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There’s no other way to put this: cold sores are a complete drag. These fickle, itchy, and painful sores around the lip area are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are triggered by changes in the weather, too much sunlight and — more so than any other cause — stress. The last thing you need to deal with right before an event that has already spiked your anxiety is an unsightly cold sore that laughs in the face of your expensive concealer. Even those of us with Kardashian-level makeup skills find it a challenge to hide these pesky sores.
But cold sores can be covered — quicker and more efficiently than you probably think.
If you’re applying concealer directly over a fresh cold sore, you’re missing one integral step: you need to first use a transparent cold sore medicine like Abreva Cream to reduce inflammation in the area and speed up the healing the process. The second you feel a cold sore coming on, apply the cream directly to the area using a disposable applicator like a Q-Tip (to reduce the risk of spreading the virus). Wait a few seconds for the cream to dry and then dab a spot of green corrector concealer like Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer onto the cold sore to combat the redness in your skin.
Your last step is to apply your regular concealer to the area using a small disposable makeup sponge. Focus most of your application on and around the cold sore and then blend, blend, blend. It helps to even out your skin tone after concealer with an overall dusting of translucent powder or a light powder foundation like Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation.
For more beauty tips, check out What to do if you mess up your eyeliner and The 2-second trick for making your manicure last longer.
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