey”, especially for something like an everyday cover-up.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Acne and Blemish Fighting Liquid Foundation with .5% Salicylic Acid Acne Medicine, Shine Controlling Makeup for Acne Prone Skin, 10 Classic Ivory, 1 fl. oz

Finish Off with a Translucent Powder

Using a large make-up brush, dust your face with translucent powder to finish off and help keep your make-up longer.

A translucent powder also tones down the shine and gloss of the make-up, so that you would look more natural.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Acne-Concealing Pressed Powder Compact, Shine-Free & Oil-Absorbing Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Cover, Treat & Prevent Acne Breakouts, Buff 30, .38 oz

Add Makeup 

Apply lipgloss or lipstick, or put a few blush strokes on your cheeks to bring color and look even prettier. Some women make use of a bronzer, instead of a blush, to achieve a healthier look. But be careful with using these, however,  since overdoing it may cause the make-up to settle on your skin, contributing to your acne problem more.

Make-up to cover those blemishes can only do so much. Patiently treating your acne scars using creams and other remedies can, over time, truly make your face smoother and blemish-free.

Maybelline Lip Lifter Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid, Ice, 0.18 Ounce

Tips To Cover Acne Scars With Makeup