How To Apply Concealer The Right Way
As its name implies, a concealer is used to mask dark spots, freckles, and dark circles, among other imperfections. When we think of this product, the first question that often arises is how to properly apply it. We all aspire to have clear, flawless skin to look our best. However, issues like dark circles, acne, pigmentation, and enlarged pores can stand in the way of achieving a radiant complexion.
A concealer can provide a temporary solution to these skin problems, helping you look your best. It’s important to apply the concealer meticulously and in a sequential manner as detailed below.
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type
First and foremost, you need to understand your skin type and colour.
When choosing a concealer, it’s crucial to find one that matches your skin tone. This ensures a natural look instead of an uneven, artificial appearance. Test the product on your face to see if it blends seamlessly with your skin.
Applying concealer requires skill and careful attention. When dealing with pigmentation, birthmarks, or dark circles, use a shade that’s one tone lighter to effectively camouflage them.
Concealers come in both liquid and powder forms. Typically, the liquid version is ideal for dry or flaky skin, while the powder type is better suited for oily skin.
Step 2: Clean Your Face Before Applying A Concealer
The second step is to clean your face before applying a concealer.
- Wash your face with a gentle face wash and pat dry.
- Now apply a moisturizer depending on the nature of the skin. Concealer forms the base of any make-up.
- If you have dark circles under your eyes, then it is important to understand, how to conceal dark circles under eyes.
- The eyes are therefore the first area where the concealer needs to be applied. In the case of dark circles, always remember to select 1-2 shades lighter than your skin. This will help in getting the perfect look and there are no uneven patches.
- Eyes are delicate sensory organs and it is essential to know how to apply eye concealer under the eyes. You can do it either way: using the fingertips or with the help of a makeup brush.
- Take sufficient amount of concealer on the brush and gently it dabs it under the eyes. Spread it evenly over the surface so that it blends completely. Always start from the inside corner of the under eyes and move outwards till the dark circles are completely hidden. This is the method of how to apply concealer to dark circles.
- Never rub the under eye surface as it may damage the sensitive skin. Therefore, always understand the basics right as to how to apply concealer under eyes. To get the flawless look, dab some powder on the ridges of nostrils or the nose lines for uniformity.
- It is equally important to apply concealer around the brows of the eyes and the on the base of the eyelids. If you have a mark or a black spot on these regions, use a pencil concealer and hide the marks. In case the mark is spread across the region, apply a primer first and then dab the area with concealer powder. With a brush spread it evenly on the surface. Be very gentle while spreading the concealer. The eye region has very soft skin and can be damaged easily. Never rub the surface.
Step 3: Hide The Acnes And Other Marks Using
Concealer
The next step is to hide the acne and other marks on the face.
- It is important to understand where to apply concealer after applying it on the eyes.
- Take sufficient quantity of concealer and apply it on the marks and blemishes. How to apply concealer on blemishes is explained below:-
- Dab the concealer gently and spread with a make-up brush. It is better to give outward strokes along with circular movement while spreading the cosmetic on the face. This will blend it in a perfect way.
- To set it better apply a layer of foundation evenly all over the face followed by a compact powder. This gives you an even skin tone.
- A concealer will temporarily hide your marks. In due course of the day, it will lose effect and the marks will again reappear. Therefore, for a longer lasting effect apply little more of compact powder on the affected areas. This is how you can put on the concealer for a longer time.
In conclusion, concealer plays a pivotal role in makeup application. It’s crucial to apply it correctly to achieve the desired makeup look. Following the outlined steps can effectively mask any unwanted blemishes, delivering a flawless and radiant complexion. While it only offers a temporary solution, its impact in enhancing your appearance is undeniable.
FAQ: How to Apply Concealer
What is a Concealer Used For?
Concealer is a versatile makeup product primarily used for:
Covering Blemishes:
- Concealer effectively hides acne, pimples, and other skin imperfections.
Camouflaging Dark Circles:
- Applied under the eyes to mask dark circles and brighten the eye area.
Evening Skin Tone:
- Helps to blend out areas of discoloration, such as redness or hyperpigmentation.
Highlighting and Contouring:
- Lighter shades can be used to highlight high points of the face (such as the cheekbones and bridge of the nose), while darker shades help contour areas like the hollows of the cheeks.
Priming Eyes and Lips:
- Can act as a base for eyeshadow and lipstick, enhancing their color and longevity.
Defining Brows and Lips:
- Used around the eyebrows to create a sharp, defined look and around the lips to prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Which is Better Between Concealer or Foundation?
Concealer and foundation serve different purposes and are best used together for a flawless finish. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which to use:
Purpose:
- Foundation: Provides overall coverage to even out skin tone and creates a smooth base for the rest of your makeup.
- Concealer: Offers targeted coverage for specific areas needing extra attention, such as blemishes, dark circles, and areas requiring highlighting or contouring.
Coverage:
- Foundation: Typically offers light to full coverage, depending on the formula. It’s designed for broader application across the entire face.
- Concealer: Generally provides fuller coverage than foundation and is more pigmented to cover specific imperfections effectively.
Application Areas:
- Foundation: Applied all over the face, including the neck and sometimes the décolletage, to ensure an even complexion.
- Concealer: Applied selectively to problem areas such as under the eyes, around the nose, and on blemishes.
Texture and Formula:
- Foundation: Comes in various formulas, including liquid, cream, powder, and stick, tailored to different skin types and desired finishes (matte, dewy, etc.).
- Concealer: Often thicker and more pigmented than foundation, available in liquid, cream, and stick forms to provide precise coverage.
Usage Tips:
- Foundation First: Applying foundation first helps even out the skin tone, reducing the amount of concealer needed.
