Covering Acne with Just Concealer: A New Hack That Works!
Hey everyone, it's Keira! Welcome back to the blog. Today, I’m sharing something personal—my skin’s been a bit crazy lately. Since having a baby a year ago, I’ve been dealing with some hormonal breakouts, and my skin’s seen both the best and worst it’s ever been. I know many of you out there deal with acne regularly, so whether it’s hormonal or a more chronic issue, I’ve got some exciting news: you can cover acne using just concealer. That’s right! No foundation required.
As a mom who’s always on the go, I don’t have time for a full foundation routine every day. Plus, I don’t always like how foundation feels on my skin unless there’s a big event or special occasion. So, today I’m going to show you how to cover acne like a pro using only Subtl’s lightweight concealer—and I’m using a brand-new technique I learned from TikTok! I tried it out myself, and it worked so well. Let’s get into it!
Step 1: Prepping the Skin with Powder
This hack works especially well for active pimples. Normally, I would go straight in with concealer, but here’s where it gets interesting: this technique suggests applying powder before the concealer. I’m using Subtl’s Shine Control Powder to prep my more active acne spots. This helps create a smooth base and gives the concealer something to cling to.
(Quick side note: If you don’t usually like translucent powder because of dry skin, you have to try Subtl’s Shine Control Powder. It’s the first one I’ve ever used that’s light enough to control shine but doesn’t dry out my skin!)
Step 2: Applying Concealer to the Under-Eye Area
Before I start covering my breakouts, I always like to apply some concealer to my under-eye area. My shade is 003N, and it’s seriously the best shade match I’ve ever had. Subtl makes it so easy to find your perfect match, thanks to their handy quiz. You can even input your current concealer brand and shade, and they’ll recommend the closest match for you.
The Subtl concealer is light to medium coverage, but it’s buildable and smooth, which I love. After applying it to my under-eye area, I also use a bit on the redness around my nose and any smaller blemishes.
Step 3: Concealing Acne – The Game-Changing Hack
Now for the big reveal: the new acne-concealing strategy! Usually, I just pat concealer directly on top of my pimples. While it works okay, it tends to rub off throughout the day. But this new method changes the game.
Here’s what you do:
- Outline the pimple with concealer instead of applying it directly on top. This creates a halo effect that helps blend everything together.
- Next, buff out the edges using the same fluffy brush I used for the powder. You can use a brush or even your fingers—whatever works best for you.
- Finally, pat the concealer directly on top of the pimple for more coverage and blend out the edges using your finger or a brush.
This layering method ensures that the concealer stays in place, covering the redness and helping the product last longer throughout the day. I love how seamless the coverage looks!
Step 4: Set with Powder
Once you’re satisfied with the coverage, finish by setting everything with another light dusting of the Shine Control Powder. This step is key, especially if you have oily skin or tend to touch your face a lot. The powder helps lock the concealer in place without drying out the skin.
Results: Smooth and Flawless
I am beyond happy with how this turned out! After applying the concealer with this new technique, my skin looks so smooth and even. You can barely see the pimples—just a tiny bit of texture. And considering Subtl’s concealer is on the lighter coverage side, this hack really does the trick. The coverage lasted throughout the day without rubbing off or settling into my skin.
You can take a look at the before-and-after photos to see the difference for yourself—it's pretty crazy!
Final Thoughts
This method of using concealer to cover acne is a game-changer. Normally, I’d be constantly reapplying or dealing with patchy coverage, but this technique keeps everything in place and looks super natural. And if you prefer a fuller coverage look, you can always use a heavier concealer on top of this method for even more coverage.
If you’re dealing with acne and want to cover it without using foundation, definitely give this strategy a try! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this hack or if there are any other acne-covering methods you’d like me to test out. And don’t forget—if you want to build your own Subtl stak, head over the quiz on the site to get your perfect match. Trust me, the shade match is spot on!
Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
