When it comes to makeup, there are very few products as indispensable and handy as concealer. It can give you an extra hand when it comes to hiding some problem areas, whether that be blemishes, under-eye circles, or just all-around achieving the perfect complexion. Yet when it comes to actually picking your bronzer, there are so many options that the task can fill you with dread. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about concealer — from what it is and how it works, all the way to application techniques and choosing the right shade.
What is Concealer?
It is simply a makeup product used to cover dark circles, age spots on the face, and some other small blemishes visible on your skin. It is like foundation, but usually a more thick and concentrated version of it. This way it really can cover the imperfections on your face very well. Because it is generally applied on top of foundation, for extra coverage and a flawless finish.
Types of Concealers
There are many types to consider, and each type is made for a specific skin care concern and/or area on your face. Knowing these types will help you to choose the best product that fits your needs.
1. Liquid Concealer
Liquid concealers are often the most universally workable, suiting just about all skin types. They also work well with normal, oily, and combination skin. Liquid — works to cover blemishes, redness, and dark circles with finishes from matte to dewy.
Pros:
- Buildable coverage
- Easy to blend
- Good For Various Skin Types
- Available in various finishes
Cons:
- If not set correctly, may crease in small lines
- May be too moisturizing for very oily skin
2. Cream Concealer
Cream concealers provide medium to full coverage and are best suited for dark circles, pigmentation, and blemishes. These are a bit on the thicker side than those liquid ones and work well for dry to normal skin types. Cream concealers are available usually sold in pots, palettes, or stick form.
Pros:
- Provides full coverage
- Long-lasting
- Good coverage for dark spots and pimples
Cons:
- Might be too thick for oily skin.
- Gets a cakey finish if not blended properly
3. Stick Concealer
These highly pigmented formulas are full coverage, meaning that they’re ideal for covering up intense discoloration and scars. They consist of a thick consistency and can be applied directly to the skin.
Pros:
- Full coverage
- Good on-the-go touch-ups
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Too thick for fine lines or around the eyes
- Only for very oily skin
4. Pencil Concealer
Pencil concealers work well for application contour and are also used to cover small blemishes, and acne spots or give highlights on certain areas. They can also be used as a lip liner or to tidy up the edges of lipstick.
Pros:
- Precise application
- Versatile for multiple uses
- Great for small blemishes
Cons:
- Large Areas Require More Time
- Can be drying
5. Color-Correcting Concealer
Color-correcting concealers are used to cancel out different skin issues before you go in with a concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone. All of them are in different colors, depending on what problem they can solve:
- Green: Neutralizes redness (e.g., acne, rosacea)
- Yellow: Brightens dark under-eye circles with purple or blue tones
- Peach/Orange: Counteracts blue or purple tones in medium to dark skin tones
- Lavender: Brightens sallow skin or dullness
- Pink: Brightens dark circles on light skin tones
Pros:
- Corrects specific skin issues
- Improves the performance of makeup products
Cons:
- Requires additional blending
- Not wearable alone on its own without foundation or daily concealer.
Selecting Appropriate Concealer
The trick is to find the right concealer for your skin type, under-eye bag concern, and shade that matches best with your natural color.
1. Identify Your Skin Type
For Dry Skin:
Go for concealers in liquid or cream form that offers a hydrating formula. Stay away from matte finishes as they will highlight dryness.
Oily Skin:
Go for mat liquid concealer or an oil-free and long-lasting stick.
Combination Skin:
A semi-matte liquid concealer is great for combination skin.
If you have sensitive skin, search for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free best non-comedogenic concealers.
2. Determine Your Coverage Needs
Light Coverage:
For mild discolorations or brightening in the under-eye area.
Medium:
Perfect for dark circles, redness, or a little here-and-there blemishes. Cream Concealing
Full Coverage:
For moderate to severe acne, scarring, or intense hyperpigmentation. Stick or cream concealers can be used.
Choose the Correct Shade For Your Skin Tone
The most important thing in natural makeup is selecting the right concealer shade. Here’s how to do it:
For Under-eye Area:
To brighten and camouflage darkness under your eyes, opt for a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation.
Blemishes:
Identify the perfect press concealer that will match your exact skin tone and light on blemishing them as opposed to highlighting.
You can color-correct and apply a skin-tone concealer on top of the previous layer.
