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?
46 Member Comments
It's my first time hearing about salicylic acid.
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yes i love the concealer
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every time I apply makeup on acne it looks really bad so I will be using these tips hopefully they work well.
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If done well you can't see the pimples at all. I've seen videos of ladies who can do this easily and the result is flawless.
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Can be a tricky thing, but with proper makeup we can hide the pimple..
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Great article! Always wondered what the best way to cover a pimple I could never get it right!
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Big red blind ones that are itchy are the worst
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Ouch that's an awful thought.
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You are so right, itchy means the pimple is growing, aghhh
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Big red blind ones that are itchy are the worst
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blind pimples are the worst, some great tips in here
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Bookmarking this.
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When I have a dry and flaky spot I try to put as little makeup over as possible as I find that foundation just exacerbates the flakes!
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Salicylic acid cleansers actually make my skin super sensitive - not for everyone.
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Use either a green concealer if the spot is really red, or an eyeshadow primer (yes eyeshadow primer) on the spot and let it dry for a few minutes. Apply foundation with a beauty blender and then touch up with concealer. Set with light dusting of powder (I apply this with my sponge as well). I think the main problem is that people dont give each product enough time to dry after applying, and then just end up wiping it off with the next step. I had terrible cystic acne for many years and this is what has worked best for me!
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Surprised to see that it is recommended to apply concealer with fingers. I used to do that then I switched to a micro beautyblender
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Blind pimples are the worst! And for some reason they always seem to appear at the most inconvenient times - before a job interview, date, friend's wedding, need I go on.... Thanks for the great tips!
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Ahhhh i have one now! Great article
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Getting over a shocker on my cheek. I usually just wack concealer over it so am thankful for the tips
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Blind pimples are painful and BIG! Ithink I just used concealer to cover them. I found pimples with heads were worse - hard to cover and embarassing - especially the ones on my nose
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Seconding the Corsx patches!
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Some great tips here. Colour correcting concealers could be also used to hide redness.
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blind pimples are easy to hide. its the raised ones with texture thats hard
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Blind pimples aren't generally caused by oil, bacteria, blocked pores etc. They're mostly brought on through hormonal changes, stress, weakened skin and other factors. Skin peels and exfoliants can cause further weakening - one sign of this is their appearing in the same places repeatedly (I used to experience this - salicylic acid made the condition worse). I acquired 3 in the past week - haven't had one for years - was under considerable stress and also premenstrual. My skin is considerably dry, dehydrated and sensitive, so I change nothing with my skincare aside from being overly gentle, trying not to touch, and using a normal longlasting waterproof concealer. They go away before too long, but drying them out or trying to squeeze (a no-no for any pimple) won't solve anything. I speak not only from experience (had a horrendous case of them in Year 11 & 12, then at University, and while doing other study. Tried Ro-accutane twice, to no avail (am now 45), but also speak as a qualified beauty therapist. Not pleasant, but not a major issue now - never completely leaves you, unfortunately.
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