What you’re doing wrong if your acne is visible even after applying makeup

In an ideal world, acne breakouts would only show up on weekends when you were lounging in your jammies with nowhere important to go. Then again, in an ideal world, acne breakouts would be outlawed altogether. Fact is, in the world we live in, it pays to be vigilant with a conscientious skincare regimen, and, in the event of a last-minute breakout, be equipped with knowledge on how the bury the problem under the proverbial carpet.

With acne, your reflex action may be to hide it under a mountain of concealer, but you unfortunately couldn’t be further from the solution. To help you with what not to do when concealing acne with makeup, we brought in the go-to makeup artists who are tasked with taking care of some of the prominent faces in showbiz. Here’s what they had to share from their life experiences on the red carpet, and beyond.

Mistakes you might be making when you’re attempting to cover up a pimple

1. Applying too much makeup

The cardinal mistake that will earn you a spot in celebrity makeup artist Kritika Gill’s bad books is drowning your pimple with too much makeup. “Anything too cake-y in texture is the equivalent of projecting a marquee spotlight on your zit. Resist the impulse of layering on too many products, as it will just make your efforts more obvious,” she says.

2. Choosing the wrong texture

Texture is key when it comes to the delicate art of hushing up a last-minute breakout. “Anything too oily is a major no-no as well, as the oil deposits will likely slide away and leave your pimple exposed,” adds Gill, who has worked with names such as Karisma Kapoor and Diana Penty. A matte finish product is best.

3. Improper colour correction

The crucial C-word in the world of corrective makeup isn’t concealing, but colour correction. A million skincare sins can be covered up with the intricate science of using different colours to create an illusion of smooth skin. “It is a universal truth that green covers the red, inflamed skin of blemishes,” says makeup artist Mitali Vakil, who regularly works her magic on Sonam K Ahuja and Bhumi Pednekar.

4. Incorrect skin care

Vakil also believes that supplementary skincare is of utmost importance when dealing with a pesky breakout. Since any interference by external makeup products can take a toll on the healing process of acne, it is essential to apply sufficient moisturiser to keep the skin from drying out.

5. Not setting makeup

“Setting powder is the make-or-break final step that can cinch all your efforts together, or make everything fall apart,” adds Vakil. Acne breakouts generally involve sebum and oil deposits that can make your artistry slide away, so sealing it in place with a steady hand of setting powder is crucial.

The best ways to conceal acne with makeup

Less is definitely more when covering up a pesky zit, which is why Gill advises you to think in terms of light layers. “If your acne breakout is really pronounced and raised from the skin, play on light by applying a slightly darker shade than your usual skin tone on the head of the pimple, and a lighter shade on the area surrounding it underneath to create the illusion of flatness,” she elaborates. “Proceed to build the camouflage in light layers and finish it off with loose setting powder applied either with a brush, or I even find that the warmth of the finger is helpful for melting the makeup just a tad and truly setting it in place,” adds Gill.

Vakil agrees, “Colour correction is of paramount importance when covering up an acne breakout. In my experience, it is helpful to rub the head of the pimple with powdered aspirin (to reduce inflammation as much as possible), and to layer it lightly with toner and primer. Apply a dash of green corrector to conceal the redness, before proceeding on to your usual concealer. Top it off with a gentle amount of your go-to foundation shade and powder it well.”

Also read:

10 concealers under Rs 1,000 that’ll hide all your blemishes

How to choose a concealer for darker skin tones

All the skincare tips that’ll help you fight acne-prone skin

 This is the anti-acne ingredient you’re missing in your skincare routine