We’ve all been there. You wake up, look in the mirror, and there it is! A stubborn blemish or pesky pimple has made an appearance overnight! But fear not! Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or more persistent imperfections flawless-looking skin is still within reach, all you need are the right products and techniques. Keep reading as we share expert-approved tips and must-have makeup essentials to help you conceal blemishes like a pro.

1. Skin prep is essential

Before reaching for your makeup, it’s essential to start with clean, hydrated skin. Even if your complexion is a little oily or you worry that moisturising might exacerbate your spots, I’m telling you don’t skip this step! In fact, applying moisturiser is key to ensuring your makeup glides on smoothly, especially over dry or flaky blemishes! Just be sure to cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria. Then, apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to balance your skin and prevent dryness, which can actually trigger excess oil production and lead to even more breakouts. Healthy, well-hydrated skin is key to flawless makeup application!

2. Apply a primer

If you are dealing with blemishes, before concealing it’s a great idea to use a primer. A good quality primer will help blur imperfections, reduce redness, and keeps makeup in place throughout the day. Choose a mattifying formula if your blemishes tend to be oily, or a hydrating one for dry, irritated spots. To learn more about primers and the best one for your skin, click here.

3. Colour correct if needed

For very red or inflamed blemishes, a green-toned colour corrector can work wonders. Apply just a dab to neutralise the redness before going in with your concealer.

4. Choose the right concealer formula

Not all concealers are the same so depending on your skin type you’ll want to pick the one that will work best for your skin. Just remember Liquid concealers are generally best for light-to-medium coverage and blending seamlessly.  Cream concealers can be ideal for stubborn spots needing full coverage. Also creamy, full-coverage concealers adhere well to the skin and don’t cake.  Once you’ve chosen the type of concealer, you’ll want to select a colour that matches your skin tone exactly.

5. Application Matters: Dab, Don’t Rub and layer smartly, less is more!

When covering blemishes, it’s easy to go overboard. Instead, apply thin layers and build coverage gradually. To apply gently dab (don’t rub!) using your ring finger, a clean concealer brush or sponge. Next you’ll want to blend the edges of the concealer into the surrounding skin. This works best using a damp beauty sponge. You want to keep the product concentrated over the blemish, but seamless at the edges.

Remember too much concealer at once can look cakey or draw more attention to the spot rather than hiding it!

6. Set It for long-Lasting coverage

Lock your concealer in place with a light dusting of translucent powder, this helps prevent creasing and keeps shine at bay (just be sure to not over powder!) Next apply a gentle spritz of setting spray which will add longevity while keeping your skin hydrated.

7. Let Your Skin Breathe When You Can

While it’s great to know how to conceal spots when you need to, don’t forget to let your skin breathe on makeup-free days. Pair this routine with acne-friendly skincare like Hubislab’s A.C Clearing range or Pevonia’s Pro Corrective Line. And use a good spot treatment to treat blemishes at the source.

Pro tip: Avoid using highlighter or shimmery blush too close to the blemish, it can draw light and attention to the area.