What Does Concealer Do?
Concealer is meant to be used sparingly to hide discoloration, blemishes, and dark undereye circles. There is a misconception that it is a miracle product that can hide everything. That is where the grey area comes in. Yes, concealers can hide a lot, but it is not an “end all, be all” product.
Concealers are not intended for use on your entire face. A good majority tend to be heavier and more concentrated than foundations because the skin under the eye is thinner and needs more color correction. So if you are going for a more natural look, it is going to be a lot more work trying to sheer it out for use on the whole face.
Whether you use a color correcting concealer, stick concealer, or even a green concealer, it’s important to know exactly what a concealer does and how to use it properly.
How to Apply Correctly
After learning what it does, the first step is to choose your shade:
Concealers come in a variety of shades and colors, so analyze your skin first to determine what you need. Are you trying to cover up acne, under eye circles, scars or birthmarks? Once you decide what you want to conceal, you can choose the appropriate color and shade. A concealer should be about 1 shade lighter than your foundation for the best look, but you can also use a green concealer to cover any redness. Feel free to consult a color wheel or makeup professional to find the best match for you.
Decide what type you want to use
Concealers come in many different forms. There are liquids, sticks, potted creams, and pencils. These all offer various types of coverage, and some may be better for certain skin types and problem areas than others. For instante, if you have large pores and oily skin, you may want to avoid cream or stick concealers, as they may make your pores look bigger. Look for a liquid instead.
Prep your face
Before you apply any concealer, wash your face with a mild face cleanser and apply a moisturizer. Use makeup remover and a Q-tip to get rid of any darkness under the eyes that might be the result of old mascara. Next, cover up your under eye circles.
Use a brush or your fingertips (the former is more sanitary) to dab concealer under the eyes. Apply the concealer just under the inner and outer corners of your eyes. Blend around the edges, so that there is not a noticeable change in tone between your skin and the concealer.
Apply the foundation
Before applying concealer, first apply foundation to your entire face. This helps provide coverage so you can use less concealer. Choose between liquid, cream, powder, or mist foundations to create a smooth skin tone and a blank canvas for the rest of your makeup.
Apply concealer to acne and dark spots
If you have any acne, dark spots, sun spots, scars, or birthmarks, this is the time to cover them up. Dab your concealer onto the top of each mark, and then blend softly outwards to your skin. Use a thin layer to avoid having a caked-on look, and then apply more if necessary.
In knowing what a concealer does, choosing the right one, and how to apply it correctly, you are creating the perfect base. Then you can add dimension to your face by applying your favorite bronzer, blush or highlighter, which will set your entire makeup look.
You Might Also Like: The Best Concealers for Every Budget, Our Favorite Flawless Foundations, Mascara That Doesn’t Flake
Advertisement
Advertisement