15
June
How to Cover Pimples
How to Cover Pimples
Dealing with pimples can be frustrating, especially when you want your skin to look its best. Fortunately, there are effective ways to cover pimples and achieve a flawless complexion. Discover expert tips and tricks on how to cover pimples flawlessly.
Learn step-by-step guides for different skin types, product recommendations, and home remedies for clearer skin. Whether you prefer makeup or natural methods, this guide has you covered.
What are Pimples?
Pimples, also known as acne, are a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This leads to inflammation, redness, and sometimes infection. Pimples can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts, each varying in severity.
Types of Pimples
Understanding the type of pimple you have can help in choosing the right treatment and coverage method:
Blackheads: Open clogged pores filled with excess oil and dead skin cells.
Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores that appear as small, white bumps.
Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus.
Pustules: Red, inflamed bumps filled with pus.
Nodules: Large, painful lumps deep under the skin.
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps that can cause scarring.
Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Pimples with Makeup
Covering pimples effectively with makeup involves a detailed process to ensure a natural, long-lasting finish. Here’s an expanded guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
Start with a clean canvas. Thoroughly cleanse your face using a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This step removes any dirt, oil, and impurities that can affect the makeup application. After cleansing, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to hydrate your skin and create a smooth makeup base. Hydrated skin helps prevent makeup from caking and enhances its adherence to your skin.
A Complete Guide on How to Double Cleanse Your Skin
Product Recommendations:
Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Step 2: Apply Primer
Priming your skin is crucial for creating a smooth surface for makeup application. Use a primer that fills in pores and fine lines, which helps in achieving a flawless finish. For acne-prone skin, opt for primers containing salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients. These primers not only smooth the skin but also help treat and prevent pimples.
Prep Your Skin for Flawless Makeup
Product Recommendations:
Primer: Benefit POREfessional Pore Minimizing Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (for oily skin), or E.l.f. Blemish Control Face Primer (with salicylic acid)
Step 3: Use a Green Concealer
To neutralize the redness of pimples, apply a green-tinted concealer. Green concealer counteracts the red tones, making the pimple less noticeable under the foundation. Dab a small amount of the green concealer on the pimple and blend it gently using a makeup sponge, brush, or your fingertip. Ensure the edges are well-blended to avoid harsh lines.
How to Apply Concealer - The Ultimate Guide for Flawless Skin
Product Recommendations:
Green Concealer: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Green, NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand in Green
Step 4: Apply Foundation and Concealer
Choose a full-coverage, non-comedogenic foundation that matches your skin tone. Apply the foundation evenly across your face using a makeup sponge, brush, or fingers. Focus on blending well around the areas with pimples. After applying foundation, use a flesh-toned concealer directly on the pimple for extra coverage. Pat the concealer gently with your fingertip or a small brush to blend it seamlessly with the foundation.
How to Choose the Perfect Foundation Color
Product Recommendations:
Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Step 5: Set with Powder that Matches Your Skin Tone
To ensure your makeup stays in place all day and to reduce shine, finish with a setting powder. Use a translucent or skin-toned setting powder to lightly dust over your face, concentrating on the areas with concealer. This step locks in your makeup, preventing it from melting or smudging throughout the day. Use a fluffy brush to apply the powder in a pressing motion rather than sweeping, to avoid disturbing the makeup underneath.
Product Recommendations:
Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, RCMA No-Color Powder
Full-Coverage Tips:
Blotting Papers: For oily skin, carry blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Setting Spray: Use a setting spray to add an extra layer of longevity to your makeup. It helps in keeping the makeup intact and adds a natural finish.
Product Recommendations:
Setting Spray: Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Pimples Without Makeup
Step 1: Use Ice
Application: Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently press it against the pimple for a few minutes. Take breaks to avoid irritating your skin.
