Hide Pimples

One of the worst things is looking in the mirror and seeing a zit staring back at you from your forehead. Luckily, it's fairly simple to hide it and get on with your day. First, you should take a few steps to minimize the pimple, and then you can cover it with makeup. Don't worry guys! It's fine for you to cover it up with a bit of makeup, too, as many men are using makeup these days to hide imperfections; no one will ever know.

Steps

Minimizing the Pimples

  1. Use a gentle cleanser. Pick a mild soap for your face. Don't use cleansers that are astringents or facial scrubs. Also, pick one that doesn't have alcohol in it. Those types of products can make matters worse.[1]
    • Even though you shouldn't use a harsh cleanser, you can use some acne products that may help. Look for ones with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.[1] Salicylic acid clears blocked pores and can reduce swelling and redness; benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and exfoliates skin.
    • Wash with lukewarm water and your cleanser. Hot water can dry out your skin.
  2. Avoid makeup remover cloths. Most makeup removers contain alcohol or other chemicals that can irritate your skin. Most people also tend to rub harder when using cleansing cloths because it's more difficult to take makeup off with them. These effects can make your pimples worse.[2]
    • Use soap and water to remove your makeup when dealing with a blemish.
  3. Scrub the zit gently. When you get out of the shower or after you wash your face in the morning, use a towel or washcloth to rub the zit lightly. The shower will have loosened dead skin on the top of the zit, so lightly rubbing it will pull off that skin.[3]
  4. Moisturize after cleaning. When you clean your face at night, make sure to moisturize after you're done. Use a light moisturizer intended for your face. You can also apply moisturizer in the morning after you wash your face, but you should mainly focus on the dry spots.[4]
  5. Use ice. Put an ice cube in a washcloth. Hold it on your (clean!) skin for about a minute. If the pimple hasn't reduced, wait 5 minutes before applying for another minute.[5]

Concealing the Pimples Using a Primer

  1. Turn up the lights. It's best to have plenty of light when putting on your makeup, especially if you're trying to conceal a pimple, as you need to be able to see it from every angle. Make sure you have plenty of light before starting.[4]
  2. Pick a primer. A primer goes under concealer to help hide the blemish.[6] Pick a yellow or green primer, as it counteracts the redness.[4]
  3. Apply the primer. Use a concealer brush to dab primer over your pimple. Apply just enough to cover the pimple, as too much will draw attention to it rather than covering it. Use your finger to smooth it out.[6]
    • You can also use a cotton swab if you don't have a concealer brush.
  4. Add the concealer. Next, use a concealer that's close to your skin tone. Use the concealer brush to dab some on top of the pimple. Once again, add just enough to cover the pimple.[6]
    • When purchasing a concealer, test it on the back of your hand or the back of your jawbone to make sure the tone matches. An emollient-based concealer will help moisturize your skin while hiding the pimple.
    • Remember that you may need a different concealer in the winter than in the summer, especially if you enjoy being out in the sun in the summer. You can blend the two in spring and fall.[7]
  5. Blend it in. Make sure the concealer is blended into you skin. Gently go around it with your finger to rub the perimeter into the rest of your skin.[6]
  6. Use a powder. A powder helps set the makeup so it stays on all day. Apply the powder on top of the other makeup using a puff. Press down gently, but don't rub it.[6]

Concealing Pimples With Concealer and Foundation

  1. Pick the right concealer. With this tip, you need a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly. You will be able to see the concealer somewhat through the final coat.[8]
  2. Use a concealer brush. Dab the concealer on the brush. Place the brush over your zit, and twist it back and forth to rub the concealer into every part of the zit.[9]
  3. Rub it in. Use your finger to rub the concealer in. Concentrate on the corners to make sure the outside edge isn't actually an edge; it should blend into your skin.[10]
  4. Apply foundation. Use a foundation that matches your skin tone. Cover your whole face in the foundation. However, don't go over the pimple; just go up to the edge.[11]
  5. Use powder. Apply powder over just the pimple. Use your finger to pick up some powder (that matches your skin tone), and dab it over the pimple area. The powder will help set it.[12]



Tips

  • Avoid touching the pimple after you are done concealing it. You might disturb the makeup.
  • Carry extra concealer or corrector with you so that you can touch up throughout the day.
  • Dont touch your pimples it will just make them worse and infect them.
  • When putting on the concealer,dont go left to right, go up and down.
  • Be brave! Don't worry, other people are worrying about their pimples too much that they won't even notice yours.
  • Avoid over-using concealer as it can be harsh to skin and while it will hide the blemish for the time being, it may make it worse in the long term.
  • Try liquid bandage. You shouldn't use liquid bandage all the time, but if you need to conceal a pimple for a big occasion, try painting liquid bandage over it. Put your concealer on top of it, and it will stay concealed for longer because the makeup sticks to the liquid bandage.[13]

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Sources and Citations