While acne breakouts are normal and affect 50 million Americans every year, it's still a common source of insecurity and affects our self-esteem. Stress plays are a big part in breakouts and since living amidst a life-threatening is certainly stressful, you can probably expect more breakouts in the future. While adhering to a good skincare routine helps, there are just times when no product seems effective. Here's where makeup comes in. Learn how to conceal acne breakouts like a professional makeup artist with these expert tips.

Prep like a pro

When covering active breakouts, watch out for dry and flaky skin, which is a common side-effect of acne medications. First, look for an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate skin without risking the chance that your makeup will just slide off after a short time. Some of Cosmopolitan's for acne-prone skin are EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin.

The second step is to use a primer. Nechelle Turner, makeup artist and jane iredale educator, tells Coveteurthat a good primer will give concealer and foundation something better to stick to, and it will also reduce redness and unevenness. For oily and acne-prone skin, Harper's Bazaar suggests The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer, Fenty Pro Filt'r Mattifying Primer, and Smashbox Photo Finish Oil and Shine Control Primer.

Also read: Makeup Primer: The Key To Achieving A Flawless Face

Choose the right formulas

Celebrity makeup artist Min Min Ma explains that for concealing acne, liquid or cream formulas work best, but you also have to make sure they're not too moisturizing. She also suggests a non-comedogenic concealer to prevent more breakouts. She often uses NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, while Turner likes jane iredale Disappear Full Coverage Concealer. For application, choose synthetic brushes since they are less likely to harbor bacteria.

Application tips

When concealing acne, it's best to take the extra step of using a stainless steel mixing palette with your concealer. This helps contain the spread of bacteria as opposed to dabbing the concealer applicator directly on your breakouts. Dab some concealer on the palette and use a synthetic stippling brush to apply the product onto your face. To avoid looking cakey, apply in thin layers with a light hand until the bumps are invisible. You can apply powder foundation (with a brush) over the rest of your face and over the concealed areas to set it.

To conceal blackheads, makeup artist Allan Aponte tells Women's Health to use a water-based primer like Surratt Perfectioniste Primer for a flawless finish. Next, apply a medium coverage foundation using a fluffy brush and use circular motions. Start thinly until you get the coverage you want. Aponte uses the Real Techniques Setting Brush.

Finally, use a setting spray to seal everything. Allure recommends Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Prime + Correct + Set.

Also read: The Best Setting Sprays To Mask-Proof Your Makeup