Benefits: Ice helps to reduce swelling and redness by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It can also numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
Step 2: Apply Aloe Vera
Application: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant or use a store-bought pure aloe vera gel. Let it sit on the skin for 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Benefits: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe the skin and reduce redness. It also promotes healing and can prevent future breakouts by keeping the skin hydrated.
Step 3: Use Pimple Patches
Application: Place a pimple patch over the pimple before bed and leave it on overnight. These patches are usually made of hydrocolloid material, which helps to absorb pus and oil from the pimple.
Benefits: Pimple patches protect the pimple from bacteria and picking, while also absorbing excess oil and reducing the size and redness of the pimple overnight. They are discreet and can be worn during the day as well.
Step 4: Try Honey
Application: Dab a small amount of raw honey onto the pimple and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. For better results, use manuka honey known for its higher antibacterial properties.
Benefits: Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the size and redness of pimples. It also moisturizes the skin, preventing it from becoming dry or irritated.
Different Steps Depending on Skin Types
Normal Skin
Routine: Cleanse, moisturize, and apply makeup as usual.
Tips: Use non-comedogenic products to avoid clogging pores and maintain a balanced skincare routine. Double cleanse at the end of the day to ensure all makeup and impurities are thoroughly removed.
Dry Skin
Routine: Focus on hydration. Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser, follow with a moisturizing primer, and then apply makeup.
Tips: Avoid matte products that can further dry out your skin. Opt for dewy, hydrating foundations and concealers. Incorporate products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to maintain moisture.
Oily Skin
Routine: Cleanse with a foaming or gel cleanser, use an oil-control primer, and then apply makeup.
Tips: Choose oil-free, mattifying products to control shine throughout the day. Use blotting papers to manage excess oil without disturbing your makeup. Incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine to help control oil production.
How to Take Care of Oily Skin: Effective Tips and Skincare Routine
Combination Skin
Routine: Tailor your routine to address both oily and dry areas. Cleanse with a balanced cleanser, use a hydrating primer on dry areas and an oil-control primer on oily areas, and then apply makeup.
Tips: Balance your skincare routine by using lightweight, hydrating products that don’t overburden the oily areas or neglect the dry ones. Layer products strategically to address the needs of each part of your face.
Sensitive Skin
Routine: Use gentle, hypoallergenic products from cleansing to makeup application.
Tips: Avoid products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohols that can irritate your skin. Opt for soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and ceramides. Patch-test new products to ensure they do not cause reactions.
Additional Tips
Consistency: Stick to a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type to maintain skin health and prevent future breakouts.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within.
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods that can trigger breakouts.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Reduce the risk of transferring bacteria and oils from your hands to your face by avoiding touching your skin unnecessarily.
Sun Protection: Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, which can exacerbate acne scars and cause hyperpigmentation. Tinted Sunscreen vs. Foundation: Which Is Better for Your Skin?
Tips for Prevention
Maintain a Skincare Routine: Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize regularly.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
Healthy Diet: Avoid foods that can trigger breakouts, such as greasy or sugary foods.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Minimize the transfer of bacteria and oil.
Avoid These Products at All Costs
Harsh Scrubs: These can irritate the skin and worsen pimples.
Heavy Oils: Can clog pores and lead to more breakouts.
Alcohol-Based Products: Can dry out the skin and irritate it.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you experience severe acne or persistent breakouts, or if over-the-counter treatments aren't effective, it's important to consult a dermatologist. A professional can provide personalized treatment options and help prevent scarring. When to Consult a Dermatologist
Treatment and Easy Home Remedies
Effective Treatments
Topical Treatments: Products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids.
Oral Medications: Antibiotics, birth control pills, or isotretinoin.
Professional Treatments: Chemical peels, laser therapy, or corticosteroid injections.
Easy Home Remedies
Aloe Vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, apply fresh aloe vera gel to the affected area.
Honey: Its antibacterial properties can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
Tea Tree Oil: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to reduce redness and inflammation.
