How to Cover a Scab With Makeup

Having a scab on the face can affect your self-confidence. Whether you obtained it from a wound or a pimple, it can vary substantially in appearance. However, the good news is that you can use makeup to cover it, and the technique is simple once you know how.

Scab Versus Coverage

Although makeup helps to reduce the appearance of a scab, unfortunately, it won't make it disappear completely. The prominence of a scab of your face will depend largely on a number of factors, such as:

• Texture
• Color
• Size
• How long it's been there

These factors also contribute to how long it will take for the scab to heal. However, applying makeup can be quite useful as it helps the scab to dry out and heal faster. It also prevents you from touching it, even though it can be incredibly tempting, as this will prolong the healing process.

Covering a Scab With Makeup

Before you begin, make sure you've washed, cleansed, and dried your face.

1. Apply a face primer that will moisturize and hydrate your scab, such as the E.L.F Hydrating Face Primer.
2. Use your finger to dab on a liquid concealer with good coverage, like the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, but avoid rubbing it in too much. Rather, let it sit on top of the skin's surface.
3. Apply a flawless finish liquid foundation, such as the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation, using an angled foundation brush. Push the product into the scab gently using the brush. Avoid a powder foundation as this will make the scab look drier and more noticeable.
4. Dab on another layer of your concealer using your finger.
5. Set in your face makeup with a translucent powder, like the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, using a fluffy powder brush. When you reach your scab area, dab it on delicately with your brush.
6. Continue with the rest of your makeup as you usually would and avoid touching the scab area for the entire time that you're wearing your makeup.
7. To remove your makeup, use a gentle makeup remover with a cotton pad, like the Garnier SkinActive Micellar All-in-1 Cleansing Water. Apply the cleansing water to your cotton pad and place it on the scab area carefully. Allow it to soak up the makeup from the scab rather than rubbing the scab as this may aggravate it and cause it to flake.

Additional Tips and Variations

There are some other ways that you can reduce your scab's appearance using makeup.

• If your scab is extra flaky - Use a calming moisturizer instead of a primer on your face before you apply your makeup.
• If your scab is super sore - Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and rub the cotton ball on the scab. Allow the area to dry for at least one minute before following up with an antibacterial cream. As well as softening the scab in preparation for makeup, this will quicken the healing process.
• If your scab is particularly red - Use a green color-correcting concealer during step two. Apply a small amount to cover the scab area using your finger. The green hue will cancel out the angry red color underneath. Then apply your regular flesh-colored concealer on top before proceeding to step three.
• If you're feeling really self-conscious - Use a pop of color on your lips or eyes in the form of a vivid lipstick or a glittery eyeshadow to draw focus away from your scab.

Finding What Works

Even though it won't cover it completely, applying makeup to your scab will dramatically minimize its appearance while it's healing. Simply play around with products and application variations until you find the perfect combination for you.