Consider the Undertone
Knowing your skin’s undertone is the key to picking the perfect concealer shade. There are usually three main types of skin undertones and they include:
Cool- Pink, Red or Bluer undertones
Skin undertones:
Warm (yellow, gold or peach)
A Neutral:
Both warm and cool undertones evenly.
Consider choosing the tone of a complementary concealer so it looks more natural.
How to Apply Concealer
Where applying concealer can help you out in those moments when your foundation has not covered that pimple completely and to finish it, so let’s see how. Keep scrolling for a step-by-step tutorial on putting it in different areas and concerns:
1. Under-Eye Circles
It is a great tool to use when brightening those dark under eyes which are every girl’s concern.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Skin Prep: Use an eye cream underneath the under-eye area to moisturize and prevent the concealer from caking in your creases.
- Use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Create a triangle with the base under your eye and pointing toward your cheek.
- Apply little by little; use a damp makeup sponge, brush, or simply your fingers to apply the cream under eye concealer, and be careful with edges blending them into the foundation.
- Powder Set: Lightly set with a translucent powder to avoid creasing.
2. Blemishes and Redness
If you are trying to cover blemishes and redness, be very careful not to draw more attention to it.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Prepare the Skin: To begin with, wash your face to get a clean slate for this makeup look.
- Color Correct — Going back to the color-correcting rule, because green represents red on the color wheel and cancels it out. Apply a very small amount of green-based concealer over any area you have previously concealed that is particularly red before applying.
- Conceal It — Place a small portion of concealer on your brush or finger and dab it precisely over the blemish / red area.
- Blending: Blend the edge with your foundation, being cautious not to erase it altogether.
- Powder: Lock your concealer in place by dusting a setting powder very lightly over it.
3. Treatment of hyperpigmentation a dark spots
Generally, full-coverage concealer is used to cover hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Step-by-Step Application:
- Skin Prep: Make sure the skin is properly hydrated and prepped.
- Concealer: Add that extra layer, use a concealer similar to your skin tone. Apply it alternatively to the dark spot or hyperpigmented part.
- Blend — tap the edges with a brush or sponge to blend into your foundation so the spot is covered but doesn’t look like it.
- Set with powder — Apply a translucent powder over the top of your concealer to seal it in place and stop it from moving throughout wear.
How to Avoid Concealer Mistakes?
Mistakes in application can occur even with the greatest of products. Great. Here are some common concealer mistakes, and I believe you can avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Shade
What does a lighter shade of concealer do? It makes every single blemish that you are trying to cover up, stand out even more! Be sure to try shades on your face in natural light before you buy.
2. Applying Too Much Product
Too much concealer can cause a cakey finish and results. Apply a little deeper and, if necessary, shoot again until you have the best examination.
3. Not Blending Properly
Not blending in your concealer at all, or properly can result in harsh lines or patches. Apply with a damp sponge or brush for smooth and true color, then apply to the edges of your foundation.
4. Primer Or Moisturizer?
If your skin is dry or unprimed, applying concealer can make it settle into fine lines and appear splotchy. Prep your skin with a moisturizer and then use primer before applying concealer.
5. Forgetting to Set with Powder
If you do not set your concealer, it will crease or fade. Finish off with a finish of translucent powder to put it.
Conclusion
A good concealer can cover blemishes, add brightness to the face, and give a perfect base makeup. With knowledge about the types of concealers, picking out your shade and properly applying it can result in a makeup finish that is natural and long-lasting. Account for your skin type, undertone, and specific concerns in choosing a concealer match while also avoiding the mistakes of going to ham on application or blending. Approachable concealers can add ease to any beauty routine, and be worn again every day.
FAQs
First and foremost, to prevent concealer creeping into fine lines make sure the area is well moisturised with a light eye cream. Apply concealer gently with a wet sponge ( become) or brush. Lastly, you want to dust a little bit of translucent powder on top just to set it in place and minimize the chance that your concealer will crease.
For your super quick daily makeup, you can use concealer as a foundation. But it shines best on concentrated tiny areas of the face needing extra coverage. To use the concealer all over your face, mix it with a little moisturizer or primer to make it easier to blend.
Tip: Selecting the best shade for your blemishes and redness —Match up to your skin tone. Opt for a concealer brow color 1–2 shades more fair than your foundation to brighten and lift. When choosing your concealer, take heed of the tone —cool, warm, or neutral— you are and get a similar shade for a more natural look.