'I tried the viral 'sticky method' that's supposed to make pimples vanish. Here's what happened.'

Every now and then I'm blessed with a pulsating twin on the side of my face. And while I'll usually try to coax myself out of squeezing it, about 100 per cent of the time I'll end up tearing my face apart trying to get that jerk outta there.

It almost *always* ends up looking like roadkill, is IMPOSSIBLE to cover up (like, blatantly refuses makeup) and I quietly swear at myself for going so hard.

No matter how much concealer or powder I use, that beast is usually front and centre for the next week or so - and sir, who let this woman be a BEAUTY EDITOR??

Watch: The very best techniques to use for a smokey eye... without black eyeshadow in sight. Post continues below. 

So when a viral acne concealer hack popped up on my feed, I knew I had to give it a go.

It's called the 'sticky method' and it was coined by American makeup artist Mikayla Nogueira, who - in case you dodn't know - is a liiiiittle bit of a big deal over on Beauty TikTok.

In the clip, she shows us how she conceals her acne and makes her pimples look completely invisible. The post got over 3.1 million views in just 21 hours. Huge.

Listen: more of a podcast gal? That's cool. Find out what happened when I tried it on the You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

So, what exactly does the 'sticky method' makeup trend involve?

Allow me to explain.

What is the sticky method?

Okay, obviously the name sounds really gross, but the hack basically involves using three products to cover every kind of spot.

The key? To make your face really sticky.

First off, Mikayla preps her face with a 'sticky serum' - that is, a hydrating serum that makes your skin feel kind of 'tacky'.

She uses Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $66 - but tells her followers that "any serum that leaves the face feeling a little bit tacky after it's applied is going to work out... any serum that gives a tacky, sticky finish."

After letting the serum dry, she layers on a ‘gripping’ primer - which is any primer that will help product adhere to your skin like glue.

She uses e.l.f. Power Grip Primer, $24 - but goes on to say that there are lots of other affordable options out there.

After your skin is scoring 100 on the stickiness level, it's time to apply the concealer.

And according to Mikayla, a matte option is the best one to go for here. She uses NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $45, and applies a "decent amount" on top of her blemishes using a brush - spotting it all over her face.

But - hold up, hold up!

The trick here is to let it dry. So, at no point do you actually blend the concealer in. 

She said to wait at least two to three minutes for it to dry, and uses a small handheld fan to ensure it sets.

The next step? You apply a whole face of medium to full-coverage foundation as you usually would, using a damp sponge to bounce it into your skin. 

Then, you complete the rest of your makeup look.

If you haven't seen it or heard of the hack, check it out below:

@mikaylanogueira HOW TO PERFECTLY COVER ACNE USING THE STICKY METHOD 😳👌🏻 #makeup #beauty #acne #acnecoverage ♬ original sound - Mikayla Nogueira

Voila! Not a single pimpy in sight. Honestly, we're impressed.

The most important nugget she leaves us with, though? "Don't let acne dull your shine."

Hear, hear!

So, does the sticky method actually work?

In quite possibly the best-timed breakout ever, I developed one monster on my cheek and a few smaller blemishes on my chin. So, I decided to give it a whirl and find out!

For the products, I went with: Beauté Pacifique SuperFruit Moisture Skin Enforcement Serum, $79, One/Size Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer, $49 and Huda Beauty Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer, $44.

For the foundation, I used Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $109.

Claw game: 11/10.

Now, to be honest I feel that my primer selection could've been stickier - I recently ran out of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, $55, and I reckon this would've been perfect.

But! Let's not dwell on what could've been - because I was still pretty impressed with the results.

After applying the hydrating serum and primer, I spot concealed with the new Huda Beauty Concealer.

Bless this mess.

I didn't have a handheld fan, so I made myself a cup of coffee and did my eyeliner wing and mascara while I waited for it to dry.

I then used a beauty sponge and applied my foundation. But because I was using more of a medium/sheer foundation, rather than a full coverage foundation, I applied two coats (after one coat I could still see the unblended concealer spots underneath).

And you know what? I reckon it looks pretty good! 

Here's what my skin looked like before and after:

Before and after the 'sticky method' hack.

The verdict.

Look, I’m really into it.

When I usually attempt to cover my pimples, I'll do a full face of foundation and then go over the top and spot conceal. 

And while things usually look okay at the start, as the day wears on, my blemishes tend to get flaky and waaaay too confident.

With this method, not only did I feel like my spots were way less noticeable but I found that the concealer didn't wear off throughout the day.

Would I try it again? 

Yes! I most definitely would. In fact, I think I've found my new go-to method for camouflaging pimples. And maybe - just maybe, it'll stop me from squeezing them.

Have you tried it? Give it a go! 

Wanna hear more from Erin's pimples? We mean Erin! Want to hear more from Erin? Follow her on Instagram.

Looking for more skin advice? We're giving you access to the best skin experts in the world. For the women who wash their face with a bar of soap, to the 12-steppers and everyone in between. The Skin Summit, presented by Mamamia, is an online event for anyone with a face. Streaming direct to your couch.  Time is running out: Click here for your last chance to buy tickets →

Feature image Tiktok/@MikaylaNogueira; Supplied/Erin Docherty.