This genius makeup hack will cover up any pimple scab

Hint: Put down your concealer

Beauty Editor / February 24 2023

So you’ve lost control and squeezed the spot.  It's not ideal, no, but it happens and we’re not here to play the shame game because we can totally relate – no matter how much tea tree oil, aloe vera or salicylic acid you use, there are just some spots that can’t be left untouched. Yep, the blemish-banishing game is no easy feat.

Unfortunately, though, squeezing doesn't always turn out to be the dynamite idea you think it'll be. In fact, we'll bet you’ve ended up with a gnarly pimple scab that feels impossible to hide. A cruel irony when you were trying to make the damn thing less noticeable, we know. Particularly when camouflaging said scab can be a nightmare.

Nine times out of 10 your creamy concealer or full coverage foundation will leave your scab looking so damn obvious you should just start asking for a plus one to everything. Sigh. 

@taylor_hill

So, how the heck are you meant to cover them? Fear not, we have a solution. Keep scrolling to discover the best hack for hiding a pimple scab. And if you’re acne-prone by nature, this might just be your best year-round beauty tip yet…

What is the best way to cover up a pimple scab?

In the event of a pimple, we are first and foremost concerned with healing the blemish, not just covering it up.

There are times, however, when we need to leave the house and rocking a pimple patch just won't do.

Our recommendation for these urgent (and rather regular) times is to switch out your regular concealer for a full-coverage loose powder foundation, and we’re about to explain why. 

Here’s the thing about pimples, they’re damn thirsty. Ever wonder why your makeup needs to be constantly reapplied on spots? It’s because they absorb product at a much quicker rate than the rest of your skin, even when they’re scabbing and on their way out. 

The reason powder products are often recommended to oily skin-types is that they are able to absorb excess sebum and will not slip and slide when things start to get greasy.

Though your regular creamy concealer has likely left you previously thrilled at its skin-like finish, when it comes to a protruding, flaky scab, we’re trying to minimise the visibility of our natural skin (at least until it heals). With a tendency to pool in the centre and cling to the scab, cream products can often make pimple scabs even more obvious. Not what we signed up for!

So, here’s what exactly to do instead: using your finger, pat the full-coverage loose powder onto your scab, and it will immediately smooth the area, leaving behind little to no visible texture. 

Some of our favourite powder foundation options? Well, we love Estée Lauder’s Perfecting Loose Powder ($68 at Adore Beauty), the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder ($87 at Chanel), and the By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder ($83 at MECCA).

Estée Lauder Perfecting Loose Powder

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre

By Terry Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Hydra-Powder

Main image credit: @hungvanngo

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Ruby is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor. She is the CEO of nine global corporations. Just kidding. She does however, report on the latest beauty trends, celeb skin care lines (the wonderful, the so-so and the downright unnecessary). If you're ever at a lull in conversation with her, be sure to mention anything hormonal acne or Real Housewives and you'll be set for hours.