Want to camouflage those blemishes? You need a good acne concealer. Luckily, you don't have to look too hard or spend too much for a decent makeup concealer. In fact, you can find them at many discount chains, drug stores, even the grocery store. And since they're all under $10, they're a real bargain.
Some concealers even contain acne-fighting ingredients, to help heal pimples too. But if you are currently using any topical acne treatments, use medicated concealers with care. Watch for dryness, peeling, flaking or skin irritation. Scale back use or switch to a non-medicated brand.
Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer
Photo © Angela Palmer
Why we love it: A medicated concealer, it contains 0.5% salicylic acid. It shouldn't be used in place of an acne treatment, but for that zit that is just crying out for coverage, this concealer can do the trick while helping the blemish to heal. It stayed in place all day, too.
What needs improvement: Personally, I found it to have a slight odor. Not horrible, mind you, just peculiar. The odor seemed to disappear once the concealer was dry.Physicians Formula Concealer Twins
Photo © Angela Palmer
Why we love it: A two-in-one! One side is a green color corrector -- to tone down redness of active pimples and those red spots left by older blemishes. The other is a concealer to match your skin tone. First, use the green color corrector, then cover with the concealer. Both contain SPF 10.
This concealer is hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, and noncomedogenic.
What needs improvement: Since this concealer doesn't contain a blemish-fighting ingredient I thought it would be OK to use under the eyes, too. Wrong! It burned. Others may be able to use it in the eye area, but I found it too irritating.
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer
Photo © Angela Palmer
Why we love it: Contains 0.5% salicylic acid, to help heal the pimple while it conceals. And it's oil-free! The soft pen-like applicator makes it easy to apply and blend the concealer.
What needs improvement: There aren't many color choices. If your complexion is medium to dark brown, you probably won't be able to find your perfect shade.
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer
Photo © Angela Palmer
Why we love it: It contains the highest percentage of salicylic acid of the bunch (1.0%), so it may heal pimples more quickly than the other medicated concealers. But for some people, this may make it too drying. If your skin starts to peel or becomes irritated, try using the concealer less often, or choose a different concealer with a lower percentage of salicylic acid.
Like all of Almay's formulations, this concealer is hypo-allergenic and noncomedogenic.
What needs improvement: Again, those with darker complexions probably won't find a good match for their skin.
Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer
Photo © Angela Palmer
Why we love it: This is a non-medicated concealer stick, so it can be used under the eyes to conceal dark circles, too!
What needs improvement: The coverage is a little light, so it may not camouflage a very angry red pimple.
