How to Cover Moles with Makeup

Co-authored by Erica Coates

Last Updated: April 25, 2024 References

Moles can be interesting beauty marks that add character to a face or body. They can also be frustrating blemishes. If you have a bothersome mole that you’re looking to cover with makeup, the process is straightforward and can be an easy step in your makeup routine. All you have to do is choose the right combination of color corrector and concealer. After experimenting, you'll find what works best for covering your mole and will be able to use this routine regularly.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Concealer

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1
Try a color-correcting concealer with green, yellow, or purple tones. Tones of green, yellow, and purple will essentially help erase the mole by neutralizing the change of color between your skin and the mole. Try each color alone to see what works best to cover your mole.
- You will apply regular concealer over the color corrector, so you may want to go through that process as you are testing colors.
2
Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone. Choosing the right color concealer will make sure your makeup blends smoothly to match your skin. The overall goal here is to cover your mole, so it is important that the concealer works well with your skin tone. The rule of thumb is to choose a concealer that is just a shade lighter than your skin. ^{[1]
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- If you are covering a mole on your face, test concealer on your neck, right beneath your ear. Be sure to rub it in all the way. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source} Since skin tone varies throughout your body, you'll want to test the concealer on skin that is similar to where the mole is located.
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3
Try using tattoo concealer as a last resort to cover your mole. You'll want to try traditional makeup before resorting to tattoo concealer because it is much thicker than regular concealer and harder to blend naturally with the rest of your skin. Tattoo concealer is generally applied in multiple layers and will be used before applying additional makeup.
- Every brand of tattoo concealer works differently, so follow the directions of your chosen brand.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Makeup to Your Mole

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1
Prepare the area around your mole by applying cleanser and moisturizer. Using cleanser and moisturizer before applying makeup will help keep your skin healthy which in turn will help your makeup look better and last longer. ^{[3]
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Research source} First, cleanse your skin and rinse thoroughly with water. Then apply a small amount of moisturizer to the area.
- It is best to use a cleanser and moisturizer that you use regularly. You don’t want to risk irritating the skin around your mole with a cleanser you haven’t used before. If you don't use a cleanser or moisturizer, try the "sensitive skin" version of each to avoid irritation.
2
Apply concealer primer to the area around your mole. It is smart to start with a concealer primer that will help your makeup stay put throughout the day. Concealer primer will also create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. Dab a small amount on the area and rub it in well.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.}
- Choose a primer that compliments your skin type. There are many different kinds of primer; some work best with oily skin while some help with dry skin.
3
Use your finger to apply color-correcting concealer around your mole. Once you’ve chosen the correct color tones to use on your mole, use your finger to dab the concealer onto the mole and surrounding area.
- You may have to play around with the process of color-correcting a few times before you get it right.
4
Press liquid foundation gently on and around your mole. Gently apply foundation on and around your mole, blending it in evenly. ^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} You don’t want to rub the foundation in too hard because it will disrupt the color-correcting concealer you’ve already applied.^{[6]
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Research source} Foundation will provide an even base for your concealer while helping to neutralize the color-correcting concealer.
- If the mole is on your face, apply the foundation to your entire face and neck.
- A creamy foundation can also work, as it will create more coverage over the mole.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Erica Coates
  Professional Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.}
5
Dab concealer on the mole and blend in circular motions.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} A cream concealer that matches your skin tone is the best choice. You can use a brush or your fingers to blend the concealer. Do so gently and fan the edges nicely so that the area covered with makeup matches the rest of your skin.
- If you are covering a mole on your face, you can apply the concealer over your entire face and neck.
Use a large brush to apply a light coating of powder foundation around the area to help blend the makeup with your skin.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} If the mole is on your face, you’ll want to add powder foundation to the rest of your face and neck. Otherwise, blend the powder foundation around the mole area.^{[10]
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Research source}

Expert Q&A

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Question

How many layers of makeup do I need to cover a mole?

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist
Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.

Anjuli Yera, MD

Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

You will most likely need 1 to 3 layers of moisturizer or primer, followed by another layer of foundation. Apply it all with a tight bristled small foundation brush.

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Question

How do you make a mole less visible?

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist
Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.

Anjuli Yera, MD

Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

After covering it up with makeup, smooth it out by dabbing the area gently with a moist makeup sponge. Top it off with loose powder to seal all the layers using a small blending brush.

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