How to Get Rid of a Hickey

Accidents happen, and a passionate kiss can lead to that telltale mark of love: a hickey. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this affliction. A hickey is nothing more than a bruise, and like all bruises it just needs some time to heal. You can, however, try a few tricks to make it fade faster. Read these tips to find out how to get rid of hickeys.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Warm Compresses
• Scarves
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Concealer
• Concealer Brushes

1. 

   Apply a cold compress immediately (although that may interrupt a moment of passion). Keep the compress on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes. The cold will constrict blood vessels and help keep the bruise (which is the essence of a hickey) from spreading.

2. 

   If the hickey lasts for more than 48 hours, apply wet, warm compresses to decrease any pain or swelling. Once the blood has stopped spreading around the bruise, apply heat, which dilates blood vessels and thus speeds up the sweeping away of blood cells. In most cases, moist heat is more effective than dry heat, because the moisture helps wick the heat beneath the skin.

3. 

   Apply concealer in a shade that's lighter than your natural skin color and discreet enough to fend off unwanted attention. If you can cover or tone down a hickey, it serves the same purpose as getting rid of it.

4. Remember that if all else fails, nothing beats a turtleneck sweater - or a scarf in summer.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid getting a hickey in the first place, kiss a little more gently.