Our most-trusted concealers for covering up a pimple

If you like your concealer to be on the thicker side, this cream stick formula is for you. But don’t worry, cakey is not in its vocabulary. Instead, expect it to feel lightweight and nourishing on your skin, and be undetectable to others. The waterproof formula makes it a long-lasting superstar, too.

The review: “If you’re looking for high coverage concealer that won’t leave your pimple (or pimple scab) looking all flaky and gross, this is your guy. This stick concealer is AMAZING for hiding blemishes. The formula is super creamy, it feels comfortable and it’s ultra-nourishing (thanks to ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E), meaning it won’t dry your spot out. It’s a real winner in my books.” Erin Docherty, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Writer

Cost: $35

We may adore this concealer for covering up dark circles, but thanks to its satin-matte finish and full coverage, it also works a treat on pimples. Antioxidant Australian ingredients native Kakadu plum and quandong nourish skin, while bamboo powder creates a soft-focus coverage on skin - as well as soaks up excess oil.

The review: “Comes packaged in the most gorgeous little rose gold metallic tube, which looks so elegant and is handy to pop in the bag for travel touch-ups. The wind-up applicator and the thin size makes application a breeze; you can apply with precision to the areas that need it. Has a rich creamy texture that stays in place well also. Can't fault it!” Mandy, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $24.95

This concealer is one of Tarte’s best-sellers, and has a reputation for covering up imperfections without anyone being any the wiser. You’ll find the brand’s iconic Amazonian clay in the formula to help treat your pimples while it hides them under a smooth, matte veil. The formula is also oil-free and easy to build to your desired coverage.

The review: “Thankfully, I don't need this often but when once a month, right on schedule, I DO get one, I trust Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof 12hr Concealer. It doesn't exactly last a 12 hour day, but it won't budge in the pool or ocean, it can stand a bit of humidity (not far Nth Queensland in February type of course...nothing outlasts THAT), and it feels lovely on, and keeps things nice and matte.” Jacqui, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $35

Our top budget-friendly drugstore pick is this Maybelline liquid concealer. It’s oil-free (a very good thing for not making matters worse), non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores), it gives a natural (read: undetectable) coverage, and blends in beautifully to cover up any blemishes and surrounding redness. It’s everything you want from your pimple-covering concealer, with a great price tag to match.

The review: “Affordable, gorgeously creamy and light and very natural looking/feeling. It doesn’t draw attention or clog blemishes but provides a lovely, silky mask for them.” Pru, SUPERcrew member
Cost: $15.95

What sets this concealer apart is its gel-based formula, which covers up blemishes with a blurring and smoothing effect. It contains a non-occlusive and sebum-resistant film-forming agent so it won’t slide off throughout the day as your oily skin produces more oil, as well as moisturising properties to keep skin looking healthy.

The review: “Best concealer for covering up pimples for me would be Le Correcteur de Chanel because it hides the pimples well without caking the face.” Tina, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $60

In addition to the buildable high coverage and luminous finish (we like how healthy it leaves skin looking), what we love about this concealer is the mineral tone balancing powder in the formula: it helps colour correct skin tone so your acne and inflammation is less noticeable. There’s also magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract and vitamin E in there to nourish skin and reduce redness. This one’s a makeup artist fave for good reason.

The review: “This is my go-to concealer for pimples. It's thick but not cakey and offers great full coverage when needed (or you can easily keep blending it out for a softer coverage). The sponge tip makes it a cinch to spot-cover small blemishes without risk of using too much product. And the formula is super hydrating, so it won’t dry out skin or highlight any crusty bits around your blemishes. The shade range is also really extensive” Chelsea Tromans, Beauty Crew’s Contributing Editor

Cost: $46

Waterproof, sweat-proof, transfer-resistant, long-wearing and non-cakey are just some of the attributes that make this concealer a winner for acne-prone skin. It also boasts a second skin-like finish, which is exactly what you need for a seamless coverage and why it’s the best concealer for acne scars. Just note, if a matte foundation finish is your thing, this concealer won’t be - it’s for those who love a healthy, radiant glow.

The review: “If a pesky spot pops up I can always depend on The Sensual Skin Enhancer by Kevyn Aucoin. A little goes a long way with this bad boy. It’s incredibly pigmented and quite waxy in texture, allowing for max coverage with very little effort - just dab and go.” Hannah Crawley, Pacific Magazines’ Digital Content Manager

Cost: $73

When you’re suffering from acne, your whole complexion can look meh - dull, bumpy, red and oily. This concealer is great for bringing back your skin’s healthy, radiant glow, all while masking breakouts. The formula offers maximum coverage so it doesn’t take much effort to cover up any imperfections like pimples and redness. It’s also hydrating, oil-free and non-comedogenic.

The review: “When you’re covering a spot, it’s important to use a concealer that disguises the spot without drawing further attention to it. I love using my Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer when I’m trying to cover up a pesky pimple. It offers the fullest of coverage but also has a really nice, natural radiant finish. It really does look just like your skin but better.” Isobel Larkin, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Assistant

Cost: $44

If you prefer a thick pot concealer, we recommend this one. It’s the highest coverage formula in NARS’ concealer range so it is up for the task of concealing the most angry of pimples. It’s also oil-free, feels weightless on skin, and is infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamins A, C and E. All good things to help your skin get better, rather than worse, while it conceals.

The review: “I have dry skin so many high coverage concealers are too dry for me except for this concealer. The coverage is amazing for covering my blemishes, pimples and dark spots and it doesn't make my skin look dry. The coverage is buildable without looking cakey.” Helen, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $46

You know a concealer is *made* for concealing pimples when it’s actually formulated to treat the pimple while it conceals it. Talk about a super team of pimple-fighting ingredients: you’ll find zinc oxide, kaolin clay, witch hazel, tea tree, sulphur and a AHA/BHA complex all inside this formula. As for the concealing side of things, this liquid concealer’s full coverage finish is capable of disappearing any blemishes, acne or redness with a dab of a makeup sponge.

The review: “Besides being able to camouflage a boo-boo, this clever concealer features skin-loving ingredients such as kaolin clay, tea tree and sulphur to prevent new breakouts in the area from forming and can soothe the surface like no other.” Iantha Yu, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Editor
Cost: $42

Full coverage, natural matte finish, non-flaky and crease-proof: this concealer ticks off all your top priorities. It also nourishes skin while it conceals, blends like a dream, and stays put. And it has one of the most extensive shade ranges around. No wonder one of these is sold every 12 seconds in the US alone! Oh, and did we mention the formula is vegan?!

The reviews: “I first tried this for concealing dark circles under my eyes and it worked an absolute treat. Then I decided to test its powers on some new red, angry friends I got on my chin/jawline and boy did it deliver for covering pimples. I literally couldn’t see a sign of the redness (sadly there was nothing to be done for the bumps!). My only tip is to make sure that you get one the exact same shade as your foundation – any darker or lighter and you’ll just be calling attention to the area more. Oh, and as for application – dab the applicator on and around the pimple, and dab with a wet beautyblender to blend (much like you would if you were using this under your eyes.” Carli Alman, Beauty Crew’s Editor

“I love the Tarte Shape Tape for covering up pimples. It's extremely creamy and the coverage is unlike any other. I like to use a shade similar to my skin tone to help blend it into my foundation. I use my finger to dab it onto the spot and suddenly it's like it was never there.” Alex, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $37

If you want more concealer recommendations, these are the best all-rounder concealer we adore.

Curious about what the best beauty products are for 2019? These are the winners, as voted by Australia. 

What’s your go-to concealer for pimples? Share with us your review below!

Main image credit: Getty