How To Hide Dark Marks On Face With & Without Makeup

When we’re going through our morning makeup and skincare routine, we’ve got lots of goals. Of course, we want a dewy glow, a perfectly contoured face, and an even, bright complexion. However, most of us don’t have naturally flawless skin, right? 

If you’re like many other women, you’ve got some dark spots (AKA hyperpigmentation). Whether it’s because of aging, sun exposure, acne, or something else, those uneven, dark spots on your face can throw off your look and kill your confidence. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cover dark marks both with and without makeup. And today, we’re going to break down each method for you, so you can find the perfect routine for your beauty goals. Here’s our guide to hiding dark marks on your face:

How To Hide Dark Marks On Face With & Without Makeup

Where Do Dark Marks Come From?

Dark spots on your face can come from a lot of things. First of all, they can come from sun damage. If your skin is left unprotected, the UV rays can actually induce hyperpigmentation. Basically, it triggers the protection of melanin, leaving dark marks on your face. (Just another reason to ALWAYS use SPF, everyone.) 

Dark marks can also come from acne scarring. Sometimes stubborn pimples don’t heal the way we want and dark scars are left behind. Lastly, you may see more hyperpigmentation just from age as our skin doesn’t repair and regenerate as often as it should, causing melanin build up. 

Luckily, all of these are totally preventable with a solid skincare routine that includes a daily SPF – obviously our fave is TSC Caffeinated SPF.

Ways to Cover Dark Spots on the Face

Color Correction

This one is all about color theory. The idea is, you use a color correcting palette to neutralize the dark spots. So, if you have a red dark spot, you use green to cancel out the color and even your skin tone. If it’s more purple, use yellow. The opposite shade over top the dark marks, age spots, or dark circles will mask the deep color and give you that even complexion. 

Concealer and Foundation 

Here’s the tried-and-true method of covering dark spots on your face: After your skincare and SPF, start by applying concealer using a concealer brush over the dark spot. Once that’s done, apply your favorite foundation on top.

If you’re using a full coverage foundation with a quality concealer, you should definitely see those dark spots disappear like magic. For an even better result, color correct before you put on your concealer and then apply a thin layer of translucent loose powder. Finally, finish the look with SPF setting spray to keep your makeup in place and prevent new dark spots from forming. This is by far the best way to cover dark spots with makeup. 

Exfoliation

If you want a non-makeup method of hiding dark spots, exfoliation is a MUST. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover. This can restore your even skin tone over time. You won’t see a huge difference on the day of, but exfoliating once a week is essential for bright and beautiful skin. 

You can exfoliate using these Alpha Beta Daily Peels (yes, you’d actually do these every day) that are specifically designed to help even out the skin and leave it looking radiant right after use. We’d also recommend trying this DIY baking soda scrub and regularly shaving your face. 

Yes, as a woman, not only can you shave your face, you SHOULD shave your face. Just use the right female-friendly products including the Hot Shave Razor and Hot Shave Cream. Exfoliating regularly will help not only hide dark marks, but get rid of them. 

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s tough on stubborn dark spots no matter your skin type. It works to hide and treat dark spots without makeup by increasing skin cell turnover and inhibiting melanin production. (Melanin is the pigment responsible for the darkened skin in those areas.) 

Plus, it can almost immediately make your skin tone more even and radiant. So, find a retinol serum and incorporate it into your skincare routine and say GOODBYE to dark marks.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another seriously essential skincare ingredient. Like retinol, it stops melanin production to even out your complexion. If that wasn’t enough, vitamin C can also protect your skin from nasty environmental toxins and UV rays to prevent future dark spots. 

So, grab a vitamin C serum like this one from Barefaced (use code SKINNY) or Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. Both are perfect for creating naked yet radiant skin OR prepping your skin for color correction and makeup. Either way, dark spots are NOT part of the program. 

Time to get rid of dark marks and reach all your beauty goals.

Beauty goals start with amazing skin. We all want moist, radiant, and snatched skin to feel confident and empowered to rock any look. Whether it’s full glam or a no makeup makeup look, with healthy skin, you can pull off anything and feel incredible no matter what.

x, The Skinny Confidential team

+ Best ways to use coconut oil for glowing skin.

++ How Lauryn uses all TSC tools.

BYE DARK SPOTS: