We’ve all been there – a major zit or breakout right before a big day or fun night out. Since staying at home is not an option when there’s fun to be had, here are our tips for how to cover up bad skin so you can look and feel your best. But before you go slathering your skin with heavy makeup, remember that some makeup can actually make breakouts worse. Many foundations are oil-based and can clog pores, which only aggravates skin.
Look for a skin care products like concealer or foundation that are oil-free and non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, meaning that they won’t clog pores and make breakouts worse. You might even want to try a formula that has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which will not only help you cover up the breakout, but also help you fight it. Concealers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are often a good choice for covering up and fighting zits, but remember not to use these products close to sensitive areas like your eyes.
Mineral formulas are also a great option for sensitive skin especially, as they tend to aggravate skin and clog pores less than their oily counterparts.
Covering Up a Zit with Concealer
For those days when you wake up with a giant red zit, fear not! There are ways to cover it up and keep it covered for hours. Start off with clean, dry skin (and hands). Of course, a quick dab of concealer will cover up your zit, but might not have that all day staying power. If you’re looking for some serious mileage out of your concealer, try using a concealer brush to dab on the makeup directly on the zit, swirling it around to get in every nook and cranny. From there, use the brush to blend concealer around the zit so it smoothly matches the rest of your skin. Finally, dab the zit with some pressed powder, which will help seal the makeup and set it for hours.
Covering Up a Breakout with Foundation
Wash your face and gently pat it dry with a towel. If you typically apply acne treatment in your skin care routine in the morning before you put on makeup, apply a thin layer and wait five minutes before applying any makeup. If you need a light moisturizer, go ahead and apply that too. Or, consider a tinted moisturizer for a little extra-added moisture and foundation coverage. Tinted moisturizers tend to look more natural and they give you that dewy complexion – perfect for warmer weather.
Now that your skin is prepped, it’s ready for foundation. Remember to use an oil-free, non comedogenic foundation so it won’t clog pores and worsen your skin. Mineral foundations are also a good choice for acne-prone skin, although they tend to be less full coverage.
If you’re using liquid foundation, try a foundation brush to get a super smooth and finished look. Note: if you are using a foundation brush, make sure you clean it regularly – there’s nothing worse than rubbing a dirty foundation brush all over your clean skin. Using your fingers to apply foundation is also a fine choice; just make sure your hands are clean before you touch your skin.
Apply the foundation with smooth strokes and remember to blend all the way into your neck. If any of your zits are still rearing their ugly heads, try using a spot concealer to fully cover. Finish with a loose powder to help seal in the look and give you that smooth look.
That’s it! You’re ready to conquer whatever the day may bring.
