How to Cover Up Dark Spots with Makeup

In a perfect world, we’d all have flawless-looking skin. But of course, that’s not the case for most of us. Sometimes, skin care solutions don’t cut it — or simply don’t work fast enough — and you have to rely on other means of achieving perfect skin. For example, when remedies for dark spots aren’t clearing up your complexion quickly, makeup can help you hide those spots in an instant. 

With the right full-coverage foundation or concealer, you can hide dark spots with no struggle at all. If you think this is one makeup lesson you need to learn, keep scrolling as we share our best concealer for dark spots and other makeup, and teach you a step-by-step routine for covering dark marks with makeup.

How to Hide Your Dark Spots With Makeup

Think of makeup as your secret remedy for dark spots. You can dot on the right concealer and no one will know you have blemishes. If you’re ready to disguise your dark spots we’ve got you covered — literally — here’s how to do just that.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, matte finish

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray

Step 1. Prime Your Skin

Help create an even canvas for the rest of your makeup application by applying face primer. Primer can help ensure your makeup wears evenly throughout the day — a key reason it’s a must. Pick your primer based on your needs, so if you have dry skin go with a moisturizing primer and if you have oily skin try a matte formula.

Smooth it over your entire face or apply it on targeted areas, for example, wherever you have dark spots. 

Step 2. Color Correct

If you’re not familiar with color correcting as of yet, it’s time to change that — especially if you have dark spots. Before applying foundation or a flesh-toned concealer, grab a color corrector. They typically come in colors such as peach, green and orange and each color has a different purpose. Note: Color correctors can also be used to help disguise dark circles too.

Editor’s tip: If dark circles are an issue for you, an under-eye concealer for dark circles may be exactly what you need. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid because it instantly covers those dark circles but it also hydrates the skin and brightens the area over time.

Step 3. Apply Your Foundation

Once you’ve covered your dark spots with color-correcting concealer, reach for foundation. If your complexion appears dull and lackluster, or you deal with dry skin, look for one with a radiant finish and apply it with a makeup blender, bouncing and blending it onto your skin. When you have oily or combination skin, a powder foundation will work wonders at mattifying areas that get slick and greasy-looking throughout the day.

Make sure to be gentle when applying foundation over your color corrector so that you don’t disrupt your concealer application.

Step 4. Apply Your Concealer

If you can still see imperfections peaking through your foundation, grab a concealer for dark spots. Swipe it under your eyes in an upward motion out towards your temples, between your brows, down the bridge of your nose and on the middle of your chin. 

This technique can help instantly brighten your complexion while sculpting your face, ensuring that all eyes will be on your best features. Dark spots? What dark spots? Nobody has to know they’re there.

Step 5. Finish the Look With Powder or Setting Spray

The best way to ensure that your look lasts all day is to top it off with a translucent powder or setting spray. If you're setting with powder, use a fluffy makeup brush to apply a thin layer to complete your makeup. If your skin is on the drier side and you want to avoid a caked-on look, finish with setting spray for a look that will last all day.

Next up: How to Fake a Facelift With Concealer

Edited and photographed by: Shalwah Evans