How to Cover Scars With Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide

According to pro makeup artists.

They say that death and taxes are the only things in life that are inevitable; we’d like to add scars to that list, too. No matter whether it’s a remnant of an old acne blemish, a reminder of an epic curling iron burn, or a skinned knee from childhood that never quite healed, we’re willing to bet that most people have some type of scar, somewhere. If your scar(s) don’t bother you, great. But, for those who have a scar in a visible spot—particularly the face—that they want to camouflage, makeup can be extremely helpful. That being said, using makeup to cover scars requires a slightly different technique than concealing something like dark circles or a pimple. “Covering up scars can be quite tricky since makeup is mostly a two-dimensional medium while scars are often three-dimensional,” explains makeup artist Maya Adivi. “Applying too much makeup in an attempt to hide scars can emphasize their texture and make things worse, so it’s all about thin layers and a lot of blending.” The other important thing to note? The technique also varies based on the type of scar and whether it’s depressed, raised, or flat and just discolored, Adivi notes. Ahead, a step-by-step guide for how to use makeup to cover scars, plus the best makeup products to do so.

How to Cover Scars With Makeup: General Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make sure skin is moisturized.

Any kind of makeup will go on more and look better throughout the day when applied on hydrated skin, notes Adivi. Prep skin with a moisturizer before even moving onto makeup.

2. Pick up a primer.

“Primers can be very useful for helping to improve skin’s smoothness,” notes Adivi. Plus, they can help increase your makeup’s staying power, too. Just make sure to choose one that’s compatible with your skin type, she points out.

3. Use foundation before concealer.

“I always prefer to apply foundation first, over most of the face,” Adivi says. The key is to apply a very thin layer of the foundation, to gently even out the skin tone, after which you may find that you need less concealer than you originally thought.

4. Set everything in place.

Lock in your makeup with a powder, setting spray, or both to ensure better longevity and coverage, Adivi points out.

Types of Scars

Keep in mind, however, that you will need to tweak your technique based on the type of scar.

For raised scars: Technically called hypertrophic scars, these tend to be smooth and may even have some shine to them, notes celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. Choose mattifying formulas; not only does the finish counteract shine, these also tend to have a slightly drier texture and end up sticking to the skin better, he points out. If the scar isn’t discolored, you also won’t need any additional or special products; Adivi says that a thin coat of foundation and concealer, applied lightly and blended well, is the best way to hide these kinds of scars.

For depressed scars: Both makeup artists we spoke with recommend using a filling primer to help fill in pitted, atrophic scars (often the result of deeper acne blemishes). “These are thicker and can actually fill up the hole,” says Adivi. She adds that applying a small amount of a concealer slightly lighter than your skin tone to the deepest point of the scar can also help by creating the  illusion of “pulling out” the hole, adding that small eyeliner brushes are great for this type of super precise application.

For dark spots: Often the result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a high-coverage concealer is your best bet, notes Adivi. Sotomayor agrees, noting that a long-wear option is a good move, too. “To create a bit more coverage, try applying a bit of translucent powder before and after applying concealer. This way you prep skin to help the concealer stick and set it, too,” he explains.

For red marks: Sotomayor and Adivi both agree that most of the time, concealer (and foundation) is sufficient to cover unwanted red scars. However, if you’re still not getting the coverage you want, Adivi says you can try using a green-hued color corrector to help neutralize the redness. Apply it before concealer and foundation, or, mix a little bit in with your concealer, she says.

The Best Makeup Products to Cover Scars

Topicals Sealed Active Scar Filling Primer ($34, sephora.com)

Adivi says she’s a big fan of this option, an especially good choice for helping to both conceal (and treat) acne scars.  “It’s a silicone-y, waterless formula, so it’s thick enough to fill in shallow scars. And it contains retinol, which increases skin cell turnover and can help facilitate scar recovery, plus salicylic acid, an exfoliant that helps reduce breakouts, she says.

E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer ($10, ulta.com)

Another, more affordable primer, this is a top pick for Sotomayor who calls it, “a skin-safe spackle that helps fill in pitted scars.” Just make sure to apply it—and any primer for that matter—only over scars that have fully healed.

Dermaflage Scar Filler Kit ($45, amazon.com)

Both pros suggest this pick for larger or deeper scars. Adivi notes that it’s a bit more challenging to work with, but calls it a game-changer. Sotomayor notes that the double barrel dispenser contains two types of silicone that solidify when mixed together; it also comes with a silicone pad that can be used to create a more even and flat, skin-like texture.

Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer ($32, ulta.com)

“I know it’s been around for ages, but this is still one of my favorite concealers. The formula is high-coverage so it hides everything and stays put really well with minimal setting powder,” says Adivi. She does note, however, that it may be slightly too matte for those who have dry skin to begin with.

E.l.f. Camo Color Corrector ($4, ulta.com)

Adivi says this range of color correctors is a great pick, particularly if you’re on a budget, noting that they cover well and blend into the skin in a very natural way. Reach for the green hue to help knock out unwanted red marks.

About Face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation ($22, ulta.com)

“This dries down matte and lasts long, even on raised, smooth, or difficult to cover skin,” says Sotomayor of one of his recommendations. Also nice: It comes in an extensive range of 45 shades.

Melanie Mills Setting Spray ($45, amazon.com)

Set everything in place with this makeup artist-created setting spray, a favorite of Sotomayor’s. It’s compatible with all types of makeup, and won’t mess up any powder you’re wearing, like some other setting sprays can, he notes. 

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