We all (should) know by now that it’s much better to treat your concern rather than cover it, but some days it just won’t go away straight away, so we must call on our friend; concealer. Concealers can be an ultimate godsend for some people and a disaster for others. It can be difficult to find the right formula and shade to address different skin concerns, so use this guide to learn the In’s and outs and the basics of concealer.
Dark circles
SHADE/COLOUR
The best shade to correct dark circles is a pink, peach, yellow, or orange base-toned concealer that is a very similar shade to your natural skin tone. A shade lighter or two can be used to brighten dark circles.
However, you will need to use a concealer with an exact match to your natural skin tone on top. This may result in cakey panda eyes, though.
FORMULA/FINISH
A creamy, lightweight, hydrating concealer should be used under the eye area for best results, preferably one with a slightly illuminating finish.
Alternatively, if you can’t find one with an illuminating finish, use an illuminating pen under your eyes and draw a small upside-down triangle and then blend.
APPLICATION
Concealer for dark circles should be applied directly on the areas of darkness, especially by the corner of the eye/side of the nose where there is the most darkness.
It is best applied with a concealer brush and blended in with the ring or middle finger as your fingers’ warmth will help give a more natural-looking finish that melts in with the skin.
ADDITIONAL
For extreme dark circles, a corrector can be used underneath the concealer, too. Alternatively, mixing a small amount of orange lipstick/cream blush or primer with a concealer will help to correct darkness.
Finish by setting the area with a translucent yellow-toned powder on an eye blending brush to avoid creasing and moving.
Redness
SHADE/COLOUR
The ideal shade to correct redness is to use a green-toned concealer as this neutralizes the color. A concealer that patches your skin tone exactly should be placed on top to avoid having a similar appearance to the character ‘Shrek’.
If you do not have extreme redness or if you have extremely white skin, a skin-toned concealer by itself should work fine.
FORMULA/FINISH
The formula and finish for this are not too important. Still, it really just depends on your skin type and the rest of your makeup’s finish. Oilier skin types should opt for a more matte version, while drier and more sensitive skin types should opt for more creamier versions.
Match the finish with the finish of your foundation. ie: Matte foundation = Matte Concealer. Dewy foundation = Dewy concealer.
APPLICATION
Generally, the best way to apply concealer to the area depends on the severeness and the largeness of a red area. Small areas should use a small concealer brush, while larger areas should use a larger one. For best results, pat in with fingers.
ADDITIONAL
For redness all over the face, use a green-toned color-correcting primer to avoid looking cakey. Just ensure you don’t apply too much, or you will indeed end up having a similar resemblance to Shrek.
Scars
SHADE/COLOUR
These really are the difficult ones to cover as they come in all shapes and sizes. So my best advice? Embrace them; they make you, you! However, suppose you don’t want to.
In that case, I completely understand, so the coloring and shading for this concern depend entirely on the type of scars. For raised scars, use a concealer in the same shade as your skin tone, and if it still appears raised, use a shade darker on top. For scars that leave an ‘indent’ in the skin, use a shade that matches the skin tone.
FORMULA/FINISH
For raised scars, any type of concealer works well, especially liquids and creams. You are best to use a resurfacing primer for’ indent’ scars and then a thick waxy concealer.
APPLICATION
For both scars, the best way to apply is to apply it directly to the area. A small concealer brush works best for this sort of application.
ADDITIONAL
Set with a translucent powder and a blending eye brush to avoid creasing.
Darkness & Acne Scars
SHADE/COLOUR
Acne scars and darkness require a similar type of attention as dark circles. The best shade to correct dark acne scars is a pink, peach, yellow, or orange base-toned concealer that is a very similar shade to your natural skin tone.
A shade lighter or two can be used to brighten the darkness; however, ensure you use a skin tone shade on top.
FORMULA/FINISH
A thick waxy type concealer with a finish similar to your foundation should be used.
APPLICATION
Try to only apply the product on the acne scars or discoloration/ darkness themselves rather than over the entire area.
For best results, a small concealer brush will work, as you can add more if needed. It should be applied directly onto the darkness and blended with a brush or your ring finger, depending on personal preference.
ADDITIONAL
For extreme acne scars or discoloration, a corrector can be used underneath the concealer. Alternatively, mixing a small amount of orange lipstick/cream blush or primer with a concealer will help to correct darkness.
Pimples
SHADE/COLOUR
This concealer shade should exactly match your skin tone to avoid highlighting the pimple. However, if your pimple still appears raised after applying concealer, apply a concealer one shade darker onto the raised area. If your pimple has redness, use a green-toned concealer underneath and finish with a skin-toned concealer on top.
FORMULA/FINISH
The formula and finish of this concealer should be different than your under-eye concealer. A concealer that has a thick/waxy formula that dries to a powder finish is the best option. However, some liquid concealers work great too. For the best results and an added bonus, use a concealer that contains salicylic acid. These treat pimples while covering!
APPLICATION
A very small fine tip brush for a precise application, blended with the brush or very lightly with your finger, ensure not to spread the concealer to the surrounding skin. Try; Manicare concealer brush, Benefit Cosmetics concealer brush.
ADDITIONAL
Set with a translucent yellow-toned powder on an eye blending brush to avoid creasing and moving.
Broken Capillaries & Sunspots
SHADE/COLOUR
This concealer shade should exactly match your skin tone to avoid highlighting the area. However, if your sunspots are extreme, you can use a shade lighter and a skin tone shade on top. If the broken capillaries are very red, use a green-toned concealer followed by a skin-toned shade.
FORMULA/FINISH
The formula and finish of this concealer should be different than your under-eye concealer. A concealer that has a thick/waxy formula that dries to a powder finish is the best option. However, some liquid concealers work great too.
APPLICATION
A very small fine tip brush for a precise application, blended with the brush or very lightly with your finger, ensure not to spread the concealer to the surrounding skin. Try; Manicare concealer brush, Benefit Cosmetics concealer brush.
ADDITIONAL
Set with a translucent yellow-toned powder on an eye blending brush to avoid creasing and moving.
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