Doing your makeup is all fun and games until a pimple (or five) pops up and ruins the mood. Luckily, makeup technology has advanced in such a way that the best products can cover active breakouts and acne scars alike. I know how tough acne can be on confidence—I’ve been there—so here are a handful of products that can help camouflage pimples and acne scars.
The best makeup and skin-prep products for hiding acne
Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer ($29)
Dermablend’s next-level skin care meets makeup formulations ensure skin is hydrated and healing while wearing makeup, which makes it a great option for any stage of acne. It promises 34-hour coverage with just one coat. It’s excellent at camouflaging dark spots, acne scars, discoloration and dark under eyes.
Dior Forever Matte Foundation SPF 15 ($57)
I don’t wear full-coverage foundation often, so when I used this for my best friend’s wedding, which I, of course, broke out before, my fiancé was shocked to see my blemishes disappear. It has powerhouse coverage and doesn ’t upset my skin—a miracle.
HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer ($32)
HAUS LABS Triclone Foundation is one of the best on the market, and the concealer offshoot stands up just as well. This former NewBeauty Award winner blurs, brightens and conceals with medium, buildable, natural-looking coverage. Formulated with arnica, it also helps reduce redness and de-puff skin with continued use.
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm +Red Correct Post-Blemish Recovery Cream ($13)
Post-pimple patch or popping a pimple (bad beauty editor, I know), I always apply Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm, so I was excited when they launched the same formula with a green tint to help cover up redness when you want to leave the house. It won’t give you a ton of coverage, but it's a great place to start and will help your skin bounce back ASAP.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 ($75)
Many makeup artists would agree this is one of the best concealers on the market and, having used it on pesky breakouts myself, I second that. The smooth texture and seamless finish make blending it into skin for a natural look super easy. It provides full coverage with an airbrushed finish and SPF benefits.
Topicals Sealed Active Scar Filling Primer for Acne Prone Skin ($34)
Pitted acne scars can be even harder to conceal than active breakouts, but skin-care technology continues to get more impressive every day. This magical primer from Topicals fills in pitted acne scars and large pores so makeup goes on smoother. Additionally, over time, active ingredients help reduce the s depth.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($32)
This cult-classic concealer knows a thing or two about doing a disappearing act. It conceals and neutralizes discoloration, whether that’s acne scars or an active breakout, and blends like a dream with a soft focus finish.
E.l.f. Camo Color Corrector ($4)
If you’re looking for a green color corrector on a budget, there’s no better option than e.l.f. The green hue helps neutralize redness. Layer skin-colored concealer over it for foolproof coverage.
Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($39)
The ingredient list for this makeup reads like a skin-care solution with salicylic acid, lactobacillus ferment, red algae extract, licorice and caffeine to reduce redness and combat acne. The formula blurs, mattifies and blends away blemishes while controlling oil and shine. Clinical testing even found that after 10 days of use, bare skin had fewer clogged pores.
VIOLETTE_FR Invisible Bandage ($28)
The Invisible Bandage sounds too good to be true with the ability to soothe, protect and prime blemishes, cuts and burns. Reviewers praise the product for making t into a smooth base for makeup while helping it heal.
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation ($66)
If you consistently have problematic skin rather than a concealer sized pimple, this foundation could be a good solution for you. It does all the things foundation does best while also healing and preventing breakouts with salicylic acid and grape seed extract.
Neutrogena Skinclearing Blemish Concealer ($15)
We love how handy this concealer is. It’s perfect for throwing in your bag on-the-go in case something pops up in the middle of the day or you want to add a bit of extra coverage. It’s perfect for natural-looking coverage and also features acne adversary salicylic acid.
