
Important occasions and sudden acne flare-ups might go together like peanut butter and toast, but you needn’t allow a significant milestone in life to get derailed by an unexpected breakout. Acne, much like freckles, is a natural part of skin that comes and goes as it pleases. A dedicated skincare regimen is always the best tool for ensuring your skin’s health but if you do feel the need for some extra coverage, don’t stress. Ahead, we’ve detailed out the best way to hide a pimple as well as the makeup products that will get you there. Let’s get started, shall we?
How to cover up pimples with makeup
When sebum buildup, dead skin cells and inflamed glands get together, you’ll find pimples cropping—painful, raised spots with a white centre. While these can be treated with topical products, if they happen to coincide with a packed social calendar, you will likely find yourself running a Google search for how to conceal a pimple with makeup. To spare you the legwork, we did the research for you. Here’s what you need to know:
- The basics stay the same: the best way to use makeup to cover pimples is to start with a smooth, well-moisturised base.
- Then, you will want to reach for a green colour corrector that can counteract the redness of the pimple. We recommend using the L.A. Girl PRO Prep Color Correcting Primer – Green.
- As the finishing touch, apply some spot concealment only in the affected area using your fingers, and not makeup brushes, or applicators to minimise contamination. Go for the Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer.
- Once done, dust off your work with some pressed powder to cover up all evidence of the breakout. You can opt for the Maybelline New York Fit Me 12Hr Oil Control Compact SPF 28, which will also protect your skin from the sun.

How to conceal hormonal acne with makeup
Hormonal acne can show up at any point of time, even well into adulthood. When you are looking for the best makeup to cover pimples over a larger expanse of skin, here’s what you will want to keep in mind:
- When looking for the best way to hide a pimple with makeup, it is indeed all about the base. Reach for a lightweight, non-comedogenic primer that won’t take its toll on inflamed skin, like the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer – Transparent.
- Then, follow through the protocol of applying green colour corrector and concealer as needed over the necessary area. We recommend going for the Makeup Revolution Color Correcting Stick - Yellow & Green or the Huda Beauty Faux Filter Color Corrector - Pink Pomelo.
- Once the basics are in place, you will want to camouflage the area with an anti-blemish foundation, like the CLINIQUE Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Foundation - CN 28 Ivory, that is formulated for acne-prone and oily skin.
- With a light dusting of pressed powder, you are good to go. Use the Lakme 9 to 5 Unreal Dual Cover Pressed Powder, 2 In 1 Compact + Foundation, 10 Ivory for a long-lasting and non-cakey finish.
How to conceal acne scars with makeup
Learning how to hide pimples with makeup is just half the battle won. A protracted acne flare-up can often leave behind indentations and textured skin. If you notice small dents and bumps appearing in the skin after an acne breakout, here’s how you can cover them up:
- Before reaching for your makeup kit, you will want to make sure that your canvas is squeaky clean. A quick swab of toner, like the Plum 1.5% Vitamin C Alcohol-Free Toner-Mandarin & Witch Hazel For Glow Boost & Open Pores, can get rid of any excess oils clinging to the surface of the skin, followed by a lightweight primer.
- If you notice any lingering discolouration in the skin, apply a concealer in a shade that matches your go-to foundation. The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear More Than Concealer is a great choice.
- If you can’t observe any discolouration, you can skip the previous step and reach for a liquid foundation that offers full coverage. Apply an even layer to smoothen the skin tone and camouflage any unevenness in texture. We recommend the Maybelline New York Super Stay Lumi-Matte Liquid Foundation 30H Longwear.
- To seal in your handiwork, opt for a pressed powder for oily skin. If your skin type tends to lean towards the dry end of the spectrum, a setting mist or spray like the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte - Poreless Setting Spray can help.
How to conceal blackheads with makeup
Lower on the rungs of skincare woes than cysts and hormonal acne, but blackheads can still require some tending to, nonetheless. When excess sebum, dead skin and gunk collect in the pores, they can darken over time with oxygen exposure. After learning how to choose the best makeup to cover pimples, you will want to round out your arsenal with a blackhead camouflage guide.
- On a freshly cleansed face, apply a hydrating moisturiser like the Re'equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer and follow up with a water-based primer like the M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix+ - Original.
- Then, opt for a liquid foundation that offers medium, buildable coverage. We recommend going for the SUGAR Cosmetics Rage For Coverage 24Hr Foundation. You can work it in with a makeup brush or makeup sponge and layer the formula if you feel the need for additional coverage.
- A quick hand of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - Translucent will ensure that your skin appears matte and blackhead-free for the rest of the day.