Home Remedies That Can Be Harmful
While home remedies can offer simple and natural solutions for skin issues, some can be more harmful than helpful. Here are a few common home remedies that you should avoid when dealing with pimples:
Toothpaste
Why It’s Harmful: Toothpaste is often touted as a quick fix for pimples due to its drying effect. However, it contains ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and alcohol, which are not suitable for the skin.
Effects: Using toothpaste on pimples can cause significant irritation, redness, and excessive dryness. The harsh chemicals can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to more inflammation and potential long-term damage.
How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier
Lemon Juice
Why It’s Harmful: Lemon juice is acidic and can alter the skin’s natural pH balance. Although it has antibacterial properties, its high acidity can be too harsh for the skin.
Effects: Applying lemon juice directly to the skin can cause severe irritation, and burning sensations, and increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
Baking Soda
Why It’s Harmful: Baking soda is an alkaline substance and can severely disrupt the skin’s natural acidic pH balance. This disruption can weaken the skin barrier.
Effects: Using baking soda on your skin can cause irritation, dryness, and an imbalance in the skin’s pH, making it more prone to breakouts and infections. The abrasive texture can also lead to micro-tears in the skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Why It’s Harmful: While diluted apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a toner, undiluted it is highly acidic and can damage the skin.
Effects: Direct application of apple cider vinegar can lead to burns, irritation, and worsening of acne. It can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.
Rubbing Alcohol
Why It’s Harmful: Rubbing alcohol is often used for its antiseptic properties, but it is extremely drying and harsh on the skin.
Effects: Applying rubbing alcohol to pimples can cause severe dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin barrier, exacerbating acne and leading to more severe breakouts.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Why It’s Harmful: Hydrogen peroxide is used to disinfect wounds but is too harsh for regular application on the skin, especially the face.
Effects: It can cause irritation, burns, and dryness. Regular use can damage skin cells and slow down the healing process of acne.
How to Become a Professional in Skincare…
Interested in a career in skincare? Enhance your skills with professional courses from Makeup School Sydney:
Covering pimples effectively requires the right techniques and products tailored to your skin type. Whether you prefer using makeup or natural methods, following these steps can help you achieve a clearer, more confident complexion. Remember to maintain a consistent skincare routine to prevent future breakouts and consult a dermatologist for persistent acne issues.
Begin Your Professional Skincare Journey with Makeup School Sydney.
FAQ
How can I keep my skin looking attractive without pimples?
Answer: Wash your face twice daily (no more) with warm water and a mild acne-specific soap. Gently massage your face in circular movements. Do not scrub. Excessive cleaning and scrubbing might cause skin irritation.
Can ice be used to eliminate pimples and acne?
Answer: In theory, steadily lowering the size of your pimple with ice should ultimately cause it to disappear completely. When used on inflammatory acne, ice can reduce redness, making pimples less visible. It can help relieve discomfort associated with cystic and nodular acne.
Do pimples heal faster when they're covered?
Answer: The fastest approach to healing a popped pimple is to keep it clean, free of bacteria, and moist. Most studies suggest that hydrocolloid bandages provide the best mix of occlusion and moisture while inhibiting bacterial development in the region.
How do you conceal a terrible spot or breakout?
Answer: Warm a pigment-packed concealer or a colour corrector on your hands before delicately patting it onto the spot. Then, using a brush, work around the area rather than directly on it, evening and buffing. This will assist to soften the edges and make it less visible. If you need to touch up your concealer during the day, simply repeat the steps.
What's the secret behind pimples?
Answer: Individuals who adhere to a proper regimen that involves gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing may help maintain their skin health and reduce the recurrence of pimples. Regularly eliminating debris, excess oil, and dead skin cells can help lessen the likelihood of pore blockage and acne production.
How do you cover open pimples?
Answer: Apply a thick matte concealer in the same tone as your foundation. Use a tiny brush to dab on the acne and the surrounding region, then set it with the same colour setting powder (not translucent).