Use This Genius Highlighter Trick for Hiding Pimples Once and for All

That one pimple always shows up at the worst time, right? You try to cover it with more and more concealer, but somehow it still peeks through.

And instead of hiding it, all that product just makes the area look thick, dry, and cakey; drawing even more attention.

According to beauty creator @cirenawilson, the secret to a flawless cover-up isn’t more concealer; it’s actually highlighter.

While it sounds counterintuitive to put a shimmering product on something you are trying to hide, this 2016-inspired beauty hack is changing the game for blemish control.

“I don’t know why it works, but it must be because it reflects light,” she says. “I don’t know, honestly… it just doesn’t.”

If you’re ready to stop “stacking” concealer and start blurring your breakouts, here is the professional guide to the highlighter-first method.

@cirenawilson

♬ original sound – Cirena Wilson

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Start with a Highlighter

The traditional way to cover a pimple is to pack on a matte, high-coverage concealer. However, flat matte products can often emphasize the “shadow” or the raised texture of a breakout.

Cirena suggests a different route: Highlighter .

Using a product like the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder or a similar subtle highlighter, apply it directly onto the spot.

“You wouldn’t think you’d put highlighter on something you’re trying to hide,” Cirena admits, but the light-reflecting particles work to neutralize the darkness or redness of the blemish before you even reach for your base.

Add a “Tiny Bit” Concealer

Once the area is prepped with highlighter, it’s time for the pigment.

Because the highlighter has already done the heavy lifting by blurring the spot, you won’t need nearly as much concealer as you think.

Cirena reaches for the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer for its high-pigment load.

“You only need the tiniest bit of concealer,” she notes. Dab the concealer directly over the highlighted area.

Using a minimal amount of product helps you avoid the “cakey” texture that usually gives away a covered-up pimple.

Layer for More Coverage

If you find that your blemish is particularly stubborn or red, don’t reach for a different product. Instead, simply repeat the thin layers.

“If you want a little more coverage, just repeat the steps,” Cirena advises.

This sandwiching technique: highlighter, concealer, highlighter, concealer, creates a seamless, airbrushed finish that stays “hidden” even under harsh lighting.

Shop the Routine

• IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer
• Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder

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Here’s what her community thought…

On the “2016” Secret:

Azlynn says, “I wonder if this is why everyone in 2016 looked so airbrushed, it was the damn highlighter primers.”

On smoothing smile lines:

Sabrina says, “This trick works on smile lines too!!!”

On the “Highlighter-Foundation” hybrid:

Mariam says, “Yes it does. Girl 2016 makeup was about putting highlighter before foundation 😭.”

When that ugly pimple pops up, be sure to try this highlighter trick and let us know if it works for you!