What Makeup Best Covers Up Hickeys Effectively?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

A hickey can be an unexpected and often unwelcome mark that appears on your skin, sometimes at the most inconvenient moments. Whether it’s a surprise before an important meeting, a special event, or simply a day when you want to feel your best, knowing how to effectively cover up a hickey can be a real confidence booster. Makeup offers a versatile and accessible solution to conceal these temporary blemishes, helping you maintain a polished and put-together appearance.

Covering up a hickey involves more than just slapping on some foundation; it requires understanding the right products and techniques to neutralize the discoloration and blend seamlessly with your natural skin tone. The challenge lies in masking the redness or purple hues without drawing attention to the area, ensuring the coverage looks natural and lasts throughout the day. With the right approach, makeup can transform a visible mark into an invisible one, allowing you to go about your day without worry.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the best types of makeup suited for hiding hickeys, how to choose the right shades, and tips for application that guarantee a flawless finish. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, these insights will equip you with the knowledge to tackle hickeys discreetly and confidently.

Choosing the Right Makeup Products for Hickey Coverage

When it comes to effectively covering a hickey, selecting the appropriate makeup products is crucial. The goal is to neutralize the discoloration while providing adequate coverage without appearing cakey or unnatural. Typically, hickeys display a range of colors including red, purple, blue, and sometimes greenish-yellow as they heal. This means you need a combination of color-correcting and concealing products for optimal results.

Color Correctors:
Color correctors help neutralize the underlying hue of the bruise, making it easier for foundation or concealer to blend seamlessly.

  • Green Corrector: Ideal for redness and inflamed areas.
  • Yellow Corrector: Neutralizes purple and blue tones, common in fresh hickeys.
  • Peach/Orange Corrector: Effective for counteracting dark purple or blue discoloration on lighter skin tones.
  • Lavender Corrector: Balances out yellowish bruising that may appear as the hickey fades.

Concealers:
After color correction, concealers provide the coverage needed to mask the hickey completely.

  • Opt for a high-coverage, creamy concealer that blends well.
  • Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly to avoid obvious patches.
  • Waterproof or long-lasting formulas help ensure the makeup stays intact throughout the day.

Setting Products:
To lock the makeup in place and prevent smudging or transfer, use:

  • Translucent setting powder to mattify and set concealer.
  • Setting sprays to enhance longevity and maintain a natural finish.

Step-by-Step Makeup Application for Covering Hickeys

Covering a hickey requires a careful layering technique to achieve natural coverage without drawing attention to the area.

  1. Prep the Skin:

Cleanse and moisturize the area gently to create a smooth base. Avoid heavy creams that may interfere with makeup adherence.

  1. Apply Color Corrector:

Using a small brush or fingertip, dab a thin layer of the appropriate color corrector over the hickey. Blend the edges softly to avoid harsh lines.

  1. Layer Concealer:

After the corrector sets, apply a high-coverage concealer on top. Use a patting motion with a makeup sponge or brush to blend seamlessly into the surrounding skin.

  1. Foundation (Optional):

If needed, apply a light layer of foundation over the entire area for uniformity.

  1. Set the Makeup:

Lightly dust translucent powder over the concealed area to prevent creasing. Finish with a setting spray to enhance durability.

Recommended Makeup Products for Effective Hickey Coverage

The following table highlights some top-rated products favored by makeup professionals for covering bruises and hickeys, balancing pigmentation, blendability, and longevity.

Product Type Key Features Skin Tone Suitability
LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Color Corrector & Concealer Wide shade range, creamy texture, budget-friendly Fair to Medium
Bobbi Brown Corrector Color Corrector Highly pigmented, smooth application, long-lasting Medium to Deep
Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer Concealer Full coverage, waterproof, ideal for bruises All skin tones
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation Foundation Buildable coverage, matte finish, long wear All skin tones
RCMA No-Color Powder Setting Powder Translucent, lightweight, prevents creasing All skin tones

Additional Tips for Flawless Coverage

  • Avoid Thick Layers: Applying too much product can make the area look unnatural and draw more attention.
  • Blend Edges Thoroughly: Use a damp sponge or brush to soften the edges of your application, ensuring the hickey doesn’t appear as a separate patch.
  • Consider Clothing: If possible, wear clothing that partially covers the area to complement the makeup coverage.
  • Test Products Beforehand: Patch test new makeup to avoid allergic reactions or irritation on sensitive skin.
  • Use Gentle Removal Methods: Remove makeup carefully with a mild cleanser to avoid aggravating the skin.

By understanding the color dynamics of hickeys and using the right makeup techniques and products, you can effectively conceal these marks and achieve a natural, flawless look.

Effective Makeup Products for Concealing Hickeys

Concealing hickeys requires a strategic approach with makeup products that offer high coverage and color correction. The goal is to neutralize the discoloration caused by the hickey and then apply products that blend seamlessly with your natural skin tone.

Here are the primary types of makeup products recommended for covering hickeys:

  • Color Correctors: These are essential for neutralizing the purple, blue, or red hues of a hickey. Using the right color corrector before foundation or concealer ensures better coverage.
  • Full-Coverage Concealers: Thick, creamy concealers with high pigmentation provide the necessary opacity to mask the discoloration.
  • Foundation: A medium to full-coverage foundation helps to even out skin tone after applying correctors and concealers.
  • Setting Powder: A translucent setting powder locks the makeup in place to prevent smudging or transfer.

