The latest skincare obsession to sweep the internet? Pimple patches. And who better to lead the charge than Hollywood A-lister, Anne Hathaway? The actress recently took to Instagram to share a makeup-free selfie wearing the latest celeb approved pimple solution in a sweet star shaped motif, captioning the photo, 'Stars, they’re just like us ⭐️'.
Pimple patches have quickly become a Gen Z staple, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Millie Bobby Brown, and Justine Sky often sporting them on social media. But these tiny skincare heroes aren't just about functionality. They've also become a fashion statement, making appearances on high-profile runways.
The trend first gained traction at New York Fashion Week when celebrity makeup artist Raoul Alejandreadorned models with bejewelled, glittery eyes, butterfly lashes, and, of course, pimple patches. Kiko Kostadinov'sshow in Paris further solidified the trend, featuring models with barely-there makeup and star-shaped pimple patches placed strategically on the outer corners of their eyes.
Hathaway's latest post has only fuelled the pimple patch craze. Fans are loving the actress's candid approach to skincare and are praising her for embracing a more natural beauty aesthetic. As one commenter noted, ‘See how she uses a star pimple patch instead of popping the pimple? Very demure, very mindful, very cutesy.’
Image credit: Instagram @annehathaway
At A Glance: Best Pimple Patches
Best for making a statement: Starface Hydro-Stars Pimple Patches + Compact, £12
Best for quick results: Hero Mighty Pimple Patches Duo 12, £4.99
Best invisible pimple patch: The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches, £9
Best for reducing redness: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Spot SOS Sticker - 20 Stickers, £28
The move to normalise acne breakouts and blemish-prone skincare, whether intentional or not, has been applauded online. Here, we've rounded up our pick of the best pimple patches, while Dr Sonia Khorana answers our most Googled questions.
Shop: The Best Pimple Patches
Best for making a statement
www.spacenk.com
The celebrity-approved hydrocolloid pimple protector, clinically proven to absorb fluid and to help reduce inflammation to shrink spots overnight.
Customer review: 'They work very well for days when I have a pink little pimple sitting on my face. Every time at night when I remove my stars from the morning, the little pimple is usually not as irritated and obvious to see. These patches are the absolute cutest, love having to explain to everyone why I have these tiny stars on my forehead.'
Best for quick results
www.boots.com
This Award-Winning Acne Patch by Hero uses hydrocolloid to absorb gunk - no popping required
Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'When I use these patches I see a genuine reduction in my blemishes overnight. And call me gross but I find the little dollop of pimple gunk left behind as you peel the sticker away extremely satisfying. Expect a flatter, less red, and less painful spot quickly.'
Customer review: 'These patches are really good. I'm pleasantly surprised because I didn't expect it to work, but I can actually see the effect after a night. The packaging is also very compact.'
Best invisible pimple patch
www.lookfantastic.com
These nifty little patches blur into all skin tones almost seamlessly - just be sure to apply to clean skin and press down.
Customer Review: 'They hold on well through day use, sweat, or overnight thrashing. There's satisfaction in removing these, as you can see they hold onto gunk but are still gentle on my skin. The less translucent "overnight" patches adhere and absorb just as well as the slightly stealthier beveled "day" dots. The latter are matte enough to blend in well. If I catch a blemish before it gets too feisty, they sometimes diminish when using these.'
Best for minimising redness
www.lookfantastic.com
Discreet and subtle, Sarah Chapman's SOS sticker patches boast a seriously strong grip. Plus they're infused with a cocktail of vitamins and actives including salicylic acid to take down swelling.
Customer review: 'Find these stickers amazing if I have a breakout, they reduce the redness and also draw out the dirt from the spot. Always buy these as trust in the product and brand.'
Best luxury option
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
ZitSticka is known for being the go-to brand for Rosie Huntington-Whitely, the Killa patches are made to be used on those early blemishes to diminish any signs of a pesky spot.
Our review: 'The quick and easy two-step treatment works great for those spots that are painful under the skin. The discreet patches flood the blemish with kind, soothing ingredients to instantly calm.'
Customer review: 'Mighty but pricey. It works for those big under the skin pimples. It's a bit pricey but like having them around for emergencies.'
F&Qs: Dr Sonia Khorana
What is hydrocolloid?
'Hydrocolloids are essentially moisture-retentive/fluid absorbing dressings/patches – they absorb exudate (from a spot for example) to form a hydrated gel over the wound, creating a moist environment that promotes healing and protects the skin at the same time. Hydrocolloid patches foster a moist environment meant to allow for faster and improved healing time. Most importantly, they block you from being able to pick a spot.'
Can I wear the patches under makeup? Is this even a good idea?
'Always apply them to clean, dry skin so they adhere properly to the spot. I’d recommend applying a patch and then applying make-up on top. I wouldn’t recommend applying make-up and then putting the patch on. If applying skincare - to make sure they stay in place, I wait about half an hour after applying my skincare before sticking them on. I always find that the less residue you have on your skin, the better they adhere and stay put.'
Can you use them on spots created by razor shaving or ingrown hairs?
'Yes, hydrocolloid patches will work for these too! They will also stop you from picking them.'
Are there any types of skin/concerns that shouldn’t use the patches?
'If you have a deep cyst that’s sitting under the surface of your skin or a closed comedone, putting a hydrocolloid patch over it won’t likely do much. If you’re dealing with a red/angry/oozing spot or one that you’ve somewhat picked – a hydrocolloid patch is great for this.'
Main image: Instagram/ Luar and Kiko Kostadinov shows via @starface
Rachael Martin is Grazia's Beauty Editor where she covers all things health, beauty and wellness