

I have to admit that I'm a creature of habit. My skincare routine rarely changes, my hair is almost always the same, and experimenting for me looks like trying out a new lipstick or a sheet mask packed with ingredients I already know and love. I like routine, especially when it comes to beauty — the predictability offering me something the rest of life can't. Which is to say, I was slow to adopt pimple patches, the hydrocolloid-filled stickers designed to sit atop your pimple and sort of magically make them disappear. It felt like an elevated version of the bandaid trick (you know, the one where you just stick one on soaked in tea tree oil until it goes away), but simultaneously seemed to good to be true. Until I tried it. And it actually worked.
I've since turned into a pimple patch evangelist, recommending them to anyone who will listen, whether their pimple is buried deep beneath the surface or itching to pop (which you should never do, by the way). See the most effective pimple patches ahead, so you can stock up for your next breakout.
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
1.Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Anthropologie
Available in four variations for a range of needs, Mighty Patch is one of the OG pimple patch brands and doesn't disappoint. There are larger acne patches for bigger areas — called Surface — and invisible ones that practically melt into the skin so you can wear them throughout the day. A pack will run you anywhere from $12.99 for the micro-point patches for early stage blemishes to $17.99 for the Surface patches. Better yet, you can buy them at Target and toss them in your cart alongside other things you definitely don't need.
2.ZitSticka KILLA Kit Pimple Patches
When it comes to pimples buried deep beneath the skin, ZitSticka is unmatched in its ability to target and get rid of them. The genius is in the microdart technology, which penetrates the zit and injects targeted ingredients that clears up your skin before it can make its way to the surface.
3.Starface Hydro-Stars
Hypebae
If you find yourself sticking rhinestones on your face just for fun, then these star-shaped pimple patches might be the answer to your blemish woes. The spot treatment stars both dress up and address your pimple and help to stop you from picking at your skin while the patch does its thing.
4.Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Peace Out Skincare
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots takes a holistic approach to zapping your zit, using a blend of Vitamin A to prevent clogged pores, salicylic acid to help congested pores, and aloe vera to soothe the skin and reduce redness.
5.COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
Soko Glam
One of the most popular pimple patch options out there, COSRX offers waterproof patches that extract while also hydrating the skin.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here to receive our latest articles and news straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Shutterstock
- 10 Best Pimple Patches - Acne Patches to Clear Breakouts ›
- 12 Best Pimple Patches - Most Effective Acne Patch for Breakouts ›
- 10 Best Pimple Patches to Get Rid of Zits Overnight | Glamour ›
- Acne patches are the best way to deflate a zit. ›
- 10 Best Acne, Pimple, and Blemish Patches 2018 | Rank & Style ›
- 9 Acne Patches to Try Now ›
- The 10 Best Acne Patches for an Emergency Breakout ›
- 3 Best Pimple Patches Review 2018 | The Strategist | New York ... ›
- 15 Best Pimple Patches to Clear Acne Overnight — Reviews | Allure ›
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube