How to use the concealer (with pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Choosing the right concealer in terms of formulation and tone is essential for having a flawless complexion. In most cases it is used to cover dark circles, but it is also effective for hiding pimples, dark spots, scars and varicose veins.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Right Concealer and Applicators

Step 1. Choose the right concealer

This product is available in various formulations and packs. Each variant has been designed to meet different needs, such as skin type and desired degree of coverage. It is perfectly normal to use more than one concealer at a time. To ensure optimal coverage, choose the right product considering your skin and related problems.

• The stick concealers are sold in tubes similar to those of lipsticks. They are used to obtain medium-high coverage in the area of dark circles. Characterized by a thick and creamy texture, they are perfect for normal, dry or sensitive skin. When applied they leave a thick layer of product on the skin. In many cases they contain oil, so they can be spread and blended easily. Precisely for this reason they should be avoided by those with oily skin.
• Cream concealers are sold in jars, compact containers or pallets. They offer medium-high coverage and are ideal for those with normal, extremely dry, combination or sensitive skin. Characterized by a dense consistency, they guarantee high coverage in case of rather evident chromatic alterations. If it is not blended and fixed carefully, the product can accumulate and become pasty on the area where it was applied.
• The creamy concealers that turn into powder are available in a compact version. Characterized by a medium-low coverage, they are perfect for normal, slightly dry, combination or sensitive skin. Thanks to their formulation they can be applied on any area of the face. However, never use them on pimples or dry, flaky areas. The oils and ingredients in these products tend to worsen breakouts and highlight dry areas.
• The creamy liquid concealers are sold in squeezable tubes or equipped with a sponge applicator. They are formulated to provide light to high coverage, even on dark circles. Perfect for those with normal, combination, oily or sensitive skin. They also offer excellent coverage for acne-prone skin. Unlike stick concealers, they are less likely to collect in pleats. Thanks to their light formulation, the product can be gradually layered to achieve the desired result.
• The opaque liquid correctors are sold in squeezable tubes or equipped with a sponge applicator. This type of product offers light to high coverage. It is perfect for pimples. You can also use it as an eye shadow primer. It does not collect in the folds and is not slippery, not to mention that it lasts longer than cream or powder concealers.

• Tinted concealers are available in liquid, cream or stick form. You can use this type of product when you can't get a good result with flesh-colored concealers. To avoid seeing the color of the concealer, apply it first, then proceed with the foundation and a veil of flesh-colored concealer. There are 5 colors designed for 5 different problems:

  • The lavender corrector is used to remedy yellowed areas or for skin with yellow undertones;
  • The yellow concealer hides imperfections with a purplish undertone, such as dark circles or scars;
  • Green hides redness;
  • Pink hides the bluish shades usually associated with lighter skins;
  • Orange or salmon correctors hide blue, gray and purple imperfections.

  

  Step 2. Look for the right concealer tone

  Applying a product that is too light or too dark is useless and counterproductive, as it will only draw attention to problem areas. To make sure you choose the right tone, try the product in store. Apply a small amount to your hand by swiping your finger or tapping it. Once the concealer has been blended, examine the result. If it is visible, then it is too light or too dark for you. If you can't see it, you've selected the right tone.

  • Make the tone of the nude concealer match that of the foundation for a flawless and well-blended effect.
  • There is an exception to the rule regarding the concealer used for dark circles. This product should be 1-2 tones lighter than the foundation and the skin-colored concealer to brighten and lighten the dark areas.

  

  Step 3. Get the right applicators

  A variety of tools can be used to apply the concealer, including (clean) fingers. Buy a concealer brush with natural bristles - it is flat and has an oval shape. You will also need cotton swabs and makeup sponges.

  Part 2 of 4: Prepare the Face for the Application of the Concealer

  

  Step 1. Wash your face

  Before applying moisturizer and applying makeup, always clean it thoroughly to remove traces of dirt, oil and makeup. Remove mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner with an eye makeup remover. Pour some micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently massage your face to remove make-up.

