'There's a new way to cover pimples that's meant to look better than pimple patches. I tried it.'

Mamamia's Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellbeing. You won't find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Em Vernem tries a viral TikTok hack using April Skin's Real Calendula Peel Off Pack.

If you're anything like me, there will be a specific time of month (you know the one) where you wake up with a massive volcanic pimple on your face. It's usually the day of a very important work event, meeting, date or the worst… when you're having a great hair day. During this monthly moment, I immediately reach for my trusty pimple patches.

But then comes the age-old dilemma: how do you make your makeup look seamless over that obvious bump on your face?

When I saw makeup influencer Painted by Spencer sharing a genius hack using April Skin's Real Calendula Peel Off Pack as an "invisible pimple patch," I was intrigued. The concept seemed simple enough — dab the clear peel-off mask on your spots, let it dry, and apply makeup over the top.

@paintedbyspencer

😱 PIMPLE HACK! 🎯 Apply a small amount of the @APRILSKIN USA Gel Peel Off Mask over a blemish, let it dry completely, then do your makeup as usual! 🕺🏼 It creates a smooth barrier, keeping your makeup from clinging to the spot and reducing irritation throughout the day ✨ Game-changer for a last minute breakout! 🥰 #makeuphacks #makeuptutorial #skincare #paintedbyspencer

♬ original sound - SPENCER

As someone who's constantly fighting a losing battle with random breakouts (*cough hormones cough*), I had to try it.

Watch: You Beauty pimple patch mask test. Post continues below.

What is April Skin's Real Calendula Peel Off Pack?

It's a clear peel-off mask that contains calendula extract and is meant to be used as a regular face mask. But according to TikTok, it could be the solution to hiding pimples without the obvious bump of a pimple patch. The mask retails for around $29 from Amazon.

How'd you go?

First red flag: When I tested the product on paper, I noticed these suspicious little granules in the formula. Not exactly what you want when you're trying to create a smooth surface over a pimple.

Not a huge fan of mask bits, but alas, we persevere.

But I persevered.

I decided to test this hack on three particularly annoying spots — one on my chin (classic), one under my eye (why do they always appear in the worst places?), and another on my cheek. I squeezed some of the mask onto my hand and used my finger to carefully dab small amounts onto each spot, trying to keep the application as precise as possible.

Dab dab dab.

The mask itself has a gel-like consistency that feels cool on the skin. According to the instructions, you're supposed to wait about 15-20 minutes for it to dry completely. I sat there, trying not to move my face (which is surprisingly difficult when you're conscious of it).

Here's where things got interesting — and by interesting, I mean tragic.

Listen: Em Vernem talks about the pimple patch mask trend on the You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

While waiting for it to dry, I noticed the mask starting to tighten on my skin. Not unusual for a peel-off mask, but remember, this wasn't meant to be used this way. The areas where I'd applied the mask began to look like little clear patches of... well, something that looked suspiciously like dried glue (or… something else… I won't say it, wherever your mind takes you is none of my business).

However, it gets worse. As a true trooper, I wanted to see the test through which meant that, yep, I applied my foundation on top of it.

The makeup somehow managed to seep under the dried mask, creating what can only be described as a patchy, flaky mess. It looked like my face was breaking apart.

Uh oh.

Every time I thought I'd removed all the mask and reapplied my makeup, I'd find another stubborn piece clinging on for dear life. It was like playing a very unfun game of "Find the Flaky Bit."

No comment on my face please. (Also no comments on my faces behind me).

The verdict.

Not a fan, pass me my pimple patches.

This is a hard pass for me. While I appreciate the creativity of this hack, it gives "has-never-drunk-water-in-her-entire-life" energy.

That said, I do want to give the mask a fair chance as… an actual mask.

I'm sure that using it as intended, all over my face and not under makeup, will be a completely different experience because this product has some seriously impressive reviews.

"Absolutely love this mask! Leaves my skin feeling soft and glowy afterwards," one person wrote.

"I was really excited to try this peel off mask. The smell is amazing, the texture too. My skin was soft, soothed

But as for using it as an invisible pimple patch, I'll definitely be sticking to my regular pimple patches, obvious bump and all.

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Feature image: Supplied.