Scars aren’t all the same. Flat/colour scars often just need tone correction and a thin layer of coverage. Indented (atrophic) scars need texture softening + diffusion so they don’t catch the light. Raised/hypertrophic or keloid scars dislike heavy layers—thin, flexible coverage set well is your friend.
Quick Picks (tap to see on Amazon)
- Best Face Concealer for Scars: Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer Stick — high-coverage, thin swipe, flexible dry-down. Rating: 4.7/5
- Best All-Over Face/Body: Dermablend Leg & Body Makeup — buildable liquid that covers surgical/old scars and blends with body moisturiser. Rating: 4.6/5
- Best Corrector (Red/Purple Scars): LA Girl Pro Conceal in Green/Yellow — sheer but effective neutralising without bulk. Rating: 4.5/5
- Best Long-wear Face Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place — thin layers, 24-hour hold when set. Rating: 4.6/5
- Best Budget Transfer-Proof Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder — presses down texture and holds base. Rating: 4.4/5
- Best Setting Spray (Face & Body-safe on clothes): Urban Decay All Nighter — locks makeup and reduces rub-off. Rating: 4.6/5
How to Choose (match to scar type)
1) Colour first
- Red/purple scars: dab green corrector first.
- Brown marks (PIH): use peach/peach-orange on medium–deep skin; peach on fair.
- White/silvery scars: skip colour; focus on soft diffusion and a light base so it doesn’t look chalky.
2) Texture plan
- Indented/ice-pick: avoid heavy, dewy bases that pool. Use thin, higher-pigment formulas + blur primer just around the scar.
- Raised/keloid: thick layers highlight edges. Use thin, flexible coverage; pat, don’t rub.
3) Finish & wear
- For face: natural-matte holds shape best.
- For body/clothing contact: look for transfer-resistant and set with powder + setting spray.
4) Shade strategy
- Concealer should match your skin exactly for scars. If choosing between shades, go slightly warmer—cool too light looks grey.
Techniques that make the difference
- Micro-conceal: correct → tiny brush → press concealer only on the scar → feather edges with a clean finger.
- Stipple, don’t swipe: for texture, stipple with a soft sponge so pigment sits over the scar.
- Double set: pinpoint powder with a small brush, then a light overall dusting; finish with setting spray.
- Body blend: mix body foundation with your body lotion on edges so it disappears seamlessly.
- Photographs: avoid high-shine highlighter near textured scars; choose soft-focus, not dewy.
The Winners (deep dives)
1) Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer Stick — Best for pinpoint face coverage
Performance: High-pigment stick melts on contact for quick dot-conceal; sets down natural-matte and resists migration.
Ease of use: Swipe then press with fingertip or a micro-brush.
Who it’s for: Flat/raised facial scars; post-surgery lines; red marks.
Skip if: Very oily T-zones without powder.
Pros: Tiny amount covers; travel-friendly; works over corrector.
Cons: Can look dry if over-layered.
Rating: 4.7/5
2) Dermablend Leg & Body Makeup — Best for body and larger areas
Performance: Thin liquid that builds from medium to full; dries flexible; water-resistant when set.
Ease of use: Apply in two thin coats, set with powder, then setting spray.
Who it’s for: C-section, knee/elbow, arm or leg scars; uneven body tone.
Skip if: You need true swim-proof (you’ll still want careful setting).
Pros: Large tube; natural skin look; shade range.
Cons: Needs proper set to avoid transfer.
Rating: 4.6/5
3) LA Girl Pro Conceal (Green / Yellow / Peach) — Best budget corrector
Performance: Sheer-to-medium neutralising that removes the need for heavy base.
Ease of use: Paint a thin veil, let it sit 15–20 seconds, then tap concealer on top.
Who it’s for: Red/purple scars (green/yellow), brown marks (peach).
Pros: Squeezy brush tip; inexpensive; blends easily.
Cons: Can separate if layered too wet—allow brief set time.
Rating: 4.5/5
4) Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place — Best long-wear foundation for scar areas
Performance: Thin but high-pigment liquid; semi-matte; resists heat/humidity.
Ease of use: Apply sheer layer with sponge; add micro-conceal where needed.
Who it’s for: Mixed areas (discolouration + texture).
Pros: Lasts; shade range; plays well with correctors.
Cons: Can feel dry unless skin is prepped.
Rating: 4.6/5
5) Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder — Best budget setting
Performance: Presses down glow and lightly blurs texture without heaviness.
Ease of use: Press, don’t sweep.
Pros: Affordable; handbag-friendly; lots of shades.
Cons: Not for very dry areas.
Rating: 4.4/5
6) Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray — Best lock-in step
Performance: Mist that melts layers together and reduces transfer.
Use: Spray before powder (sandwich) and again after.
Pros: Increases wear; helps body makeup on clothes.
Cons: Light scent.
Rating: 4.6/5
Step-by-Step: Face Scar Cover (5 minutes)
- Prep: cleanse; a tiny bit of moisturiser only where dry.
- Prime (optional): dab a blur primer just around indented scars.
- Correct colour: thin veil of green/peach only where needed.
- Conceal: press Dermablend Quick-Fix over the scar; feather edges.
- Base (if using): sheer layer of Double Wear around the area to unify.
- Set: pinpoint powder on the scar → light dust over the zone.
- Lock: mist with All Nighter.
Body Scar Cover (transfer-resistant)
- Moisturise body 10 minutes before.
- Apply Dermablend Leg & Body in two thin coats; let each dry 60–90 seconds.
- Press with powder; finish with setting spray.
- If dressing, allow 10–15 mins before clothing; avoid tight seams rubbing the area.
Wrap-Up
Great scar cover isn’t about more makeup—it’s about smarter layers: correct colour, place coverage only where needed, then set properly. For fast, reliable results most days, pair LA Girl Pro Conceal (to neutralise) with Dermablend Quick-Fix on the scar, unify with a thin layer of Double Wear, then press powder + All Nighter. Thin, flexible, believable—and it lasts.
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FAQs
Will makeup make scars worse?
No—provided you remove gently. Use micellar water or a mild gel cleanser; don’t scrub raised scars.
How do I stop coverage sinking into indented scars?
Go thin + targeted. Blur primer just around the scar, then micro-conceal and set.
What about waterproof days (weddings, heat)?
Double set (powder then spray), keep blot papers handy, and avoid thick creamy layers.
Can I cover new scars?
Only after your clinician says the wound is fully healed; choose fragrance-free products at first.
See also
For targeted coverage, explore our best concealer for blemishes to complement your scar coverage routine. You might also find valuable tips in our concealer by concern: dark circles & redness guide for additional corrective options.
- Discover gentle solutions in the best concealer for sensitive skin for delicate scarred areas.
- Learn more about long-lasting coverage in our Dermablend Cover Crème foundation review.
- Understand how to properly remove makeup with our guide on makeup remover wipes.