In this world of Insta-famous goddesses with permanently flawless skin it can be an emotional minefield when you have a breakout.
Good skin hygiene, plenty of water and a balanced diet can help keep your skin clear, but whether you’re prone to acne or just the occasional breakout it’s nice to know you can use makeup to create full coverage.
Sascha Martini, make up artist for Love Island Australia‘s Tayla Damir says the most important part to creating skin that looks flawless is to use a thick concealer, “I love Dermablend or Mac Concealer pallets as they have four different concealer tones that you can mix together to get the perfect colour to match your skin.”
Her tip for covering acne prone skin is to only apply concealer on the actual pimples, with a fine tipped make up brush “then use your fingers to gently tap in the product and melt it into the skin.”
Here’s a selection of 10 of the best concealers that will smooth out and help to hide acne and blemishes.
Take your pick…
#10 MAC Studio Finish Concealer
RRP $38
Any foundation or concealer with the words ‘studio finish’ usually means it goes on heavy. Which, when you want to cover up redness or bumps can be just what you’re after.
This one comes in 15 shades which means there’s a colour to suit pretty much everyone. Just don’t use it under your eyes as it’s way too heavy.
A beautyheaven reviewer says, “It’s absolutely fantastic at covering acne and pigmentation. The thick formula melts when it comes into contact with your finger, and it applies like a dream. It blends in well, providing full coverage. It covers all redness, pimples and blemishes.”
#9 Murad Blemish Control Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
RRP $32
OK, this isn’t a concealer but if you have acne prone skin, pop one of these in your makeup purse and dab away daily. It dries to a clear gel so you can put concealer or foundation over the top and it won’t affect the colour. Even better, use it at night so it can work its magic while you sleep.
A reviewer on adorebeauty says, “Okay so this stuff is just so good!! I have sensitive skin and get cystic & hormonal acne. And this spot treatment helps clear up my breakouts so much faster, I notice a difference within hours, especially helps the redness. I can also wear it under makeup which is wonderful.”
#8 Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer
RRP $35
The best way to use this product is to squeeze a small blob onto your hand and apply with a concealer brush or the tip of your finger. It’s fairly chalky and dries quickly so have your foundation close by and blend over the top straight away otherwise you’ll get a cakey finish.
It’s medicated and oil-free so is aimed at healing the skin as well as providing coverage and is best for people with oily skin.
One reviewer says, “I use a colour slightly lighter than my foundation, and I find this helps covers the blemishes better. Next time I may try the green shade. You only need a tiny amount and you need to work quickly as it dries almost instantly!”
#7 Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer
RRP $34
Great for covering redness, and a little goes a long way. If you’re using it to cover up acne or pimples use a concealer brush and wipe or clean the brush afterwards so as not to spread any bacteria.
A reviewer on adorebeauty says, “I’ve used a number of different concealer brands over the years and have found this one to be really good value for money. My skin gets the occasional breakout so I’m not sure if it would be thick enough for more breakout prone skin but it does a dream job covering the redness of my chin.”
#6 Tom Ford Concealer For Men
RRP $68
You don’t have to be male to use this product but if you’re after a concealer that will help fight inflammation this one’s for you. The coverage is full and stays on all day, blends well and covers up razor marks, blemishes and scars.
The downside? It’s pricey and only comes in three shades.
A beautycrew reviewer says, “I purchased this concealer stick for my son. He needed something to cover the odd blemish and razed mistake and he loves it. A real winner, the consistency is really creamy and hydrating, not at all drying.”
#5 Jane Iredale Disappear Full Coverage Concealer
RRP $58
Vegan and gluten-free Jane Iredale’s concealer does the job – and some. But you gotta know how to apply it.
You need to use the gel tip to blob it over your pimples and then spritz with a hydration spray. Then be ready with a foundation brush and blend, blend, blend. I know, it sounds complicated, but you’ll be glad you did cos the results are worth it.
A reviewer says, “This stuff is the best! I put a small amount on the back of my hand, dab a little on the Sculpting Brush, and lightly stipple it onto my face. Then I blend with my fingertips. This provides me with really good coverage without it being too thick or mask-like. Give it a try!”
#4 Natio Pure Mineral Concealer
RRP $14.95
If you’re new to mineral make up it can tend to dry out the skin at first. But be patient while your pores adjust. This is a slightly lighter formula so not ideal if you have a big breakout or lots of redness. But if it’s one pimple and it’s quite small, this mineral concealer provides a buildable coverage and can also be used on dark circles.
Try it if your skin is combination to dry and you just get occasional spots and use the tiniest amount possible.
One reviewer says, “It doesn’t have a sticky or tacky feel to it, that I have noticed with other mineral concealers. I’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to cause any further irritation or breakouts after applications either which is greatly appreciated by my sensitive and easily irritated skin.”
#3 Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Full Coverage Concealer
RRP $46
Holly Walker, founder of veganskincare.com suggests the best products for acne-prone skin are oil and wax free (so as not to be problematic for already clogged skin). She says “liquid concealers are best, applied with a fine-tipped brush then patted on and set with powder.”
Urban Decay is a cruelty free makeup brand that’s known for having true lasting power. And I mean, if it’s good enough for Ruby Rose…
A Mecca reviewer says, “I have oily skin and im always looking for a concealer that is full coverage and doesnt slip off halfway through the day and this concealer went beyond my expectations!”
#2 Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Concealer
RRP $36
With 10 shades to choose from, Smashbox are certainly winning on the colour front. Some say the coverage is a bit light and is too quick to dry, but if you apply it over a clean, moisturised face and dab the wand onto your pimples you’ll have time to blend the concealer in before applying foundation.
Sometimes, having the right moisturiser as a base can make all the difference. If you’re worried about clogging your pores try Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturiser.
An Ulta beauty reviewer gave it 5 stars and said, “I have tried soooooo many high end concealers but have just not been truly satisfied with any of them until now. This is a lightweight yet full coverage concealer that doesn’t budge during the day!”
#1 DB Take Cover Mineral Concealer
RRP $11.99
And the vote for best concealer for pimples and acne is DB Take Cover Mineral Concealer. Why? Well, it ticks the boxes in terms of being cruelty free and is in a price range that anyone can afford. Splashing out on products that you love is worth it but sometimes, the affordable, drugstore brands do the job just as well.
All DB products provide excellent coverage and their foundations are great, too. If you really want to cover up acne scars, pimples and other blemishes and get a smooth, camera-ready complexion, this one gets the top vote.
A reviewer says, “The best concealer I have EVER used. I have adult acne and this it just brilliant.”
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