How to cover bruises on your arms
By Margaret Hale, Reunoa EditorialLast updated
The short answer
To cover bruises on your arms, use a colour corrector matched to the bruise colour — yellow or peach for purple and blue, lilac for yellow-green — then a long-wear body foundation or concealer patted on and set with powder. Light long sleeves in sheer fabrics are the easiest cover. On thin skin, apply gently and remove makeup with an oil cleanser, not scrubbing.
A wedding, a grandchild's graduation, a summer dress — purple patches on your forearms can make you want to stay covered up. Here's how to hide them well, without irritating fragile skin.
Step 1: Match the corrector to the colour
Colour correctors cancel out a colour with its opposite on the colour wheel:
| Bruise colour | Corrector | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Purple, dark purple (senile purpura, fresh bruise) | Yellow or peach/orange | Neutralises purple-blue |
| Blue | Peach or orange | Neutralises blue |
| Green (healing bruise) | Lilac or pink | Neutralises green |
| Yellow (late bruise) | Lilac | Neutralises yellow |
| Brown stains (hemosiderin) | Peach, then concealer one shade deeper | Evens out brown |
Senile purpura patches stay deep purple rather than going through bruise colours [1], so a yellow or peach corrector is usually the one you need.
Step 2: Apply gently
- Moisturize first and wait a few minutes — makeup sits better on hydrated skin, and fragile skin benefits from moisturizer anyway [3].
- Dab a thin layer of corrector only on the patch, using a fingertip or soft brush. Don't rub.
- Pat a body foundation or long-wear concealer that matches your arm (often a shade darker than your face) over it, feathering the edges.
- Set with translucent powder using a soft brush, or a setting spray for transfer resistance.
Step 3: Choose products for older skin
- Body makeup or leg makeup is formulated to cover larger areas and resist transfer.
- Cream formulas blend more easily on crepey skin than thick sticks.
- Fragrance-free to lower the risk of irritation on thin skin [2].
- Water-resistant if you'll be outdoors or warm.
- Do a patch test on a small area a day before an event.
Step 4: Remove it kindly
Use an oil or balm cleanser, let it sit for a minute, then wipe off with a soft damp cloth — no scrubbing. Moisturize afterwards.
Clothing: the easiest cover
- Sheer or lace sleeves — elegant and cool in summer
- Three-quarter sleeves cover the forearm patches most people have
- Light cardigans, shrugs and wraps for events
- UPF sun-protective tops cover and protect against further sun damage
- Soft fabrics — linen, cotton, modal — avoid rubbing
Don't cover these — get them checked
Frequently asked questions
What color concealer covers purple bruises?
Yellow or peach. Apply a thin layer on the purple area, then cover with a foundation or concealer matching your skin.
How do I hide senile purpura on my arms for a wedding?
Moisturize, dab a yellow or peach corrector on the patches, pat a long-wear body foundation over the top, and set with powder. Sheer sleeves are a good backup.
Is it safe to put makeup on thin, fragile skin?
Yes, if skin is unbroken and you apply and remove gently. Choose fragrance-free products and patch test first.
Can I cover a bruise with a self-tanner?
Self-tanner can make lighter brown stains less noticeable, but won't hide fresh purple bruises well. Patch test, as some people with thin skin find them drying.
Sources
- Senile purpura — DermNet (New Zealand).
- Aging changes in skin — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
- Carville K, et al. The effectiveness of a twice-daily skin-moisturising regimen for reducing the incidence of skin tears. International Wound Journal, 2014. PubMed 25040325
- Bleeding into the skin — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
General information, not medical advice. Written by the Reunoa editorial team; Reunoa makes Bruise Defense & Repair Serum. See our editorial policy for how we pick sources and keep product mentions fair.