Day: October 9, 2014

Concealer is a beauty product that, on the surface, seems so simple it shouldn’t need to be explained. With shades, types, techniques and tools to consider, very few actually get it totally right. Because the point of concealer is to look like nothing is there at all, it can be a serious game changer when you finally learn the way to apply it to your advantage.

Here are a few things to take into consideration next time you reach for this wonder product:

The Types

Choosing a concealer that’s the right color (usually one shade lighter than your skin tone) is important, but finding one that goes with your foundation is just as vital. Foundation can mix with your concealer to make it look darker than it is, so sometimes going as far as two shades lighter keeps it looking natural, and it never hurts to test out concealer with your go-to foundation before committing.

As far as type, lightweight concealers are best for highlighting and reducing fine lines, while full-coverage concealers work magic on zits. If you tend to have more than one problem area such as blemishes and dark eye circles, consider a multi-functional product like em’s concealer color mixing palette to truly cover your bases. Smashbox ‘Camera Ready’ is another multipurpose favorite; it comes in a stick for on-the-go application and touchups.

The Tools

There are many tools that can be used to apply concealer, from brushes to sponges like the famed beautyblender and even your finger. The trick is to find the one that blends the product best with both your skin and other face makeup. If you find that a brush makes it look too streaky or sponges don’t create the natural finish you need, a clean finger used to gently mix the concealer may just do the trick – just make sure to wash your hands before and after!

The Technique

To conceal under eye circles, apply a brightening serum or under eye cream (Burt’s Bees Hydration Eye Cream is a wallet-friendly alternative to luxury brands) to give it a healthy dose of moisture that will reduce the appearance of wrinkles. That way, your concealer won’t have to work as hard to get the job done.

Now decide whether to apply concealer before or after foundation. If your go-to foundation is powder, it often helps to apply it before the concealer. Sometimes applying a powder foundation after a cream concealer leads to that unsightly caked-on look. If this is the case with your products, switch up their order – it may even mean not having to use as much concealer, since a layer of powder already did the trick.

Lastly, make sure to apply the concealer in the way that works for you. Trying to hide dark circles? Apply product in three small dots under your lower lash line – with two dots toward the line and the one other below it in a triangle. shape that mimics the bags. Then, carefully blend the three together. Concealing a blemish? Try patting the product on as opposed to rubbing it in to minimize lines and streaks, then perfect with a concealer brush.

Have any concealer tricks up your sleeve? Leave them in the comments below!

 

Sara Dal Monte