The Best Way to Hide Dark Spots for a Flawless Face

Properly cover and conceal hyperpigmentation with this easy guide

Co-authored by Aanand Geria, MD and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

Ready to get flawless-looking skin? We’re here to help you cover your dark spots and even out your skin tone for an Insta-worthy look. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars or sun damage, it’s easy to cover up those spots without your makeup looking heavy or cakey. Grab a mirror and get ready to glow!

Things You Should Know

Prime your skin and dab a color-correcting concealer over your dark spots.
Apply foundation and concealer that matches your skin tone. Finish your look with translucent powder and setting spray.
After removing your makeup, use a brightening serum to lighten dark spots over time.

1

Cleanse, moisturize, and prime your skin.

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Prepping your skin will help your makeup look great and stay in place. Wash your face with a cleanser designed for your skin type. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Then, apply skin primer to create a smooth surface and help your makeup last longer.
- If you have or want a more involved skincare routine, exfoliate after cleansing your face, then apply a toner or serum and eye cream before moisturizing and priming. Use a gentle daily exfoliator, or stick to exfoliating once or twice a week to avoid irritating your skin.
- Let the primer dry for 1-2 minutes before continuing.
- Primers are especially helpful if you have an indention where your dark spot is. The primer will fill in the indention so your skin appears smooth.

2

Pat a color-correcting concealer on your dark spots.

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Color-correcting the dark spots will help them blend into your foundation. The best option to neutralize dark spots is color-correcting concealer. Use your fingertip or a concealer brush to lightly dab the concealer onto your dark spots, gently blending the edges.^{[1]
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- Go for a peach or pink color corrector or concealer. Peach and pink tones are opposite on the color wheel from purple, green, and blue, making them an excellent pick for neutralizing those dark spots.^{[2]
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- Peach and pink concealers come in a range of shades. Use a pale peach or pink if you have a lighter skin tone, a medium peach or pink for a medium skin tone, or a deep peach or pink for a darker skin tone.

3

Apply foundation across your entire face.

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Adding a light layer of foundation will even out your makeup. Use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a foundation brush to apply a thin layer of foundation over your entire face. Start on your nose and work your way out to the edges of your face. Blend so that the foundation looks even.^{[3]
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- It’s super important to choose foundation that matches your skin tone so it looks natural.
- Some makeup artists suggest applying foundation before color corrector or concealer, while others say to do your color corrector and concealer before your foundation. Try out both options to see what looks best for you!^{[4]
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4

Press translucent powder into your skin.

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Powder will set your makeup and keep it from smudging. Put translucent powder on a powder puff and fold it like a taco. Rub the sides together to press the powder into the puff. Fold it the other way (horizontally if you started with a vertical fold, or vice versa) and press it together again. Then, press the puff onto your face and lightly roll it onto your skin. Repeat the process all around your face to set your makeup.^{[5]
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- Avoid swiping the puff over your skin, or it will smear the layers of concealer and foundation.
- If you want a longer-lasting look, apply a setting spray to keep your makeup in place. Simply spritz the setting spray over your face to extend the life of your makeup.

5

Finish the rest of your makeup.

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Add blush, then apply contour and highlighter if you’d like. Fill in your brows, do your eye makeup (shadow, liner, and mascara), and apply lipstick, too, if you want.^{[6]
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6

Treat your dark spots after removing your makeup.

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Use a brightening serum to easily lighten dark spots over time.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.} Choose a serum that contains vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, or kojic acid. Put a dab of serum onto your fingertip. Then, pat the serum onto your skin once or twice a day after you wash your face. Follow up with your regular moisturizer.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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- Brightening serums help increase your cell turnover, so your skin renews itself faster, which helps your spots fade more quickly
- For faster results, ask your dermatologist about topical medications to lighten dark spots.^{[9]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source} They may prescribe hydroquinone cream, which slows down your skin’s pigment processes and lightens your spots.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Aanand Geria, MD
  Board-Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}

What Should I Avoid When Caring For The Skin On My Face?

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Question

How can I cover dark spots that are on my face?

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

One of the best things you can try is applying a lightening cream called hydroquinone to the dark spots. You can get it over-the-counter or as a prescription.

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The most common causes of dark spots are acne scars and sun damage.^{[11]
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Aanand Geria, MD
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Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.} To help prevent additional dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, don’t pick your pimples and wear an SPF 30 sunscreen when you go outside.^{[12]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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If you have dark spots on your forehead, try getting a haircut with bangs to disguise them.^{[13]
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Warnings

Although dark spots are typically nothing to worry about, it’s best to see your doctor when you first notice dark spots on your skin. They can make sure the dark spots aren’t something serious that needs medical treatment. For instance, some skin cancers cause dark spots, which aren’t the same as acne or sun spots.

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