There are two types of acne scars. One is a dark spot of pigmentation where a blemish used to be. It is often worsened if you have picked at the blemish. I know — it’s so hard not to. The second type of scar is what is sometimes known as a pock mark and is an indentation in the skin that results from more severe cystic acne.
For the more severe acne scarring, unfortunately, makeup cannot erase or cover texture. While silicone-based primers like Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer Pore Minimizing can help to very slightly “fill” the indentation, they will never fully smooth it over. Because pock marks are concave, you can bring the indentation forward a little by placing a concealer one shade lighter on it, however, this is time consuming and best left to the pros.
Today I’m going to show you how to cover a dark acne scar. If you have very fair skin or a yellow or olive undertone, you may find that you are particularly susceptible to scarring and hyperpigmentation (aren’t we blessed?). If you wear foundation, I recommend applying that first and then proceeding with the following steps.
Step 1: Apply concealer in opposite color
The first step is to neutralize the dark pigmentation. We are going to do that with the opposite color. I am using yellow to neutralize the purple/red tone of my post-blemish mark. I am using NARS Concealer in Pear. Make sure to only place this directly on the dark spot. Use a brush for precision and then blend by lightly tapping with your finger.
More:Adult acne: What to do when your skin still thinks you’re a teen
Step 2: Apply concealer in your skin tone
Next, use a concealer that matches your skin tone and dot a tiny amount directly onto the mark. If you choose a shade that is lighter, it will only highlight the spot, basically saying, “Hey! Look at this!” Use a brush or your finger to lightly blend out. One of my top favorite concealers that has unrivaled coverage is Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer.
Step 3: Apply translucent powder
Now that you’ve neutralized and concealed, we need to set. Using a small brush, lightly tap a translucent setting powder on top. I am using Tarte Smooth Operator, one of my favorites.
Now, what scar, girl? No one has to know but you. Now let’s try to keep our hands off our spots the next time one pops up.
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