Using concealer can make a huge difference in your makeup routine, whether you’re covering blemishes, dark circles, or just evening out your skin tone. It’s a versatile tool that can enhance your natural beauty and give you a flawless finish.
Here are some pro tips on how to use concealer effectively, including tips on choosing the right product and application techniques to ensure your makeup looks impeccable.
Choose the Right Shade and Formula
Choosing the right concealer is the first step to flawless makeup. Here’s how:
For Dark Circles:
- Go one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area. Look for concealers with a peach or yellow undertone to counteract the blue or purple hues of dark circles.
For Blemishes:
- Match the concealer exactly to your foundation shade to ensure seamless coverage. Green-tinted concealers can also help neutralize the redness of blemishes.
Formula:
- Liquid Concealers: Great for all skin types, especially dry skin, as they blend easily and provide buildable coverage.
- Stick and Cream Concealers: Offer more coverage and are ideal for covering blemishes and hyperpigmentation. They’re also great for normal to oily skin types.
- Green-tinted concealers can also help neutralize the redness of blemishes.
Tips on Using the Correct Amount of Concealer
Under Eyes:
- Use a dot-sized amount under each eye. Start small; you can always add more if needed. The goal is to brighten without creating thickness that settles into fine lines.
For Blemishes and Spots:
- Use a tiny amount directly on the blemish. It’s better to build coverage with thin layers than to start with too much, which can look cakey.
Application Tips
Use the right tools:
Fingers: Perfect for under-eye concealer as the warmth helps blend the product smoothly.
Concealer Brush: Ideal for precision application on blemishes or specific spots. A small, synthetic brush works best.
Blend Well:
- Always blend the edges of the concealer into your skin or foundation to avoid any harsh lines. For the under-eyes, blend upwards towards the temple to lift the eye area.
Set with Setting Powder:
To ensure longevity and prevent creasing, lightly set your concealer with a translucent powder. This is especially important for the under-eye area and oily skin types.
Layering
Corrector first:
If you have severe dark circles, start with a peach or orange-toned corrector before applying concealer. This will neutralize dark tones.
Layer lightly:
If you need more coverage let the first layer of concealer dry, then add a second layer. This technique provides coverage without thickness.
Don’t overdo it
More concealer doesn’t always mean better coverage. It’s about precise application and blending. Too much product can draw attention to an area instead of concealing it.
Check for different lighting
Lighting can dramatically affect how your makeup looks. Always check your concealer in natural light to ensure it looks as natural and seamless as possible.
Maintenance
“Keep your skin well moisturized”, especially around the eyes, to ensure your concealer applies smoothly. Regularly clean your brushes or sponges to avoid bacteria buildup and potential breakouts.
Remember, the goal with concealer is to use as little as possible to achieve your desired effect. Start with a small amount and build as needed. Makeup is very personal so feel free to adjust these tips to what works best for your unique features and needs!
