We all have those unexpected moments when we find ourselves with an unsightly scab, whether from a recent blemish, a healing wound, or even a minor accident.
While scabs may be a temporary nuisance, there’s no reason they should hold you back from feeling confident and flawless. You can rely on top Canadian skincare brands to treat it.
But that doesn’t mean you have to go out and face the world with a glaring red mark front and center. Time to use some makeup. Sometimes using just a full-coverage foundation makes your blemish stick out like a sore thumb. But with a few facial makeup tricks, you can cover that scab to achieve a flawless complexion.
Keep scrolling to discover how to prep your skin, choose the right concealer and foundation, set it to last all day, and avoid irritating the scab further.
In just a few minutes, you’ll master the techniques to hide any scab and go about your day confidently, all while allowing your skin underneath to heal. Who knew makeup had such restorative superpowers?
How To Cover a Scab With Makeup
Note that covering up your scab or wound doesn’t heal it. You have to take conscious efforts to aid the healing process. For instance, smoking affects wound healing; you may need to stay away from vaping pending the time your wound heals completely. Also, try healing ointments and basic routines like collagen dressing to hasten the process.
We’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on covering a scab and having a flawless finish:
1. How To Prepare Your Face
Cleanse Your Face
Start by washing your hand to take out all the germs. Then clean your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This step removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities, allowing your makeup to adhere better to your skin. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Toner (optional)
If you have a toner that suits your skin type, apply it using a cotton ball. Toners help balance your skin’s pH, tighten pores, and remove any remaining traces of dirt or cleanser. An alternative is rubbing alcohol, but it’s not always the best, as it could be too harsh.
Moisturize
Hydrating your skin is crucial for a smooth makeup application. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and apply it all over your face and neck, focusing on any dry areas.
Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before moving on to the next step. It’s advisable to apply a thin layer of antibacterial cream on the facial scabs to aid the healing process.
Prime
Applying a primer is an excellent step to create a smooth base for your makeup and make it last longer. Choose a primer that suits your skin concerns, such as minimizing pores, reducing redness, or adding radiance. Apply a small amount of primer all over your face, focusing on areas where your makeup tends to fade or crease, such as the T-zone.
Eye Primer (optional)
If you plan to apply eye makeup, consider using an eye primer. Eye primers help create a smooth and even surface for eyeshadow application, prevent creasing, and improve color payoff.
SPF (daytime only)
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial for applying makeup during the daytime. Use sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your skin type and apply it all over your face and neck. Allow it to absorb fully before proceeding to the next step.
Prep Your Lips
Don’t forget to prep your lips if you plan to wear lipstick or lip products. Exfoliate gently using a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove dry skin. Using a cotton swab, follow up with a hydrating lip balm to moisturize and soften your lips.
Wait For a Few Minutes
After completing your skincare routine and applying any necessary products, allow a few minutes for your skin to absorb the products fully. This waiting period ensures that your makeup adheres better and lasts longer.
2. Apply a Color Corrector (If Needed)
Once you’ve prepped your skin, it’s time to color correct. Color correctors neutralize the color of the scab so your concealer and foundation blend in seamlessly.
Color correcting is a game-changer when it comes to camouflaging scabs. Depending on the shade of your scab, you’ll want to choose a color corrector that counteracts it.
For example, opt for a green color-correcting concealer if the scab appears red or pinkish. The green concealer will neutralize the angry red color underneath. For darker scabs, use an orange corrector. The orange hue will counteract the blue or purple undertones.
Apply a small amount of the color corrector directly onto the scab and blend it gently using your fingertips or a clean brush.
3. Smooth On the Concealer
Choosing the right concealer is crucial to cover the scab effectively. Look for a highly pigmented, full-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone. That way, you’ll be using a regular flesh-colored concealer.
Use a makeup sponge to apply small concealer onto the scab and gently pat it using your fingertips or a concealer brush. Be careful not to rub or drag the product, as it may disturb the scab.
If the scab is raised or textured, you can opt for a thicker, creamier concealer that will help create a smoother surface. Pat the concealer onto the scab and lightly blend the edges to ensure a seamless transition with the surrounding skin.
4. Foundation and Finishing Touches
Now that your scab is expertly concealed, it’s time to apply foundation. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it using a sponge, a small brush, or fingertips.
Afterward, gently blend it around the concealed area, ensuring a seamless transition between the scab and the rest of your complexion. When your entire face is concealed, check the scab damages to confirm it’s well concealed.
You can add a light layer of concealer on the scab area if necessary.
5. Set With Loose or Compressed Powder
Once you’ve applied your concealer and foundation, it’s time to set it in place so it lasts all day. Loose or compressed powder are great options for setting makeup over scabs.
Loose Powder
The loose translucent powder comes in a jar or container, and you apply it with a powder puff or powder brush. Gently dab the powder onto your scab and surrounding area using light, sweeping strokes. Make sure to tap off any excess powder from your brush before applying.
The loose powder works well for setting makeup on scabs because it’s finely milled and lightweight. It won’t cake up or draw attention to the scab. Popular brands of loose powder include Laura Mercier, Bare Minerals, and MAC.
Compressed Powder
The compressed powder comes in a compact, and you apply it with a powder puff or brush. It provides more coverage than loose powder but must be used lightly over scabs. The compressed powder can work well for covering redness around a scab. Popular brands of compact powder include Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Clinique.
Setting your makeup with some powder—loose or compressed—is the final step to achieving a flawless look and covering your scab comfortably all day.
Take it slowly, be gentle, and remember that your scab will heal quickly. In the meantime, a little makeup magic can boost your confidence.
6. Make Final Touches
Before leaving the house or checking your reflection, do a final touch-up. Examine your makeup in good lighting to check for any last-minute imperfections that need correction. Make sure the area around the scab still looks natural and seamless. Apply any last pats of concealer or powder needed, and you’re ready to go about your day with a flawless complexion. With regular touch-ups, no one will be the wiser about your scab.
Bottom Line
So, there you have a few simple tricks to cover up that unsightly scab and get on with your life looking flawless.
Your scab may take time to heal, but that doesn’t mean you should hide away until it does. However, ensure you don’t overlook any chronic wound while assuming it will all go away in due time.
Get out there and strut your stuff – you’ve got this!
A little concealer, some foundation, and a swipe of lipstick are all it takes to boost your confidence from the outside in. Your scab doesn’t stand a chance against your makeup prowess.
Now dazzle the world (and don’t forget to reapply if needed!) The scab may be temporary, but feeling your best is forever.