- Concealer After: Use concealer to cover any remaining imperfections after applying foundation and to highlight or contour specific areas.
Conclusion:
- Combined Use: For most people, using both foundation and concealer will yield the best results. Foundation provides a uniform base, while concealer addresses specific concerns.
- Individual Preferences: If you prefer lighter coverage or have minimal skin imperfections, you might use just concealer for a more natural look. Conversely, if you need more comprehensive coverage, foundation alone might suffice.
By understanding the distinct roles of foundation and concealer, you can effectively use these products to achieve a flawless complexion.
FAQ: Which Brand Concealer is Best?
Which Brand Concealer Is Best?
Choosing the best concealer brand depends on your specific needs, such as coverage level, skin type, and undertone. Here are some top-rated concealers across various categories:
For Full Coverage:
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer:
- Known for its high coverage and long-lasting formula.
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer:
- Offers full coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts up to 15 hours.
- Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer:
For Under-Eye Circles:
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer:
- Hydrating and buildable, perfect for brightening the under-eye area.
- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer:
- Affordable and effective at concealing dark circles with a built-in applicator.
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer:
For Blemishes and Acne:
- Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer:
- Dual-tone compact allows for custom blending to match your skin tone.
- IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer:
- Infused with anti-acne ingredients to treat and cover blemishes.
- Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer:
For Dry Skin:
- Glossier Stretch Concealer:
- Lightweight and breathable, providing a dewy finish that doesn’t cake.
- BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer:
- Creamy texture that provides hydration and full coverage.
- Glossier Stretch Concealer:
For Oily Skin:
- Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer:
- Matte finish with long-lasting wear, ideal for oily skin types.
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer:
- Oil-free formula that offers staying power and a natural matte finish.
- Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer:
What is Concealer Correctly Used For?
Concealer is a multi-purpose makeup product used to address specific areas of the face that require extra coverage or correction. Here’s how concealer can be correctly used:
Covering Blemishes and Acne:
- Application: Apply directly onto blemishes and blend the edges with a brush or fingertip to seamlessly integrate with your skin.
Camouflaging Dark Circles:
- Application: Use a concealer one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply in an inverted triangle shape under the eyes and blend outwards for a brightening effect.
Evening Out Skin Tone:
- Application: Target areas of discoloration, such as redness around the nose or hyperpigmentation, and blend well.
Highlighting and Contouring:
- Highlighting: Use a lighter shade of concealer on the high points of the face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, center of the forehead, and chin) to enhance these areas.
- Contouring: Use a darker shade of concealer to define the hollows of the cheeks, sides of the nose, and along the jawline.
Priming Eyelids and Lips:
- Eyelids: Apply a thin layer to the eyelids to create a smooth base for eyeshadow and improve its longevity.
- Lips: Apply around the lips to prevent lipstick from feathering and to enhance the lip shape.
Defining Brows and Lips:
- Brows: Use a concealer slightly lighter than your skin tone to outline the brows, making them appear more defined and sharp.
- Lips: Apply a small amount around the lips after lipstick application to clean up any edges and make the lips look more precise.
Color Correcting:
- Green Concealer: Neutralizes redness (e.g., acne, rosacea).
- Yellow Concealer: Brightens dull skin and neutralizes purple/blue undertones.
- Peach/Orange Concealer: Cancels out dark circles and blue veins, especially on medium to dark skin tones.
- Purple/Lavender Concealer: Neutralizes yellow undertones and brightens sallow skin.
By using concealer correctly for these purposes, you can achieve a flawless complexion and enhance your overall makeup look.
Best Concealers for Specific Needs
Concealer for Dark Circles
To effectively conceal dark circles, look for hydrating and brightening concealers that offer good coverage without settling into fine lines. Here are some top recommendations:
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer:
- Features: Hydrating formula with buildable coverage.
- Benefits: Brightens under-eye area while providing a smooth finish.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer:
- Features: Infused with goji berry and Haloxyl.
- Benefits: Reduces the appearance of dark circles with a built-in sponge applicator for easy use.
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer:
- Features: Full coverage with a creamy texture.
- Benefits: Long-lasting and excellent for brightening the under-eye area.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer:
- Features: Enriched with anti-aging ingredients.
- Benefits: Provides full coverage while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Concealer for Dry Skin
For dry skin, opt for creamy, moisturizing concealers that won’t cake or settle into dry patches. Here are some top picks:
Glossier Stretch Concealer:
- Features: Lightweight and flexible formula.
- Benefits: Provides a dewy finish that hydrates and blends seamlessly.
BareMinerals BarePro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer:
- Features: Creamy and hydrating stick format.
- Benefits: Long-wearing with a natural finish, ideal for dry skin.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer:
- Features: Creamy texture with a soft matte finish.
- Benefits: Provides high coverage without drying out the skin.
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer:
- Features: Lightweight and hydrating formula.
- Benefits: Offers medium to full coverage with a natural finish.
Concealer for Oily Skin
For oily skin, choose mattifying and long-wear concealers that control shine and stay put throughout the day. Here are some top choices:
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer:
- Features: Matte finish with a lightweight feel.
- Benefits: Long-lasting and resists creasing, perfect for oily skin.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer:
- Features: Oil-free and long-wearing.
- Benefits: Provides a natural matte finish and stays in place all day.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer:
- Features: Liquid formula with high coverage.
- Benefits: Matte finish that controls oil and lasts up to 15 hours.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer:
- Features: Oil-free and breathable formula.
- Benefits: Provides natural coverage that doesn’t clog pores.
By selecting the right concealer for your specific needs—whether it’s to cover dark circles, hydrate dry skin, or control shine on oily skin—you can achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look.