We have all had scabs on our faces, either through a pimple., a wound. Despite the variations in the appearance of a scab, we can all agree that it will seriously dent your self-confidence. Properly applying some facial makeup can easily cover up most of your facial scabs.

How to Cover a Dry Scab With Makeup

The easiest way to cover a dry scab with makeup is to make the surface of your scab smooth with a facial primer and then apply concealer and foundation to make it less noticeable. 

Note: Depending on how thick your scab is, you may not be able to hide the “bump” of your scab completely with this method.

The method presented below will help you cover a scab for special occasions. However, I don’t recommend putting makeup on scabs because it’s best to let your skin heal. If you want to try the method below, do not leave the makeup on your skin for a prolonged period of time.

Primer, Concealer, and Foundation Selection for Scabs

Choose a non-comedogenic foundation, concealer, and primer that have great hydrating properties. Look for hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is great for skin moisturizing and has less chance of irritating your skin. Non-comedogenic makeup will ensure that your scab is not blocked and can breathe.

What You Will Need:

• Rubbing Alcohol
• Antibacterial Moisturizer
• Primer
• Concealer
• Liquid Foundation
• Setting powder

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1: Clean your hands with soap and water.

Step 2: Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently clean the surface of the scab with light pressure. Allow a minute or two for the alcohol to dry. If you have sensitive skin, use mild soap and water.

Step 3: Apply a light layer of antibacterial cream on top of your scab. The cream acts as a barrier between your scab and makeup. It also helps your scab heal faster. Ensure that your antibacterial cream has the same base ingredients as your makeup to prevent it from separating on your face.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of primer on top of your scab and edges. Use your fingers to smooth out the edges and ensure the primer fills in any uneven surfaces on your scab. This is usually a simple process if the size of your scab is small.

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of concealer on top of your scab and blend it in with your fingers or a brush. If your concealer is a good match for your skin tone, you don’t need to apply foundation. Try to add as little makeup as needed.

Step 6: If your concealer is not of the right tone, apply a light layer of foundation on top of your concealer and set it with a light dust of powder.

Covering a Scab Without Makeup

While makeup is efficient at covering scabs, it might be an option for some people.

If you don’t want to use makeup, you can try to use a bandage, pimple patch, or get creative with your clothes or hair to cover up the scab. 

The ideas presented below won’t be as effective as hiding a scab with makeup but if you’re low on time, it might be good enough to get you through the day.

Here are a few methods you can try: 

Put a Bandage over the scab – This will keep it clean and protected from further injury. A company called Tru-color creates bandages that match a variety of skin tones. It’s a great option if you want your bandage to be less noticeable.

Wear Sunglasses  – Sunglasses are efficient at hiding scabs that are near your eyes. You can use them until the scab clears.

Wear a Scarf – You can use a scarf to hide the scab on your chin.

Use Pimple Patches – You can also use pimple patches which are acne spot treatment stickers. They are efficient because they clear your pores and prevent you from touching your scabs.

Rael Beauty’s Miracle Patches are pimple patches that are non-drying and hypoallergenic. They are drug-free and blend into your skin.

How to Cover Up an Open Pimple Wound with Makeup

The easiest way to cover an open pimple wound with makeup is to first cover the wound with a liquid bandage and then cover the liquid bandage with a concealer. 

Note that when working with an open pimple wound, it is best to avoid putting makeup directly on it because your makeup might aggravate the skin and potentially cause an infection.

However, if you absolutely must cover up the pimple wound follow the steps below:

What You Will Need:

• Liquid bandage
• Concealer
• Liquid Foundation
• Setting powder

Here’s What you Should Do:

Step 1: Clean your hands with soap and water.

Step 2: Rinse the wound with cold water to loosen and remove dirt, sebum, and debris.

Step 3: Clean around the wound with a soft cloth and mild soap. Ensure that soap doesn’t get into the wound to minimize irritation.

Step 4: Optionally, you can apply an over-the-counter skin antibiotic to help with the healing of your skin. A thin layer is all you need. Wait for the cream to dry before proceeding to the next step

Step 5: Apply a liquid bandage onto the wound. The liquid bandage will act as a barrier between your makeup and your wound.  Certain liquid bandages, like the liquid bandage from New-Skin, helps to prevent infection, seal out water, and help your skin heal. The liquid format makes it flexible and a thin layer is all you need.

Step 6: Apply a light waterproof concealer over the liquid bandage with a brush or your fingertips. It’s more ideal if you can find a concealer that matches your skin tone. If your concealer doesn’t match, blend it with a tone matching foundation instead and set it with a powder.

How to Cover Cold Sore Scab on Lip

The easiest way to cover a cold sore scab on the lip is to first apply a clear lip balm to moisturize the area and then apply a lip primer to smooth out the surface of the scab. Finish off with a lip concealer in the color of your choice.

A lip concealer is the preferred makeup choice for this method because they have a thicker consistency than a regular lip balm or lipstick. This makes covering the scab much easier. To avoid contamination, use a cotton swab to apply your concealer and then throw out the concealer afterward.

Keep in mind that cold sores can be irritated very easily so avoid using matte-based lip concealers as these tend to be very drying.

It’s not recommended that you put makeup on your cold sore scab for a long time. You should use this method for special occasions lasting a few hours.

Note that depending on the size of your scab, this method may not be able to completely hide the bump of your scab but it will definitely make it less noticeable.

What You Will Need:

• Clear lip balm
• Lip Concealer
• Lip Primer
• Cotton swabs

 Here’s What You Need to Do:

Step 1: Clean your hands with soap and water.

Step 2: Using light pressure, clean your lip scab with mild soap and water.

Step 3: Using a cotton swab, apply a clear lip balm to your lip scab. This will keep it moisturized and reduce irritation.

Step 4: Using a cotton swab, apply a light layer of lip primer to your lips to smooth out any uneven skin. Apply the primer around the edges and top of your lip scab to create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Using a cotton swab, apply your lip concealer.

Tip: Use a lip concealer that is darker than your natural color. This will help camouflage the scab and make it less noticeable.