How to Conceal Bruises

I’m the first person to call myself a total klutz. I could be walking down the street (in flat shoes, mind you), trip on a non-assuming pebble, and not-so-gracefully face plant on the pavement. It’s happened on busy New York City sidewalks so many times, I’ve practically lost count. Moral of the story: I’m a clumsy girl who bruises easily. Sue me.

The only thing more embarrassing than random strangers running to lift me off the ground—and saying “Woah! Are you OK?!” in unison—is the dark purple bruises that are left covering my body every. damn. time. They last for weeks and always, always, always look worse before they start to look better. So what’s a girl to do?

Well, ladies, allow me to introduce you to your new skin saviors a la Dermablend. Keep scrolling to follow the steps I take to temporarily camouflage nasty bruises! P.S. This routine will work to help hide tattoos, scars, and birthmarks too!

THE STEPS

STEP #1: COVER 

After priming your skin—we share a few of our favorite primers for you to choose from here—apply Dermablend Cover Crème—available in a wide variety of shades—on the bruised area in a thin layer with a gentle tapping motion. This stuff offers really full coverage, so a little bit goes a long way. If more coverage is needed, continue to tap the formula onto your skin, making certain to blend well. When worn with Setting Powder—more on that in a minute—it offers a truly long-lasting wear.

Dermablend Cover Crème, $39 

STEP #2: SET

The last thing you want is for the Cover Crème to drip down your face in the middle of the day and expose your bruises to the world. Once you’ve achieved the right amount of coverage with the foundation, it’s time to set everything in place. Dermablend Setting Powder reinforces wearability, making the Cover Crème smudge and transfer-resistant. It’s available in three shades—Original, Cool Beige, and Warm Saffron. Bonus: Once applied with a fluffy brush, the powder settles on skin for a completely translucent (and natural) finish.

Dermablend Setting Powder, $27

And that’s how it’s done!