The Best Ways to Conceal Red Spots & Acne with Makeup

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Use concealer to hide pimples and learn to treat red spots

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: August 4, 2024 Fact Checked

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Picking a Concealer

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Concealing Red Spots with Makeup

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Treating Red Spots

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Whether you’re dealing with acne or rosacea, red spots or imperfections on your face can be frustrating. But have no fear because there are plenty of ways you can reduce and cover face redness. From using green-tinted concealer to applying your foundation just right, we have all the tips and tricks you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn how to conceal red spots on your face and prevent them from returning.

Things You Should Know

Cancel out redness caused by acne or pimples by applying a green-tinted concealer under your regular foundation.
Reduce the appearance of overall skin redness by using even coats of foundation that match your skin tone.
Treat skin redness and imperfections by avoiding skin care products with harsh chemicals and wearing SPF 25+ daily.

Section 1 of 3:

Picking a Concealer

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1
Choose a green-tinted concealer to cancel out redness. Color-correcting concealers cover up red spots resulting from acne breakouts, scars, or skin conditions like rosacea. When choosing a color-correcting concealer, opt for those that are green-tinted; green is the opposite of red on the color wheel, which is why a green concealer offsets and neutralizes red spots.^{[1]
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- Apply the concealer to the area you wish to neutralize and blend the edges for an even finish.
- Work with thin layers of product to avoid giving your skin a green hue.
2
Use high-end concealers for more coverage. Inexpensive products rarely help conceal large areas of red or dark spots because their formulas are usually weaker, thin, and/or more runny. High-quality concealers, such as the Dermablend Cover Care Concealer, or those designed to deliver “extra coverage,” are heavier and made to cover darker spots, acting as a concealer and a foundation at the same time.
- Take a small amount of the product and rub it between your fingertips to soften it.
- Apply the concealer directly over imperfections.
- Allow the product to dry before applying additional layers (if needed).
- Set each layer of product with setting powder.

Section 2 of 3:

Concealing Red Spots with Makeup

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1
Use a mattifying daily moisturizer to soften your skin. Daily moisturizers with a matte finish help fight the appearance of breakouts by removing excess oil and calming the complexion.^{[2]
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- Wash your face and pat it dry, then apply moisturizer to your entire face
- Let it dry completely before applying any other products or makeup.
2
Apply foundation to even out your skin tone. Foundation is used to cover up uneven skin tones, red spots, or acne lesions. Applying concealer before your foundation is also an option; however, adding foundation first allows you to really see where you need more coverage.^{[3]
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- Prep your skin with a primer to soften lines, dry patches, or rough areas.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of foundation to your hands and use your fingers to dot it on your forehead, nose, and chin.
- Smooth the product all around with a makeup brush or beauty blender, working from the center outward.
3
Dab on concealer for added coverage. Use a high-end concealer to achieve a flawless result. The best concealers counteract discolorations, lighten shadows, disguise hyperpigmentation marks, and work together with your foundation to achieve an even skin tone.^{[4]
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- Dab the concealer onto discolorations with a clean finger, brush, or sponge.
- Blend until there are no lines.
- Continue adding small, thin coats of concealer until the blemish or imperfection is concealed.
- Pro Tip: Don’t apply liquid or cream concealers over powder foundation. If you use powder foundation, apply the concealer first and allow it to dry before putting on the foundation.
4
Set your makeup with a setting powder. Once you’ve reached the amount of coverage you’re looking for, finish your base with a translucent powder. This helps set your foundation and concealer and makes it last longer.^{[5]
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- Apply setting powder with a fluffy brush to areas where your face gets oily—the bridge of your nose, chin, and forehead.
- Pro Tip: There are differences between loose and pressed powder. Loose powder gives a more natural look and is usually translucent, whereas pressed powder gives more coverage and comes in a variety of skin tones.

Section 3 of 3:

Treating Red Spots

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1
Use only well-formulated, gentle skin care products. Following a skin-friendly skin care routine can help reduce overall redness, breakouts, and inflammation. Opt for skin care products that use gentle ingredients and aren’t abrasive on your skin. Avoid products that contain:^{[6]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Alcohol
- Camphor
- Fragrance
- Glycolic acid
- Lactic acid
- Menthol
- Sodium laurel sulfate
- Urea
2
Use a sunscreen or moisturizer that has SPF 25+ every day. Unprotected exposure to UV light hurts your skin's ability to heal. This means the red marks from acne can last longer or even worsen. Protecting your skin from UV exposure every day is critical to fading discolorations.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Apply sunscreen daily.
- Reapply sunscreen or SPF at least every 2 hours if skin is exposed to sun.
3
Use products with antioxidant Vitamin C and retinol to heal your skin.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} These ingredients help protect your skin from further damage, while also speeding up its ability to heal. Vitamin C and retinol help reduce inflammation, so add toners, serums, and/or moisturizers formulated with these ingredients to your regular skin care routine.
- Some people may experience a delayed sensitized reaction to retinol. Pay close attention to how your skin responds and adjust accordingly.^{[9]
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  DermNet NZ
  Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
  
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- If sensitization occurs (redness, flaking, tenderness, or drying of skin), reduce frequency of use or mix one pump of the retinol treatment with your favorite serum or moisturizer.
4
Consider using skin lighteners to reduce redness. Skin-lightening products and natural ingredients may help reduce the appearance of red or dark spots; however, they also come with a few risks. Skin-lightening agents can dry out and damage your skin, so talk to your dermatologist before starting an over-the-counter or at-home treatment.^{[10]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} If approved, here are some at-home lightening treatments you can try:
- Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin that lowers the rate of melanin production and might reduce redness and fine lines.^{[11]
  X
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} Mix turmeric powder with lemon and cucumber juice and apply to the skin. Leave in for 15 minutes and rinse off.
- Licorice and lemon juice may help lighten skin thanks to skin-activating compounds.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} Mix a small amount of licorice extract powder with distilled water, or apply lemon juice to the imperfection.
5
Ask your doctor for advice or medical treatments. Sometimes, makeup and at-home treatments aren’t enough to fully cover or remove face redness. If you’re growing frustrated, contact your dermatologist. They’ll be able to provide personalized advice and ensure that you get the proper care your skin needs.
- If you have rosacea, your doctor may suggest microdermabrasion to reduce overall redness.^{[13]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
  Go to source}
- If the redness is caused by inflammation, your doctor might recommend a prescription medication or topical cream.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Why do I have red spots on my face?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Red spots are most often caused by sun damage and aging. To keep your skin healthy, wear sunscreen and moisturize your skin.

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Tips

Draw attention away from your skin’s imperfections by dressing up your eyes and lips. Put on some mascara, and opt for a cool-toned lipstick or lipgloss.^{[14]
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Always wash your face before applying any products or makeup, as sweat and dirt can build up on your skin and cause infections and/or further breakouts and redness.

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Match your foundation with your skin tone for the best results and coverage.

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