Careful application of concealer can help to disguise imperfections and even out skin tone - especially useful for under eye areas. As with foundation, the best results are achieved by choosing the correct colour of concealer, and effective application of the product. When selecting the right shade for your skin, it is best to use a product slightly lighter than your natural tone, and with yellow based pigments- these help counteract the redness of blemishes and blotchy skin.
When applied properly, the concealer becomes virtually invisible, and greatly reduces the appearance of any imperfections, and to achieve this, follow the simple guide below:
* Don't apply concealer straight from a tube or stick - this will leave too much product on the skin, and will lighten the whole area, rather than small areas, creating a patchy appearance.
* Use a fine tipped make up brush for precision application - particularly needed for spots, or alternatively use a concealer pencil. After the area has been covered, blend the concealer around it using your fingertips. Once this has been done, dust the area with a loose powder to keep it in place.
* To disguise dark under eye circles, use a thicker, creamy textured concealer, and ensure you blend it well. Be careful when applying to this area that you don't press too hard, and avoid dragging concealer sticks in particular, as the skin here is very delicate! Also don't use too much loose powder on this area, as it can settle into the natural creases around the eye, making any fine lines appear larger.
* The best way to tackle scars is to use tricks of the light to your advantage. If getting rid of indents, use a lighter shade of concealer than your skin tone, but to most effectively disguise raised scars, use a concealer slightly darker than your natural colour.
* Most people tend to put concealer on before foundation, yet in reality it often gets wiped away whilst doing this. Therefore don't be afraid to apply concealer after foundation for most effective coverage, but only dust with loose powder after both the foundation and concealer are complete.
* If you rarely need concealer, but want to be prepared for that unexpected breakout, you needn't buy a concealer. If you normally use a foundation with a cap, the slightly thicker residue found here can be effectively used as a good concealer substitute! You also needn't worry about trying to find the right shade, as this is a perfect colour match!
Powder
After applying foundation and concealer, it is a good idea to use a powder, which helps to 'set' makeup, and gives a fresh, matt finish to the skin.
The two most common types of powder are 'Loose' and 'Compressed'. As the name suggests, loose powder consists of a very fine powder normally contained in a pot, whereas compressed powder is a solid substance, typical of a compact.
Loose powder is most easily applied with a large soft makeup brush, or by using a powder puff. To apply, dip the brush or puff into the loose powder, and gently tap off any excess. Using light sweeping motions, dust the powder all over your face, also giving a light dusting to the eye lids. Not only will this brighten the appearance of the eyes, it also creates a good even base if you are later applying eye shadow.
Pressed powder is ideal to touch up your makeup during the day, and can really help to prevent shiny skin in problem areas such as the forehead. However, apply pressed powder sparingly, as otherwise it can appear 'streaky'.
Cosmetics are meant to enhance your natural beauty, not to hide it, and definitely not meant to cause skin problems. Concealer is a product that many women, however, do not know how to properly apply. Concealer can ultimately cause the skin to look silky smooth and flawless when applied the correct way. The way most women apply it usually makes the make-up looked caked on or makes the skin look oily, lifeless, and dry. Sometimes the wrong application can even cause dermatology problems. The following tips can help you learn how to apply concealer the correct way, no matter what brand you use.
Tip #1: Use only new, clean products to apply the concealer.
You can apply concealer with your fingers, a brush, a make-up sponge, or a cotton swab. However, no matter how you choose to apply the make-up, make sure that the application product is clean and, if possible, new. When you apply concealer with old tools, the leftover caked on make-up from last application can cause clumps and uneven application. It can also harbor bacteria that can stick to your face and causes blemishes and other dermatological issues. Even if you use your fingers, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before-hand, and always wash your face before applying makeup.
Tip #2: Choose a concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone.
Without the perfectly matched make-up, it does not matter what application process you use. Today, most of the major brands work well with all skin types, but you have to find the best color for your skin tone. Do not just look at the bottles and choose the color that seems right. You may be surprised to find that your face is a lot darker or lighter than you think. Concealer is made with either cool or warm undertones, so even if you get the right darkness, you still may not have the perfect color. Test out small sizes to find the one that is right for you, and remember, you may need a darker color in the summertime if you spend a lot of time outside. Many cosmetic lines have transparent color swatches that you can put your hand under and match your skin tone to the concealer hue.
Tip #3: Apply foundation before applying concealer.
Concealer is meant to do just what the name implies and conceal. It should not be the first thing you put on your face, since concealer is too heavy for an all-over coat that evens out your skin tone. First, put on foundation to do that job; then use concealer to cover up the problem spots. If you use concealer like foundation, you will most likely end up with a caked-on, heavy look.
Tip #5: Set the concealer with a pressed powder.
After applying foundation and concealer, set your face with a pressed powder. Many women skip this step, but if you do, you will likely find that the concealer has worn off by the middle of the day. Pressed powder can actually save you money, since it means you have to apply your concealer less often.
Tip #6: Use a light touch.
For the best application, apply the concealer with a light hand. You can always add more if needed, but with most great products, you actually need to use very little to cover up blemishes. If the concealer comes out to thick, you can draw more attention to those spots on your face. Remember, foundation first, then concealer. If you need more concealer, add it then, but most concealers will likely cover any blemish with just a single coat.
Tip #7: Use special concealer to cover up bruises, dark circles under your eyes, and other hard-to-cover blemishes.
Regular concealer might not work for every person in every instance. For example, if you are trying to cover a scar, dark circles under your eyes, a bruise, or other contrasted blemishes, you may need a special concealer to get the proper coverage. Apply this concealer after foundation and a light touch with your regular concealer. You may be surprised to find that you do not actually need the heavy-duty make-up in most cases. We are usually extra critical of our own faults, but the blemishes on your face may not be that bad, calling only for a regular concealer.
Concealer should be used sparingly, and if you apply it with a discerning eye, it will not look like you are wearing any make-up at all. The right concealer and other make-up products can be your best friends, making your skin look alive, healthy, and fresh, while the wrong application for these products just will not do your natural beauty the proper justice.
Both L J Hannah & Eyeslips5 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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