Covering up pimples is an art form of sorts. There are countless YouTube tutorials detailing exactly how to layer primer, concealer, foundation, and powder in a way that seamlessly smooths your skin. But often, it’s not as easy as makeup artists or vloggers make it seem. In reality, covering up a zit often results in flaky, cakey, crumbly areas that actually draw more attention to the spot. Sometimes, not actually putting product on a pimple is the easiest solution. In fact, pimple appreciation is something we feel pretty strongly about. When we came across French illustrator Izumi Tutti earlier this year, we instantly got on board with how they turned their own acne into a galaxy, featuring beautiful constellations that connected the dots. Their work of art inspired us to get real girls to ditch the cover-up and instead try decorating their blemishes — a way to turn acne on its head. We teamed up with photographer Rebekah Campbell and makeup artist Ingeborg to illustrate four rad ways to play up your pimples.
Below, see how Ariona, Gabrielle, and Kiersten turned their acne into works of art.
Veda top, price upon request; thisisveda.com.
Kiersten rocked constellations inspired by none other than Izumi, turning her pimples into a celestial landscape with a few perfectly placed touches of blue eyeliner.
Fendi top, $950; Fendi.com
Your middle school sticker pack has hidden applications beyond binders and notebooks. Ariona dotted dainy, colorful stickers above and below her cheekbones, interspersing them with her acne — not covering it up.
Edith A. Miller top, $92; shopbop.com.
Giving us freckle and acne appreciation in one, Gabrielle drew on faux freckles with a white eyeliner. To take this to the next level, try it out with metallic tats.
When in doubt, just sprinkle wildflowers all over your face for IRL fairytale vibes.
Lede photo: Ariona wears CAMP collection top, $38, shopcamp.com; Gabrielle wears No.21 dress, price upon request, numeroventuno.com; Kiersten wears Gap top, $19.95, gap.com
Photographs by Rebekah Campbell, makeup by Ingeborg, hair by Rubi Jones, styled by Milton Dixon.
Related: This Girl Turning Her Acne Into CONSTELLATIONS Is Our Hero
