To cover a hickey, also known as a love bite or a bruise caused by kissing or sucking on the skin, you can use makeup or clothing. Here's how to cover a hickey effectively:
1. **Apply a Cold Compress**: Before applying makeup, use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and redness around the hickey. This can help make the bruise less noticeable.
2. **Use Color-Correcting Concealer**: Choose a color-correcting concealer that matches your skin tone and has a yellow or green tint to counteract the red or purple color of the hickey. Dab a small amount of the concealer onto the hickey using your fingertip or a makeup brush and blend it outward until it blends seamlessly with your skin.
3. **Apply Foundation**: After applying the color-correcting concealer, apply a layer of foundation that matches your skin tone over the entire area. Blend the foundation evenly over the hickey and surrounding skin using a makeup sponge or brush.
4. **Set with Powder**: To ensure the makeup stays in place and looks natural, set the covered hickey with a translucent setting powder. Use a fluffy makeup brush to dust a thin layer of powder over the area.
5. **Wear Clothing or Accessories**: If the hickey is on a visible part of your body, you can cover it with clothing or accessories such as scarves, turtlenecks, collared shirts, or bandanas.
6. **Touch Up Throughout the Day**: Depending on the severity of the hickey and the staying power of your makeup, you may need to touch up the coverage throughout the day. Carry a small makeup compact with you for quick touch-ups as needed.
7. **Give It Time**: Keep in mind that covering a hickey with makeup is a temporary solution. Over time, the bruise will naturally fade on its own as your body heals. In the meantime, be gentle with the affected area to avoid further irritation or bruising.
Remember to choose makeup products that are suitable for your skin type and tone, and always remove your makeup at the end of the day to keep your skin healthy. If you're unsure about covering a hickey with makeup or if you have sensitive skin, consider consulting a makeup artist or dermatologist for advice.