Lili Reinhart, best known for her role as Betty Cooper on Riverdale, has been vocal about her struggles with cystic acne since her early teens, making her a relatable figure for many dealing with similar skin challenges. In a recent BuzzFeed article published on August 20, 2025, Reinhart shared insights into how she managed to conceal her acne during high-profile red carpet events and while filming Riverdale, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes techniques that helped her navigate the pressures of being in the public eye with visible breakouts.
The “Smoke and Mirrors” of Hollywood
Reinhart candidly described the process of hiding her acne as “smoke and mirrors,” a phrase that encapsulates the combination of professional makeup artistry and strategic techniques used to create a flawless on-screen and red carpet appearance. For Riverdale, where she spent long hours under heavy makeup, the show’s makeup team employed high-coverage foundations and concealers to mask breakouts. These products were carefully selected to avoid exacerbating her acne, a common concern for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. Reinhart noted that the makeup artists on set were instrumental in helping her feel confident despite her skin struggles, using techniques like color correction and layering to smooth out imperfections without looking cakey.
On the red carpet, Reinhart revealed a specific trick: the use of pimple patches during prep, followed by targeted concealer application. She explained that she would apply medicated patches to reduce inflammation before events, allowing makeup to glide on more evenly. Additionally, she relied on lightweight, hydrating concealers like CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Hydrating Concealer, which she praised for its non-irritating formula that doesn’t clog pores or flake on dry patches. This approach allowed her to maintain a natural look while covering blemishes, aligning with her philosophy of embracing skin texture rather than hiding it entirely.
Hollywood’s Role in Managing Her Skin
The Riverdale set was a unique environment where Reinhart’s acne was addressed with professional care. The show’s makeup team, aware of her cystic acne, used acne-safe products and avoided common triggers like heavy oils or pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter. Reinhart also credited the collaborative effort of her aesthetician, Sarah Ford, who helped her identify problematic ingredients during her time on the show. This partnership was pivotal in refining her skincare routine, which later inspired her to launch her own acne-focused brand, Personal Day.
During filming, the intense lighting and high-definition cameras posed a challenge, as they magnified any skin imperfections. Reinhart shared in a 2018 Instagram Story that she felt exposed during a photoshoot with a cystic breakout on her forehead, knowing that “20+ people were studying my face on the camera monitor.” To counter this, the makeup team used techniques like airbrushing and matte primers to create a seamless finish that held up under scrutiny. These methods, while effective, underscored the emotional toll of feeling like she had to hide her true skin.
Beyond Concealment: Embracing Authenticity
Reinhart’s openness about her acne journey extends beyond sharing makeup tricks. She has consistently advocated for skin positivity, emphasizing that hiding her acne felt “inauthentic” to her. In interviews, she’s expressed admiration for films like Ladybird and Eighth Grade, where actors display natural skin textures, and she aspires to take on roles that don’t require a “picture-perfect” look. Her decision to go makeup-free in public or post unfiltered selfies on Instagram reflects her commitment to normalizing acne, particularly for young fans who feel isolated by their skin struggles.
In 2020, Reinhart told Marie Claire that accepting her acne, rather than obsessing over concealing it, was a turning point. “No one cares about your acne except for you,” she said, highlighting how her mindset shifted from shame to self-acceptance. This perspective informed her minimal makeup approach during quarantine, when she ditched foundation entirely and leaned on concealers like Clé de Peau’s stick concealer in beige for spot coverage.
Personal Day: Turning Struggles into Solutions
Reinhart’s experiences with acne and the pressure to hide it fueled her entrepreneurial venture, Personal Day, a skincare line launched in October 2024. The brand, developed with dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano, aesthetician Sarah Ford, and psychologist Courtney Tracy, focuses on acne-safe products free of triggers like cocoa butter, coconut oil, and silicones. Key products include the Doing the Work Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, Dive Deep Mevalonic Moisturizer, and Even Keel Resurfacing Peel, all priced under $40 to be accessible to her younger fanbase.
The line also features an ingredient checker on its website, allowing users to screen products for acne-causing ingredients—a tool Reinhart wishes she had during her Riverdale days when PR packages overwhelmed her with unsuitable products. Personal Day’s mission extends beyond skincare, aiming to foster a community that addresses the mental health impact of acne. Reinhart has spoken about feeling “miserable” and “left out” during breakouts, and her brand seeks to create a “big sister” vibe through calming, ASMR-style social media content.
The Bigger Picture: Normalizing Acne in the Spotlight
Reinhart’s revelations about hiding acne highlight a broader issue in Hollywood: the pressure to appear flawless. She’s noted that “not a lot of celebrities have acne,” making her feel isolated, especially as a young actress. Her openness has sparked conversations, with fans on TikTok and Instagram praising her for destigmatizing breakouts. A 2024 TikTok post where she humorously admitted to canceling plans due to acne resonated with thousands, with comments reflecting shared experiences of insecurity.
By sharing both her concealment techniques and her journey toward acceptance, Reinhart bridges the gap between Hollywood’s polished facade and real-world struggles. Her story underscores that while “smoke and mirrors” can create a temporary illusion, true confidence comes from embracing imperfections. As she told People in November 2024, “I just want to keep the conversation going and invite more people in the public eye to talk about it.”
Conclusion
Lili Reinhart’s approach to hiding acne on the red carpet and Riverdale set combines professional makeup artistry with strategic product choices, like pimple patches and hydrating concealers, to manage breakouts under pressure. Yet, her real impact lies in her refusal to let these techniques define her. Through Personal Day and her candid social media presence, she’s transforming her personal struggles into a platform for empowerment, encouraging fans to see acne not as a flaw to hide but as a natural part of being human. For those curious about her skincare line, more details can be found at personalday.com.