The Best Concealers That Cover Up Acne Without Looking Cakey

If you have acne-prone skin, then you know that concealing breakouts isn't as easy as tapping something on top of your blemish and calling it a day. There's a method—and a formula can make or break your success. In fact, sometimes makeup can make acne look more, not less, obvious. Some concealers can dry out and create a flaky layer over the bump; others are too heavy and look like a cakey ant pile that exaggerates a pimple's size. But, thankfully, perfect formulas do exist. Pair the right one with expert application techniques, and your complexion will look even and clear.

How to cover acne with concealer

"The most important thing is to start with a smooth and hydrated surface, otherwise the concealer will look clumpy or flaky," says makeup artist Jonet Williamson. Twice a week, gently exfoliate your entire face with a chemical exfoliant. Look for a toner, peel pad, or serum that contains an alpha or beta hydroxy acid. Every day, apply a moisturizer—yes, even if you have acne. This skin type needs a daily hydrator to help balance excess oil production; look for a lightweight gel moisturizer.

Now it's time for concealer. "Creamy concealers are best for covering acne," Williamson says. "You'll want something buttery that melts into the skin and doesn't settle into lines, bumps, or texture." Also, make sure it matches your skin tone. You may hear advice about using a concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone, but that's only to brighten under eyes. "On breakouts, it just brings more attention to them," says Judi Gabbay, celebrity makeup artist.

Use the concealer wand or a flat concealer brush to tap (not swipe) a thin layer of concealer to the center of the pimple. Then switch to a small, fluffy brush to blend the edges. A brush that's too dense or our fingertips can push the makeup right off.

"I like to apply concealer after foundation, which helps it stay in place. You can also set your work with a translucent powder and a velour puff," Gabbay says. Ready to give it a shot? These are the best concealers for the job.