Concealer is like a magic tool in your makeup kit that can make a big difference in how you look. When used correctly, it can make your face look brighter, hide blemishes, and cover up those pesky under-eye circles. Some beauty experts even prefer using concealer over foundation for a more natural look. However, using concealer the wrong way can sometimes make things worse, like making your skin look chalky or uneven. To help us avoid these mistakes and learn how to apply concealer perfectly every time, we got some tips from expert makeup artists. The key takeaway: choosing the best concealer is crucial.
How to Apply Concealer Correctly, According to Pro Makeup Artists
Start With Cleansed Skin
Before putting on any makeup, make sure your face is super clean and moisturized. Dermatologists and makeup artists agree that this is the most important step. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat it dry, and then use serums and moisturizers. This not only gets your skin ready but also helps the makeup look better and last longer.
Apply Makeup Primer
To make sure your makeup stays put all day, start by applying a best primer before the rest of your makeup. There are different types of primers available, like moisturizing ones for dry or sensitive skin, and oil-free options for those with oily skin. Simply use your fingers to gently massage the primer into your skin. This creates a smooth base for your makeup and helps it last longer.
Use a Base
Once your primer is on, choose a tinted moisturizer, foundation, CC cream, or BB cream for your base. If you go with foundation and you’re covering under-eye circles, apply concealer first and then the foundation. This order helps tackle those circles effectively. For blemishes or pimples, apply foundation first; otherwise, the concealer might rub away when you apply the foundation. This sequence ensures a smooth and effective application for a flawless finish.
Prep Your Skin
Now that you’ve cleansed your face, it’s crucial to moisturize the under-eye area before applying concealer. According to makeup artist, opt for “an effective but gentle and quickly absorbed eye cream.” They recommends a few favorites, including COSMEDIX Deep Hydration Eye Serum ($73), and IS CLINICAL Youth Anti-Aging Cream ($147), and goop Beauty Vitamin C Smooth Wrinkles & Puffy Eyes Cream ($58). These choices help keep the under-eye area hydrated and primed for a smoother concealer application.
Choose Your Formula
Choosing the right concealer consistency is key for hiding under-eye circles. Despite the temptation of a thick formula, my makeup artist recommends a creamy consistency. According to her, “For under the eyes, I love liquid and cream concealers, as the drier, thicker, and waxier formulas tend to crease more underneath the eyes. The creamier formulas wear more naturally.” A recommended option is the Dermablend Hydrating Cream Concealer ($42) for its light, natural coverage, and radiant finish.
Find the Right Shade
Selecting the right concealer shade is crucial, and while it might seem obvious, it’s easy to go for one that’s too light, peachy, or yellow, making the concealer noticeable. Our Makeup artist suggests a straightforward guide: “Look for pink colors if you’re fair-skinned, salmon if you’re medium-toned, and peaches and oranges if you’re olive- or darker-complexioned.” The general rule is to choose a shade that’s one to two tones lighter than your natural skin tone.
For blemishes, artist advises finding a formula that matches your skin exactly in tone. Going too light might draw more attention to what you’re trying to cover.
Consider changes in your skin tone, especially during summer. If your skin is darker, choose a darker shade for the summer months and a lighter one for other times. Don’t hesitate to test shades at department store beauty counters or Sephora to find your perfect match.
Apply the Concealer
To achieve a natural look, it’s crucial not to apply too much concealer. Our Makeup artist advises, “Don’t overdo on concealer. Apply layer by layer and make sure to blend each layer by gently tapping the worked area with your fingertips.” Use this technique by applying small dots of concealer under the eyes, close to the lashes, and a dot to the inside corners of the eyes. They suggests using a damp Beautyblender($18) for blending. If using your fingers, tap in the concealer with the pad of your middle finger, ensuring a seamless blend.
Extend this approach to other uneven spots on the face, such as the chin, around the nose, and mouth if necessary. Apply and tap in, adding more layers if additional coverage is needed.
Add Setting Powder
To complete your concealer application, use a fluffy brush to dust fine, loose powder over your face, setting the concealer in place. Makeup artist the importance of setting the under-eye with a super-light translucent powder, ensuring your concealer and eye makeup stay in place. She recommends Dermablend Loose Setting Powder ($30).
If you’re concerned about applying too much powder, Suzy Gerstein has a clever tip to achieve a flawless look. She suggests separating a two-ply tissue and gently powdering through the half-sheet, preventing over-powdering and ensuring a polished finish.
Conclusion:
Applying concealer is an essential skill in the world of makeup. With the right product, proper techniques, and a little practice, you can effectively cover imperfections and brighten your complexion, leaving you with flawless, radiant skin. Remember that makeup is an art, and everyone’s canvas is unique, so embrace the process and have fun mastering the art of concealer application.