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Getting a pimple is no fun, and dealing with a popped pimple that won’t heal isn’t any better. If you have broken skin on your face that is hard to cover with your normal layer of makeup, it can be difficult to feel confident when you go out. Fortunately, you can use a few layers of makeup to cover and conceal your broken skin to look and feel great as the area heals.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Powder, Concealer, and Foundation

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  1. [1] Choose a moisturizing face primer that will add some hydration to the area. Pat a pea-sized amount over your broken skin and let it soak in for about 5 minutes. [2]
    • Face primer helps to close your pores and make your skin a smooth canvas for your makeup.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Dip a clean makeup brush into some liquid concealer and gently pat it on top of the broken skin. Focus on the edges and the center of the broken skin to cover up the redness. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Dab a pea-sized amount of a flawless finish foundation over the area of your broken skin and use a blending sponge or brush to pat it onto your face. A flawless finish foundation will help to close your pores and create a smooth, flat surface on your skin. [5]
    • Try to avoid using powder foundation, as this can dry out your skin and draw attention to the popped pimple.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Use a clean makeup brush to pick up some concealer and add it to any red areas of your broken skin. Pat it on gently so you don’t accidentally take off any of the makeup you just put down. [6]
    • Always use a clean makeup brush for every step to avoid a potential infection.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Dip a stiff makeup brush or sponge into some translucent powder to pick it up. Pat it onto your broken skin in a thick coating to cover the entire area. [7]
    • Translucent powder is also called finishing powder. It usually goes on top of heavy makeup looks that you don’t want to sweat off during a night out.
    • Wash your makeup brush off before you use it again so you don’t transfer any germs to and from your broken skin.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    How often should I clean my makeup brushes to avoid further irritating my skin?

    Katya Gudaeva

    Professional Makeup Artist
    Katya Gudaeva is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Founder of Bridal Beauty Agency based in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years and worked with companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama, and Barneys New York and with clients such as Amy Schumer, Macklemore, and Train.
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Katya Gudaeva :

    I would suggest you wash your brushes with brush shampoo at least once a week.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Healing Your Skin Quickly

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  1. [8] Although covering your broken skin can make it seem like it went away, leaving cosmetics on for too long can actually make the wound worse. Use a gentle face cleanser and warm water to wash off your makeup as soon as you get home so your broken skin can breathe and heal. [9]

    Tip: Washing your skin twice a day will also help prevent breakouts in the future.

  2. Try to avoid picking, poking, or peeling your broken skin as it scabs over and heals. The less you mess with it, the faster it will heal. Plus, letting it heal without opening it up again will probably lead to a smaller scar. [10]
    • In general, you should avoid touching your face to prevent acne. The bacteria and oil from your fingertips can clog your pores and create more whiteheads.
  3. Wrap a few ice cubes in a washcloth or towel and press it against the broken skin. Hold it there for 5 to 10 minutes at a time to reduce the swelling and redness in the area. [11]
    • This can also help reduce any pain that your popped pimple is causing.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Dab a pea-sized amount of acne spot treatment onto the area with the broken skin before you go to bed. Let it soak in for about 5 minutes before you lay down so it doesn’t rub off on your pillow. [12]
    • You can also use an acne spot treatment on pimples before you pop them to prevent them from getting larger or more painful.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cover Broken Skin with Makeup
    Apply a fragrance and dye-free face lotion to your skin twice a day every day. This will help your skin heal faster and stay hydrated to prevent greasy and flaky skin. [13]
    • If you have oily skin, adding moisturizer can seem counterintuitive. However, your face is probably producing oil because your skin feels dry. Adding moisture can help to balance out your skin so it stops producing so much oil.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can forgetting to remove my makeup make my skin worse?
    Katya Gudaeva
    Professional Makeup Artist
    Katya Gudaeva is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Founder of Bridal Beauty Agency based in Seattle, Washington. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years and worked with companies such as Patagonia, Tommy Bahama, and Barneys New York and with clients such as Amy Schumer, Macklemore, and Train.
    Professional Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    Even natural, non toxic makeup can clog your pores. As a rule never go to bed with your makeup on.Your skin is an organ, and it needs to breathe.
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      Tips

      • Try not to pop your pimples at home to avoid infections. Instead, leave them alone so they can heal on their own.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Using Powder, Concealer, and Foundation

      • Liquid foundation
      • Liquid concealer
      • Translucent powder
      • Stiff makeup brush
      • Small makeup brush

      Healing Your Skin Quickly

      • Gentle face cleanser
      • Ice
      • Washcloth
      • Acne spot treatment
      • Facial moisturizer

      About This Article

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