beauty

'I use pimple patches nearly every day. Here's how Go To's stack up against my favourites.'

Confession time — I'm a serial pimple patch wearer. My face loves nothing more than to surprise me with a brand new friend (volcano) once a month during the time of month where dealing with a pimple becomes my last straw (the girls get me). Sorry to be TMI but usually these pimples are filled TO THE BRIM which is exactly why I'm sporting pimples patches both day and night for weeks on end.

When cult-fave beauty brand Go To, announced that they were adding pimple patches to their product family, I had to immediately get my paws on them.

Luckily (and tragically) I was sporting two big boiz on my chin before my cousins wedding. Mixed with some LED therapy, this was the perfect opportunity to drain my face in a few days.

They're called 'Spot Stoppas' and you can grab them for $17 on their website.

I have to say that these patches are the most "invisible" ones I've come across. You can barely see them, and they're completely covered under makeup.

Because of this, they've become a huge win in my books as I pretty much wear them every day now when I'm going out and NO ONE CAN TELL.

Go To pimple patches.Image source: Go To.

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Now, to get to the TMI part (I know this is actually what you've been waiting for, don't lie to me). They did pull out a lot of gunk from my zits but not as much as some of my other trusty brands. You can't win them all.

Now that I've added these Go To ones to my roster, here are the other pimple patch brands that always make an appearance on my face:

TBH Skincare's Patch It Up, $19.95.

TBH Skincare's Patch It Up.Image source: Priceline.

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If you're looking for a patch that will literally suck the life out of your pimple overnight, this is it. These patches are slightly thicker than others, which means they stay put even if you're an aggressive sleeper like me. They come in two sizes and are completely transparent - perfect for those "I definitely don't have a massive pimple" work meetings. Because of their thickness, they are a bit visible under makeup but since they're so damn good, I usually only need to have one of them on overnight anyway— Yay for the girls. Available at Priceline, Coles & Adore Beauty.

Watch: Pimple peel patch trend. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.
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COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, $5.98.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master PatchImage source: Amazon.

The OG of pimple patches and still one of the best. These patches come in three different sizes and are close to invisible. They're the ones I reach for if I'm having a particular juicy day as they sit so well under makeup, you can barely see them. They're also ridiculously affordable that every time I do an Amazon shop, I usually just add these to my cart whether I immediately need them or not, I know they'll get a workout eventually. Available at Amazon & Adore Beauty.

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Skin Control Pimple Patch AM + PM, $6.69.

Skin Control Pimple Patch AM + PM.Image source: Chemist Warehouse.

These patches are genius because they've created different formulations for day and night use. The AM patches are ultra-thin and matte (perfect under makeup), while the PM patches are thicker and packed with more acne-fighting ingredients. They're the easiest to access as you can grab them from most physical stores if you have an emergency volcano and can't wait for shipping (we've all been there). Available at Chemist Warehouse & Woolworths.

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Listen: The author of this article talks about a pimple coverup hack that's meant to be better than pimple patches. Post continues below.

Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots, $33.

Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots.Image source: Sephora.

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Yes, they're expensive. Yes, they're worth it. These patches don't just cover your spots— they contribute to your skincare as well (how kind). With salicylic acid and retinol, they do the most and then some. I save these for those really stubborn, deep pimples that need the extra attention OR if I have a very important event that needs to be posted on Instagram. Available at Sephora.

Skin Republic Face Spot Clear Patches, $6.39.

Skin Republic Face Spot Clear PatchesImage source" Chemist Warehouse.

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These patches are slightly larger than most, making them perfect for those lovely cluster breakouts (you know the ones). They're also great for sensitive skin types as they're less aggressive than some of the others. Pro tip: You don't actually have to use the whole patch if they're much bigger than your actual spot. I sometimes cut mine into halves or quarters, so I don't waste all that precious real estate. Available at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline & Woolworths.

Special mention: The OG - Hydrocolloid bandages, $8-$12

Fun fact: Before fancy pimple patches existed, beauty girlies were cutting up hydrocolloid bandages (yes, the ones you get from the chemist for blisters) and using them as DIY pimple patches. And honestly? They still work just as well (and I still gravitate to them).

They're medical-grade, they do the same thing and they're usually much, much cheaper. You can buy big strips and cut them down to the size you want.

Although they don't contain any active ingredients like the patches mentioned above, they're super effective at draining spots overnight.You can grab them from any pharmacy for around $8-$12. Just make sure you're getting the thin, transparent ones (not the thick foam ones).Pro tip: Look for Duoderm or Band-Aid hydrocolloid bandages in the first aid section. They're basically the same thing as expensive pimple patches, just without the fancy packaging. You can grab these from any pharmacy near you.

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

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