Preparation

• 1). Cleanse the skin to remove excess oil, which stops makeup from adhering.
  
  
• 2). Remove flaky skin from the blemish, taking care not to irritate it. The best way is by gently rolling a cotton-tip swab dipped in liquid exfoliator, then sweeping off dead skin. Liquid exfoliators contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) rather than grains and are available from spa brands, such as Aveda.
  
  
• 3). Moisturize skin, to make it as smooth as possible, with a dab of oil-free hydrating fluid or lightweight gel-cream.
  
  
• 4). Smooth a dab of oil-free makeup primer over your entire face. This also helps to give makeup a smooth, natural finish.
  
  

Application

• 1). Apply an even coat of your chosen foundation. You can just use concealer on bare skin, but a foundation helps you to build up fine layers of coverage, which is the best way to avoid a cakey look.
  
  
• 2). Smooth concealer over the blemish. Using a brush gives you the control to apply a thin, smooth layer of cover.
  
  
• 3). Wipe the brush clean on a tissue and use it to carefully blend the concealer edges around the blemish. Leave the concealer covering the tip of the blemish untouched.
  
  
• 4
  A flawless finish starts with perfect concealer application.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
  
  Press a velour puff loaded with translucent loose powder over makeup. If you are concerned about wiping the concealer off the blemish during this process, apply powder over this area only using a soft eyeshadow brush. Setting the base with powder stops cream makeup from shifting around on your skin, shining and becoming cakey.