Concealer for Cover-Up: How to Use Makeup for a Flawless Face

There are a lot of choices when it comes to picking a concealer — it’s easy to get confused, right? Besides having to choose a brand and type, you need to think about a few important factors.

First of all, where do you want to apply it?

Secondly, what type of texture and effect do you desire?

Let's go over the basics so you'll know where and how you can best use concealer as part of your beauty regimen:

General Tips: How to Use Concealer

  • The key to a good application of eye concealer is to apply an even layer of foundation first.
  • Using a small amount of concealer apply to the areas needing extra attention.
  • Concealer shouldn’t go past your smile line — will reveal all your fine lines showing your age — you don't want that.
  • Ran out of concealer — dot a smidgen of liquid foundation on the area you want to hide.
  • Powder not only keeps your lovely face even, but it also seals your concealer in oil-producing areas — your T-zone.
  • To prevent your concealer from caking and creasing —  don't smear or drag the concealer. A definite no-no for a flawless look.
  • Different areas and facial conditions require different methods of application.

How to use concealer around the eyes

  • Don’t use a dense-tip concealer brush when applying concealer to your eye areas — a fluffy eye brush works better.
  • Draw a triangle with the base of the shape under your eye, then the tip of the triangle toward your cheek — this method is great to use when concealing dark eyes.
  • Apply the concealer by using a patting motion with a concealer brush or special beauty blender to press it in place.
  • Makeup experts advise applying concealer to the inner corners of your eyes.
  • Buying an eye shadow primer might not be in your budget so instead dab a bit of concealer on each lid — your eye shadow stays on your lids without going into the creases.

Using concealer for Nose and other skin redness

  • A blob of concealer around your nose will help to keep your makeup from coming off — apply setting powder.
  • During the colder months, it is important to moisturize this area to ensure that flaking and dry spots are controlled.

How to use concealer to hide acne and blemishes

  • Small flat marks can be covered by spot correcting with a liquid concealing product.
  • For raised, angry or red pimples it is better to use a creamy camouflage.
  • Another tip from professionals is to sanitize the affected area before applying a primer — concealer followed by foundation.
  • Green concealer applied directly on the affected area then high-coverage concealer, blend and finish with your usual setting powder — be careful not to spread the germs to other areas of your face.
  • If you have breakouts on other areas of your body cover the spots with enough concealer and translucent powder sufficient for that area.

How to use concealer to cover up Scars

  • Before applying the concealer be sure to assess whether your scar is raised or flat as this will determine what consistency is the best to use. For raised scars — creamy, lightweight concealer. Flat scars — a thicker, matte formula has the right consistency.

What to know about Concealer and Skin Pigmentation

Aging causes your skin to change color in obvious places — how do you cover them without drawing attention to that area?

  • Sun damage, aging, and other hormonal pigmentation are awkward to conceal — they appear in all shapes and sizes. A high-pigment and thin formula concealer, matching your complexion, will help your skin look spotless.
  • When applying the concealer to the pigmentation it is better to use a little bit — a rice-sized amount is recommended and a good concealer brush to blend.
  • For a small skin pigmentation — a concealer stick will provide sufficient coverage.

Tips to Avoid when using Concealer

Whether your concealer blew your budget or you got a bargain — application mistakes ruin your overall look.

  • Don’t use the same concealer for blemishes and dark circles — a pasty rich type concealer for blemishes. Circles — liquid light concealer.
  • When you apply concealer first there is a risk of wiping it away and applying too much.
  • Using the wrong color concealer to cover dark eyes. Before using your normal concealer and foundation, try putting a light peachy colored concealer on first — this will counteract the blueness of the circles.
  • Don’t just use your fingers to apply concealer — blemishes and dark spots need a more targeted application. A brush that has a stiff pointed tip will do quite nicely.
  • Not setting your concealer with powder. Using an oil-absorbing setting powder will not only set your concealer it will help it last all day.
  • Keeping your concealer past the use-by date is never a good idea. Most cosmetic products have a shelf life of two years. While the product is safe, the formula will react differently as it ages.

Resources— Beauty Heaven, Cosmopolitan, Glamour

About The Author