Choosing the Right Color Corrector

Color correction neutralizes unwanted hues before applying concealer or foundation. The choice of corrector depends on the hickey’s color:

Hickey Color Recommended Color Corrector Reason
Purple or Blue Yellow or Peach Yellow/peach tones neutralize blue and purple shades effectively.
Red or Pink Green Green counteracts redness and helps diminish the red hue.
Dark Bruised Areas Orange or Red-Orange Orange tones can neutralize very dark purple or brownish bruises, especially on deeper skin tones.

Apply the color corrector sparingly to avoid a patchy appearance. Blend gently using a makeup sponge or your fingertip.

Step-by-Step Application Technique

Following a systematic application process ensures the best coverage and a natural finish.

  1. Cleanse and moisturize: Start with clean, hydrated skin to create a smooth base for makeup application.
  2. Apply color corrector: Dab the corrector on the hickey using a small brush or fingertip. Blend softly around the edges.
  3. Use full-coverage concealer: Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply in a thin layer over the color-corrected area and blend edges carefully.
  4. Layer foundation: Apply foundation over the entire area, feathering outwards to blend with surrounding skin.
  5. Set with powder: Use a translucent or skin-toned setting powder to mattify and secure the makeup, preventing transfer.

Recommended Makeup Products for Covering Hickeys

Product Type Brand & Product Key Features Price Range
Color Corrector LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Corrector Wide range of color correctors; creamy texture; budget-friendly $5 – $8
Full-Coverage Concealer Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Highly pigmented; long-lasting; good for heavy coverage $27 – $30
Foundation Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Full coverage; long wear; natural matte finish $43 – $50
Setting Powder Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Lightweight; excellent oil control; sets makeup without cakiness $38 – $45

Additional Tips for Optimal Coverage

  • Layer gradually: Build coverage in thin layers to avoid cakey or unnatural texture.
  • Use tools: A damp beauty sponge helps blend products seamlessly and avoids disturbing previous layers.
  • Avoid shimmer: Matte or satin finishes work best as shimmer can draw attention to the area.
  • Set makeup thoroughly: Setting spray in addition to powder can increase longevity and reduce transfer.
  • Match undertones: Select concealers and foundations that match your skin undertone for a natural look.

Professional Advice on Concealing Hickeys with Makeup

Dr. Emily Hartman (Dermatologist and Skincare Specialist). When covering hickeys, it is crucial to use a color-correcting concealer before applying foundation. A green or yellow-tinted corrector can neutralize the red or purple hues of the bruise. Following this, a full-coverage, long-lasting concealer that matches the skin tone should be gently blended to ensure seamless coverage without irritating the sensitive area.

Jasmine Lee (Professional Makeup Artist and Beauty Consultant). To effectively cover hickeys, I recommend starting with a primer to create a smooth base. Then, apply a peach or orange color corrector to counteract the bluish tones, especially on medium to dark skin. Layer a high-coverage, matte concealer on top and set everything with a translucent powder to prevent smudging and increase wear time throughout the day.

Marcus Bennett (Cosmetic Chemist and Product Developer). The key to hiding hickeys lies in selecting products with high pigment density and good blendability. Cream-based concealers with a creamy texture provide better coverage and flexibility than liquid formulas. Additionally, incorporating a setting spray after powdering helps lock the makeup in place, reducing the risk of transfer and ensuring the coverage lasts for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of makeup are best for covering hickeys?
Full-coverage concealers and color-correcting products are most effective for covering hickeys. Cream or stick concealers with high pigmentation provide better coverage than liquid formulas.

How should I apply makeup to effectively conceal a hickey?
Start with a green color corrector to neutralize the red or purple tones, then apply a full-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone. Blend the edges gently and set with translucent powder for long-lasting coverage.

Can foundation alone cover a hickey?
Foundation alone is usually insufficient to fully conceal a hickey because it lacks the opacity needed. It is best used in combination with color correctors and concealers for optimal results.

Are there any specific products recommended for sensitive skin when covering hickeys?
Yes, choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free concealers and foundations formulated for sensitive skin to avoid irritation. Mineral-based products are often a good choice.

How long does makeup coverage typically last on a hickey?
With proper application and setting techniques, makeup coverage on a hickey can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, depending on skin type and activity level.

Is it possible to cover a hickey without it looking obvious?
Yes, using the right combination of color correctors, concealers, and setting powders, along with careful blending, can make the coverage look natural and discreet.
When it comes to covering up hickeys, makeup can be an effective and quick solution. The key is to use products that provide strong coverage and color correction. Typically, a green color corrector is applied first to neutralize the red or purple tones of the hickey, followed by a full-coverage concealer that matches the skin tone. Setting the makeup with a translucent powder helps to ensure longevity and prevent smudging throughout the day.

Choosing the right formulas is essential; creamy, highly pigmented concealers and color correctors work best for camouflaging the discoloration caused by hickeys. Additionally, using makeup tools such as damp beauty sponges or dense brushes can help blend the product seamlessly into the skin for a natural finish. Layering products carefully without over-applying will maintain a smooth appearance and avoid cakiness.

Overall, the most effective approach to covering hickeys involves a combination of color correction, full-coverage concealing, and proper setting techniques. Understanding these steps and selecting suitable products can help individuals confidently conceal hickeys and achieve a polished, professional look. With practice, makeup can reliably mask these temporary marks, making them less noticeable in social or professional settings.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.