Concealers are a true beauty hero when it comes to hiding all manner of imperfections.
Used to cover up everything from dark under-eye circles to blemishes and scars, it’s also the perfect anti-ageing makeup – applied correctly it can make you look 10 years younger in a flash.
Whether you require subtle, sheer coverage or a more heavy-duty camouflage effect for those early mornings (or late nights), concealer is the makeup item many of us wouldn’t leave the house without.
Concealers work so well because they are made of a denser material than most other cosmetics, giving them more coverage and more staying power. They are not meant to cover the whole face so a little goes a long way.
How to cover dark circles
One of the best uses of concealer is to cover up dark under-eye circles. A persistent beauty detractor, dark circles have many causes and may include genetics, lack of sleep, thinning of the skin under the eyes caused by ageing, under-eye bags caused by fluid retention or herniated fat pockets, and some illnesses such as Addison’s disease or kidney disease.
To cover those dark circles, you’ll need a yellow-based creamy concealer in one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. This colour masks the blue discolouration and at the same time brightens skin. If you’re fair try a porcelain-toned concealer.
If you only have slight dark circles, a stick foundation a shade or two lighter than the rest of your face should be sufficient as a concealer. If you have extreme dark circles, you may need a corrector as well. A corrector, in either pink or peach colour, will counteract the purple or green tones that may be part of the dark circles. If you have pale skin use a soft pink and if your skin tone is darker use a medium or dark peach.
Firstly apply your under-eye cream. Next apply your corrector with either a brush or your fingertips. Apply the corrector close to the lashes and then gently blend with your fingertips.
Next apply the concealer with either a brush or fingertips, making sure you blend as you go. The concealer should be applied over the dark circles all the way up to the lash line. To set the concealer, use a powder puff and apply some pale yellow powder over the concealer and all over the eyelid.
How to cover blemishes
Need to cover a blemish or small discolouration? Make sure you use a concealer the same shade as your skin and apply over the indicated area with a brush or fingertips, making sure to blend well. Then set with a face powder that’s the same shade as your skin.
The key to successful concealing
Your concealer and corrector should be undetectable. Correct application as well as the right colour are the two keys to successful concealing. If your skin looks crepey after application then you need to apply a more hydrating moisturiser before you conceal.
If the concealer starts to dissipate quickly, you have used too much moisturiser and not waited for it to completely absorb before concealing.
If the concealer starts to crease, you need to make sure you have set it properly with powder. Most makeup artists believe concealing should be done before foundation application – not after – for the best results.
