How to hide a blind pimple with makeup

Is there anything worse than waking up to a blind pimple? Not really. Blind pimples are incredibly painful and can last between five to ten days. And if you’re really unlucky, one will pop up smack bang in the centre of your face. Regular pimples can be covered fairly easily with concealer, however blind pimples are much harder to hide. But surely there’s a way to make blind pimples disappear with makeup...

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We spoke to Sephora’s National Makeup Artist, Alphie Sadsad, to reveal the best method for hiding blind pimples with makeup, including the exact concealers that you should be using.

How should you prepare your skin before applying makeup if you’re breaking out?

According to Alphie, treating a complexion that is breaking out should be handled with care. “Your cleanser  shouldn't be harsh, but you can use some acne products that may help,” says Alphie. Products with ingredients such as salicylic acid are great as they mimic the natural oils in the skin. “Salicylic acid is great to clear blocked pores and it can reduce swelling and redness, plus it kills bacteria and exfoliates skin gently,” explains Alphie.

How do you make sure a pimple stays covered for hours?

Alphie says that using a powder is key as powdering after concealer application will always set the concealer in place. “Use a fluffy brush with a light tapping motion,” he explains. Make sure you cover the brush with lots of powder to prevent the bristles from lifting up the concealer. “If you don't have enough powder on the brush, the fibers will pick up the concealer as quickly as it’s being applied,” says Alphie.

To cover a pimple, do you apply concealer before or after foundation?

Let’s settle this debate once and for all. “Apply foundation first, making sure not to apply too much foundation where the blemish is, then apply concealer and set,” explains Alphie.

Blind pimples are often raised and red on the skin, what’s the best way to cover them?

Red and raised pimples are the worst kind to hide and they won’t go down without a fight. Alphie recommends soaking a cotton pad with eye drops that helps with red eyes, then using a warm, clean finger and tapping on top of the blind pimple. “Start from the center and work out, tapping the edges but not the center, then blend and set,” says Alphie.

What’s the best concealer for covering blind pimples?

Alphie recommends using Sephora Collection High Coverage Concealer, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout and Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12 hr concealer.

Do you suggest applying concealer with your fingers or a makeup brush?

“For hygiene reasons, use clean fingers as you can use an anti-bacterial hand wash before application,” says Alphie. “However, brushes are great to blend the edges.”

How do you cover a pimple that’s about to pop?

There is definitely an art to this! Alphie says to be gentle, treat and hydrate. “Always use soft, light taps,” he says.

What about a pimple that’s drying out and flaky?

Whatever you do, don't pick it! The trick is to both hydrate and treat the area. Simply place concealer on top of the pimple and blend. “Do not use powder as it might look dryer, just re apply concealer if needed during the day,” explains Alphie.

Any tips for banishing pimples all together?

“Salicylic acid, a skincare routine – you really need to stick to it!, hydration, a healthy diet and exercise!” recommends Alphie.

bh loves: Sephora Collection High Coverage Concealer ($24, sephora.com.au), Mary Kay® Perfecting Concealer, Bodyography Skin Perfect Concealer

What do you think of Alphie’s tips for how to hide a blind pimple with makeup? What’s your go-to method for hiding blemishes?