Got a hickey you need to hide fast? Knowing how to cover it properly can save you from awkward questions.
A hickey is basically a bruise. A purple, red, or sometimes blue mark that screams for attention.
The good news? With the right makeup technique, you can make it disappear. No expensive treatments needed. Just a few products and some patience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding a Hickey
Concealing a hickey is quite easy. All you need is 6 easy steps!
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Start with clean, moisturized skin. Wash the area gently and pat it dry. Apply a light moisturizer and let it absorb for a minute or two.
Skip prep, and your makeup will look patchy. Or worse, cakey and obvious.
Step 2: Apply Color Corrector
Take your color corrector and dab a small amount directly on the hickey. Use your ring finger or a small brush to pat it gently into the skin.
Don't rub. Patting presses the product into your skin without moving it around.
Choose your corrector based on the hickey color:
- Fresh red or purple hickey → green corrector
- Older bluish mark → peach or orange corrector
- Yellow hickey → purple corrector
Step 3: Layer on Concealer
Once you've neutralized the color, grab a concealer that matches your exact skin tone. Apply it over the corrected area using gentle patting motions.
Build coverage slowly. Thin layers work better than one thick glob.
Step 4: Blend with Foundation
Apply foundation to your entire face or just the neck area, depending on where your hickey is. Blend it carefully over the concealed spot so everything looks seamless.
Use a damp makeup sponge for the most natural finish. Brushes can sometimes leave streaks or move your concealer around.
Step 5: Set Everything with Powder
Dust translucent powder over the concealed area using a fluffy brush. Press the powder gently into your skin instead of sweeping it on.
Setting your makeup prevents it from rubbing off on your clothes.
Step 6: Check Your Coverage
Look at the area in natural light if possible. Does the hickey still show?
Layer more concealer and powder until it's completely hidden. Sometimes, darker hickeys need two or three rounds of product.
How Long Do Hickeys Take to Fade?
Most hickeys heal on their own within 5 to 6 days. The color gradually shifts from red or purple to yellow or green before disappearing completely.
While you're waiting for it to heal, makeup is your best friend for covering it up.
Want to speed up healing?
- Apply a cold compress for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
- After 48 hours, switch to a warm compress to boost blood flow
- Avoid touching or picking at the area
Final Thoughts
Covering a hickey with makeup is easy, and once you get the hang of it, the whole process takes just a few minutes.
The key is understanding which colors cancel out which tones. Then layer products carefully for buildable coverage. When you use quality products with good staying power, your hickey stays hidden all day. No constant touch-ups needed.
Ready to stock up on coverage essentials? Check out Iba Cosmetics' Coupon Codes and find everything you need for flawless, natural-looking skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use regular foundation to cover a hickey?
Foundation alone usually isn't enough. Hickeys need color correction first, then concealer, and finally foundation to blend everything.
Q. What color concealer hides a purple hickey?
Use a green color corrector first to neutralize the purple tones, then apply concealer that matches your skin tone on top.
Q. How do I keep makeup from rubbing off on my clothes?
Set your makeup with translucent powder and give it a few minutes to dry before getting dressed. Avoid touching the area throughout the day.
Q. Can I cover a hickey without a color corrector?
You can try, but you'll need several layers of full-coverage concealer. Color corrector makes the process faster and gives better results.
Q. Will makeup make my hickey heal slower?
Generally, no. Makeup sits on top of your skin and won't affect how quickly the bruise heals underneath.
