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When your complexion is constantly giving you problems in the form of breakouts, redness, and irritation, nailing down a beauty routine that doesn’t annoy your skin even more can feel next to impossible. One of the trickiest pieces of the clear-skin puzzle? Choosing a concealer that totally hides your acne instead of making it look (and feel) worse.
“Finding a concealing formula that works best for your skin is vital to the final outcome of your makeup look,” says makeup artist Karissa Bodnar, founder of Thrive Causemetics. “Thick and dry concealing products typically add texture and emphasize fine lines, pores, acne, and acne scars.”
It’s also important to use a concealer that matches not only your skin tone, but the specific level of acne coverage you need. Otherwise, your makeup will appear patchy rather than smooth, which is the ultimate goal, says New York-based makeup artist Desireé Delia.
Beyond wrecking your look, using the wrong concealer can clog your pores and lead to more breakouts, ultimately defeating the purpose of using complexion products in the first place. Here’s everything you need to know so that this doesn’t happen to you:
How to find the best concealer for acne coverage
Look for noncomedogenic on the label: “When buying a concealer to cover up acne, you want to find a product that’s noncomedogenic and oil-free, as these products are less likely to clog your pores,” says Delia.
Choose a double-duty product: Consider going with a concealer that also contains ingredients that can help your skin heal while it’s covered, says Delia. For example, salicylic acid to unclog pores, sulfur to calm inflammation, and SPF to protect against sun damage, as some acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Steer clear of drying ingredients: If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, alcohol-based and scented products can irritate your skin even more, says Catherine DiGiorgio, MD, board-certified dermatologist at West Lake Dermatology in Austin, Texas. The result? A flaky, patchy-looking finish.
Factor in coverage needs: Another important thing to think about is the level of coverage needed. “If you’re working with a lot of scarring and fresh breakouts, you’ll want something a little heavier and completely opaque to cover the area,” says Delia. For acne that’s not as severe but does involve faded scarring areas, something thick would most likely be overkill, in which case you can opt for a lighter liquid formula.
Shade is everything: Make sure that you purchase a shade of concealer that’s an exact match for your skin tone. “This is super-important because you want this area to appear even with the rest of your face,” says Delia.
To save you the hassle of eyeing up every concealer in the makeup aisle to find the perfect one to cover your acne, below are our experts’ top picks below.
This noncomedogenic, creamy concealer is Delia’s hands-down fave. It comes in 10 shades and is full coverage: “You can use it to cover tattoos, so you know it’ll make your clear skin dreams come true,” she says. The concealer wears for about 16 hours when set (without looking cakey), and is formulated without common irritants like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fragrance.
An acne medication and concealer in one, Clearasil’s Stubborn Acne Control is another good choice. It includes benzoyl peroxide in a tinted concealer to hide breakouts and prevent new ones from forming, says New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.
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This heavy-duty concealer contains vitamin E and sunscreen, which improve inflammation and help scars fade faster, respectively, says DiGiorgio.
Clinique’s acne concealer formula contains salicylic acid to treat and prevent acne by helping unclog pores, says DiGiorgio. It has a green tint to help cover redness, and is also phthalate-, paraben-, and fragrance-free.
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For those who are after a medium-coverage blend, Neutrogena’s blemish concealer is where it’s at. It’s a fragrance-free product that treats active acne and prevents new breakouts with salicylic acid to keep pores unclogged, says DiGiorgio.
If you’re on prescription acne medications that leave your skin on the sensitive side, this noncomedogenic concealer provides hydration and natural coverage that won’t result in a dry or cakey finish, says DiGiorgio.
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When you’ve got a red, angry pimple, this is an excellent pick for neutralizing the redness, says NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist Susan Bard, MD. It contains vitamins C and E, which condition and protect your skin. Bonus: By using this first, you won’t have to use a dense concealer on top. Even noncomedogenic products can clog pores if they’re thick, so it’s important not to glob them on too heavily, says Dr. Bard.
This lightweight formula is super-concentrated, so a little goes a long way. “The product won’t clog pores, and uses mineral sunscreens to block UV rays without irritating acne-prone skin,” says Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD. It’s also packed with antioxidants, like vitamin A and E derivatives, which help to absorb excess oil and nourish the skin.
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Isdin Skin Drops are gentle and provide excellent full coverage for blemishes and acne scars. “It’s a product used for fragile, post-procedure skin, so it can safely and gently provide heavy-duty coverage without clogging pores or irritating your skin,” says DiGiorgio.
How to conceal your acne flawlessly
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: “Our skin tends to become extra dry in the affected area because we’re always using some sort of drying agent to get rid our acne,” says Delia. Making sure you stay on top of your hydration quota both inside and out—by drinking lots of water and using a hydrating face mask in addition to your daily moisturizer—will help you avoid skin flakes when it comes time for makeup.
Prep your canvas: Once you’ve completed your usual face cleansing ritual, Bodnar recommends applying a thin layer of setting powder prior to your makeup. When your skin’s oily, this adds a protective barrier of sorts that helps to extend the life of your makeup, while also providing a smooth canvas for the cream and liquid products to come.
Don’t use your fingertips (or dirty brushes): Doing so will spread unwanted bacteria, oils, and yeast onto your skin, increasing your risk for more breakouts and skin irritations. You’ll be able to apply your makeup, including concealer, more evenly if you use a brush or sponge, says Dr. King. You’ll also be able to fill the uneven surfaces for a smoother finish. (And don’t forget to wash your brushes and sponges as often as possible—at least once per week—with warm water and a gentle cleanser, adds Dr. King.)
Apply primer: This will help to ensure your concealer du jour melts into the skin for a more natural finish, says Bodnar. (Check out the best drugstore face primers for oily skin here.)
Build and blend: If your skin is super-red, start with a dab of green concealer to neutralize the redness. Avoid loading on concealer, as this will make it appear cakey—instead, build it up gradually, says Dr. King. “Start with a dot and blend each layer, allowing you to judge how much you’ll need to adequately conceal the pimple, then blend into the surrounding skin,” she says.
Move onto business as usual: Work in your foundation or BB creams, applying to your face like usual, says Delia. Double-check your affected areas to see if they need extra coverage—and if so, spot treat the areas with a little more concealer as necessary. Voila!
Krissy Brady
Krissy is a regular contributor to Prevention, and she also writes for Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Women's Health, FitnessMagazine.com, Self.com, and Shape.com.