  

  Step 2. Determine the desired degree of coverage

  Needs may vary from day to day. After washing your face, look at the skin in front of the mirror. Try to understand which areas of the face require the use of a concealer. Get all applicators and products needed to treat problem areas.

  • Do you have dark circles under the eyes?
  • Is the area around the nose red?
  • Do you have a pimple or an acne breakout?
  • Do you have scars or areas affected by color changes?

  

  Step 3. Hydrate your face

  The cream fights dryness and protects the skin from the sun. Squeeze the tube of the product onto your hand or pick it up with your finger. Rub your fingers together to warm it up. Apply an even veil on your face.

  Do you have oily skin? Use a moisturizing gel product

  

  Step 4. Moisturizes the eye area, a very delicate and dry area

  The specific creams for the eye contour allow to effectively protect and moisturize the area. Tap a small amount with your fingertips. Massage the cream carefully and let it dry.

  The eye contour can also be applied to the eyelids

  Part 3 of 4: Applying the Concealer

  

  Step 1. Hide dark circles

  The concealer is usually applied to dark circles. Instead of drawing a semicircle, create a triangle using your fingers, a brush, an applicator with a sponge, or a sponge. This method allows to illuminate and regenerate the face.

  • Start from the inner corner of your left eye. Draw or tap a diagonal line with the corrector starting from the inner corner to the top of the left cheekbone.
  • Starting at the top of the left cheekbone, draw a diagonal line to the outer corner of the left eye.
  • Gently blend it down and out using the tool of your choice.
  • Repeat with the right eye.
  • Avoid pulling or rubbing the dark circles area.

  

  Step 2. Cover scars and dark spots using a full coverage cream concealer and a special brush

  Pick up the product with the brush and dab it directly on the dark spot or scar. Apply a veil of illuminating concealer. Dab the affected area with a damp sponge to blend the makeup.

  

  Step 3. Correct the swelling

  Although it is not possible to completely hide eye swelling, it is possible to lessen it with a concealer and a highlighter. Mix a small amount of liquid concealer and a drop of highlighter. Tap the affected area with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Blend down and out.

  

  Step 4. Remedy the redness

  To correct them, use an oil-free cream concealer, a damp sponge and loose powder. Dab the concealer on red areas with your fingers. Blend it by dabbing with a damp sponge previously dipped in loose powder.

  

  Step 5. Hide pimples and raised blemishes

  Use a pencil concealer. Pass the tip over the affected area and around it. Dab it with a damp sponge, then apply a thin layer of loose powder.

  If the blemish or pimple is red, use a green concealer

  

  Step 6. Hide varicose veins

  In this case, use a flesh-colored pencil concealer. After applying the foundation, pass the product on the varicose veins and blend it with your fingers. Apply a second layer of foundation to further blend your makeup. Complete the process by tapping a damp sponge dipped in loose powder.

  Part 4 of 4: Blending and Fixing the Makeup

  

  Step 1. Apply foundation

  It can be used at different stages of the procedure. For full coverage, apply it before using the concealer. For lower coverage, apply it after putting on the concealer.

  • Pour or squeeze a small amount of liquid foundation onto the back of the non-dominant hand.
  • Dip a foundation brush with natural bristles;
  • To start, apply the foundation to the center of the face, then blend it outwards, upwards and downwards.

  

  Step 2. Blend your makeup

  It is the secret to having a flawless result. Dampen a make-up sponge, then wipe it with light, sweeping movements across your face. This allows you to blend the gap between foundation and concealer, so that it is difficult to understand where one product begins and where the other ends.

  

  Step 3. Set your makeup with a translucent loose powder to combat the shine caused by sebum

  Dip a natural bristle powder brush into the product. Lightly tap the handle on the edge of the container to remove excess dust. Run the brush smoothly between the eyebrows, over the nose, under the eyes and around the chin.

  

  Step 4. Done

  Advice

  • When you can, do your makeup in natural light.
  • Never rub the skin, otherwise you only risk making it red and inflamed.