Flawless skin takes work, a lot of it in some people more than others. Imperfections manifest themselves differently.
So, beauty regimens have varying effects. Acne is one of the common problems many women deal with, me included.
A breakout can have you feeling less than stellar.
However, you can get away with it if you know how to cover acne up.
With the right products and techniques, those imperfections might only be slightly visible.
Conversely, poor makeup application can leave your face feeling, and worse, looking, cakey.
Concealing those acne bumps successfully takes skill, and you might not get it right the first time.
However, when you know what to do, the rest only requires practice.
In this guide, you will find tips to help you hide an acne breakout without it looking cakey.
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1. Get the Right Concealer
Your choice of products determines how well you can conceal the blemishes that acne causes.
If the spots are to be less noticeable, you have to blend them with the rest of your skin.
For that, you need the right concealer shade.
Some brands have a highly diverse range of products.
Therefore, you can quickly find what you require.
Be patient, though. It might take a while to settle on an ideal product depending on your skin tone.
Another consideration is the type of concealer. Liquid, cream and powder are the main alternatives.
I agree with most recommendations that powder concealer is the best. It allows you to go heavy without looking cakey.
Cream also works wonders when used accordingly.
The secret is to get concealers that don’t moisturise too much. Go for matte because it stays on your face throughout the day.
Additionally, achieving a natural look will be easier. A liquid concealer might not provide sufficient coverage.
2. Prep is Everything
You need to get your skin ready before applying makeup.
Start by cleaning your face.
You would think that this goes without saying, but some people don’t give face cleansing the importance it deserves.
Applying any product on dirty skin can aggravate your breakout and cause other problems.
So, ways off your face thoroughly using a suitable cleanser.
Resist the urge to pop pimples before applying makeup.
You should never use beauty products on broken or irritated skin.
Moisturisation is another critical part of the preparation stage.
I find that moisturising my face, especially the affected area helps keep my makeup intact.
In some cases, acne can result in flaking around the pimple.
If you have particularly dry skin, then this flaking can make it hard to even out your makeup.
When you moisturise, you prevent the skin from drying and flaking.
Choose a light moisturiser that hydrates the skin without making it feel oily.
Apply the moisturiser the minutes before using the makeup.
3. Applying Your Makeup
For some people, a primer is the first product to use.
If your skin is dry and bumpy, a primer can help smooth it out.
Besides improving your overall appearance, a primer enables the concealer to adhere better.
Next is the concealer.
When applying concealer, use a brush rather than your finger.
Place a pea-sized amount on a mixing palette, then scoop a small amount with the brush.
Ensure that you get the smallest amount of concealer possible.
If you think you have too much on the brush, dab some of it off.
Too much concealer leads to caking. It’s less challenging to start small then increase the amount gradually.
Then, using a light hand, apply the concealer.
Begin by twisting the brush slightly over the bump to concentrate the product.
Continue brushing past the pimple so that it blends with your skin. Put on thin layers until the breakout is no longer visible.
If a foundation is part of your look, then make sure it’s light.
Oil-based foundations can worsen acne because they tend to cake into the skin.
Use your foundation to even out your appearance.
How Do I Cover Acne With Makeup Without Looking Cakey?
So, you have an idea of how to hide an acne breakout without looking cakey. I outlined a few crucial points.
Firstly, pick products that match your skin tone while delivering the look you desire.
Secondly, prepare your skin to get the most out of your chosen products.
Lastly, apply makeup in a way that conceals the acne bumps discreetly.
Hopefully, this advice will help you achieve that perfect look without looking like you are trying too much.