How to Cover Blemishes with Make-Up

What are blemishes?

Blemishes happen to the best of us, usually at the most inopportune times. They cover a whole range of issues, from red bumps and rashes to blackheads, whiteheads (spots) or discolouration. Sometimes, you might not know why the skin on your chin breaks out, or why a spot suddenly appears on your nose. Other times, you may suspect that your age or a lack of sleep has led to dark spots or undereye circles. Whatever the culprit, we can guide your on how you can cover blemishes with make-up and have an emergency kit at the ready.

Is my skincare routine causing face blemishes?

Before getting into how to cover blemishes, a quick word about using the appropriate skincare routine. If your morning and evening cleanses are not adapted to your skin type, your products could potentially be causing an imbalance and leading to breakouts. Common examples include using a drying alcohol-based cleanser on sensitive skin or applying a thick night cream on oily skin. Or you may have acne-prone, combination or normal skin. So, determine your type and ensure that your skincare is actually caring for your skin.

How do I cover up blemishes with make-up?

Prepare your skin

Executing your cover-up mission on dirty skin will only clog your pores and cause more breakouts. In other words, cleansing skincare is more important than concealing make-up. Make sure to diligently cleanse your entire face, especially the problem areas. It’s important to use a gentle face wash, such as Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser or Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser depending on your skin type. And remember to avoid harsh rubbing.

Apply a primer

Primer is a wonderfully multitasking tool because it evens out your skin. It also improves the hold of your make-up while making sure it doesn’t clump or cake up around any bumps. Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch offers the added benefits of visibly filling in fine lines and leaving a radiant glow.

Apply an undereye concealer

An undereye concealer can really help fade out dark circles. For a more natural look, find one that matches the skin tone on the rest of your face and opt for a creamy formula like Everlasting Concealer that hydrates as it blends. 

Apply foundation

The right foundation has the power to divert all attention away from your facial blemishes by making everything look uniform and smooth. The purpose of foundation, however, is not to create a mask that hides everything. The secret is to create a luminous overall effect that is radiant and natural. Regardless of the level of coverage your foundation provides, always apply a small dab to keep things extra light. When choosing a shade of foundation, narrow it down by first determining your skin tone and undertone. Then, pinpoint your shade by trying on a few hues along your jawline until one blends in perfectly.

Some foundations perform like make-up while improving your skin over time. Skin Illusion Full Coverage has an 80% skincare formula that provides a luminous matte finish as it hydrates and reduces the appearance of blemishes.

Clarins' make-up expert also highly recommends Double Serum Foundation, a luminous satin finish hybrid serum foundation for all-day breathable wear. Backed by our expertise in formulating the Double Serum skincare line, it’s fortified with age-defying ingredients that helps blur and improve fine lines while elevating luminosity for youthful radiance. The buildable medium-to-full coverage and barely-there satin finish have made it a runaway success.

Add extra coverage

If you still notice an imperfection after applying primer and foundation, you can add some extra coverage. Either reapply a very thin layer of foundation on the spot or blemish, or mix a little concealer with your foundation an apply that. The trick is not to go overboard because you risk defeating the purpose and attracting even more attention to the issue you’re trying to hide.

Set with powder

Setting your make-up is an important finishing touch when covering up blemishes. Not only does it greatly improve the hold of your foundation, but it maximises hydration and beautifully mattifies. Our make-up expert recommends applying a thin layer of translucent or loose powder like Ever Matte Loose Powder to set it all in place. Mineral powder are a good option for acne prone skin.

For maximum hold, opt for a setting solution: spray on a little Fix’ Make-Up. Use circular motions as you lightly pat it on your face. The results will be a flawless long-lasting look.

How do I cover up blemishes by type of issue

In many instances, covering up face blemishes is about neutralising their colour. Clarins SOS Primer comes in five different shades developed to counterbalance with a filter effect to even out every complexion.

How to cover dark spots on your face

Whether you want to hide an area of discolouration, dark imperfections, scars or dark undereye circles, your best line of defence is to build layers until you achieve the desired shade. For darker blemishes on light skin, and corrections on darker skin tones, choose peach SOS Primer. A little goes a long way.

Also consider a longer-term solution for puffiness and dark circles appearance: Double Serum Eye. It's applied under make-up in the morning and again during your evening routine to visibly smooth, firm and hydrate the eye area. Inspired by our bestselling Double Serum, this 2-in-1 gel-cream formula provides age-defying results.

How to cover red spots on your face

If your skin tone concealer doesn’t cover an especially red area or spot, neutralise it by adding a few drops of green SOS Primer to your concealer. This works great on acne scars as well.

How to hide age spots on your face

To counteract multiple age spots all over your face, mix a little green or peach SOS Primer (depending on your overall skin tone) with your foundation. Then apply the mixture to the entire face to rebalance your complexion.

The Dos and Don’ts of Covering Blemishes with Make-up

Pro advice from the Clarins make-up expert

Do prioritise skincare: Knowing how to cover up blemishes with make-up is a nice skillset when a spot appears on the morning of a big event. But it’s always better to practice good skincare and treat the spot rather than endlessly disguising it.

Do clean your brushes: The cleaner your brushes, the cleaner your face. And store them in a clean, protected place.

Do replenish make-up regularly: Old make-up can harbour bacteria that causes blemishes.

Do use the right tone: Carefully choose the shades of your concealer, foundation and setting powder.

Common mistakes to avoid when hiding imperfections

Don’t overdo, overload or overtreat: Skincare and make-up are two areas of life where less is definitely more. Your spot won’t vanish faster by using more product or make-up. In fact, you may make things even worse.

Don’t touch! Our fingers and nails come in constant contact with dirt and bacteria. Keep them away from your face at all times.

Don’t pop, pick or scratch: As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to “fix” blemishes with your fingers or a tool.

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