The CORRECT way to apply concealer!

Concealer is the one product in a woman's beauty routine that can dramatically change your appearance. Used correctly, concealer can brighten tired skin, cover up blemishes and conceal dark under-eye circles. Recently one of my friends admitted they are afraid of concealers because they don't know how to apply it properly.  Once you know the basics, you'll find concealer will be your best beauty purchase to date.

Picking the right concealer is the most important step. There are so many types of concealers on the market, choosing one can be confusing. Keep in mind concealer is not a beauty product to scrimp on. The correct one can completely change your look.

Choose a concealer that's yellow-based and a shade or 2 lighter than your skin tone.  If your skin is darker in summer, you should choose a darker shade for summer months and a lighter one for other months. To test shades, try them out at beauty counters or in salon.

I decided to write a post on concealers as many of you have wrote to me asking different questions related to the specific use of this great beauty product.

 The most common question I am asked by friends and clients is ; 

Should You Apply Concealer Before or After Foundation?

This depends on where you're using the concealer. 

For dark under-eye circles, apply concealer first, then foundation.

It's best not to use your basic concealer to try to disguise dark under-eye circles. Instead, choose an under-eye concealer, specially formulated to cover up dark spots. These work by brightening the dark areas under the eyes and are not to be used to camouflage redness or blemishes.

My favourite under-eye concealer is from Glo Minerals.

It retails at 28.97Euro

Check out my post on GloMinerals:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/glominerals-make-up.html

 Concealer looks most natural when you work in layers and build it up gradually. Apply several dots of concealer under the eyes close to the lashes. Apply a dot to the inside corners of the eyes. You can use your finger or, for the best result, try a concealer brush (small-headed brush with firm bristles).

 For blemishes and pimple coverage, apply foundation first or the concealer will be rubbed away in the foundation application.

Using the pad of your middle finger, tap in the concealer (always tap, never rub). Make sure to blend it well. Apply concealer on other uneven spots on the face including the chin, and around the nose and mouth. Apply an extra layer if you need more coverage. The last step to perfect concealer is to dust a fine, loose powder over your face to set your concealer. 

What is the best way to cover up a pimple? 

Use a stiff brush with a pointy, fine tip to dab on a concealer that matches your skin tone. It's important to apply only to the red areas, not necessarily to the raised area. Let the concealer dry. Apply a second layer. Set the concealer with a dusting of translucent powder. If you find you overdid the concealer, use a tissue to gently buff the concealer away. If that doesn't work, moisten a cotton tip with makeup remover and gently apply to the pimple. Then re-cover the pimple with concealer.

To heal pimples faster, see my post on Eve Lom’s Dynaspot.

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/eve-lom-dynaspot.html

What is the best way to disguise pockmarks and deep scars?

 You can disguise a concave scar by using an angled brush dipped in a concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone. Fill in the center of the pockmark without going over the edges and then dust skin with translucent powder. 

If the scar is raised, use a concealer that matches your skin tone and pat the scar with the concealer, setting the concealer with powder.

Does concealer work on under-eye bags?

Concealer is actually not the best product for downplaying under eye bags. Instead, I would recommend a pearl highlighter, which acts as an optical illusion, making you look more awake. Dot the highlighter on the inner corner of eyes, under the lower lids and on the outer corner of the brow.

I love Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.

Retails at 40Euro 

I hope this helps resolve any issues you may have had with the use of concealers. 

I know you will see a great improvement in the overall finish of your desired look once you master the concealer underneath.

If you already have a concealer but have been afraid of using it, start practising. If not, this is the perfect oppertunity to hit the shops and start sampling whats out there and what suits you best.

Happy Shopping :) x