Makeup allows individuals to express themselves and enhance their personal appearance, whether it be by accentuating their lashes with mascara, adding color to their eyes with eyeshadow and eyeliner, emphasizing their lips with lipstick or lip gloss, or achieving a polished look with primer and foundation. And then there’s concealer, which is also an essential part of any makeup routine. You can use them to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections, giving you a flawless, even complexion. Common ingredients found in concealers include pigments, oils and emollients, silicones, waxes, sunscreen, fragrance and glycerine. However, it depends on the brand and the specific product. But with so many different types of concealers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your skin type and desired coverage.
In this article, we will break down the different types of concealers, explain how to choose the right one for you, provide tips on how to apply it for the best results and much more.
Types of Concealers
When it comes to concealers, there are several different types to choose from, each with their own unique benefits and best uses. So, it’s important to consider your own skin type and desired coverage level when choosing a concealer. Experimenting with different types of concealers can help you find the perfect one for your needs. Some of the most popular types of concealers include liquid, cream, stick, and powder.
Liquid concealer
Liquid concealers are one of the most popular types of concealers. They are lightweight, easy to blend, and can provide medium to full coverage. Liquid concealers come in a variety of shades and finishes, from matte to dewy. They are perfect for normal to oily skin types.
Cream concealer
Cream concealers are thicker than liquid concealers and provide full coverage. They are perfect for dry or mature skin as they are more hydrating and can provide a more natural finish. Cream concealers also come in a variety of shades and finishes. They are available in a pot, tube, or stick form.
Stick concealer
Stick concealers are similar to cream concealers, but they come in a convenient stick form. They are easy to apply and blend, and they provide full coverage. They are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and they are ideal for normal to oily skin types.
Powder concealer
Powder concealers come in a compact and they are applied with a brush. They provide a matte finish and are ideal for oily skin types. They are best used to set liquid or cream concealers and to touch-up throughout the day. Moreover, they are also great for baking technique to set the under eye area.
How to Choose the Right Concealer Shade
Choosing the right shade of concealer is crucial for achieving a natural and flawless look. Here are some tips for finding the perfect shade to match your skin tone, undertones, and discoloration:
Match your skin tone
The most important factor when choosing a concealer shade is that it should match your skin tone as closely as possible. To find the perfect shade, test different shades on your jawline and choose the one that blends seamlessly with your skin. Avoid shades that appear too light or too dark as these will create an obvious mismatch and can make your skin look unnatural.
Identify your undertone
Your skin has either cool, warm, or neutral undertones. To identify your undertone, check the color of your veins on your wrist. Blue veins indicate cool undertone, green veins indicate warm undertone, and greenish-blue veins indicate neutral undertone. Identifying your undertone will help you to choose a concealer shade that complements your skin’s natural coloring.
Correct discoloration
Concealers come in different shades to correct different discolorations such as purple for dark circles, orange for blue veins, and green for redness. It is important to choose a concealer shade that is specifically designed to correct the discoloration you want to cover. This will ensure that the concealer is effective in camouflaging the discoloration.
Test in natural light
Lighting can be deceiving, so it’s important to test the concealer in natural light to ensure an accurate match. The shade that looks perfect in artificial lighting may not look the same in natural light, so make sure to test it in both settings to ensure the best match.
Mix shades
Sometimes, it may be necessary to mix shades to achieve the perfect match. If you can’t find a single shade that matches your skin tone exactly, try mixing two shades to create the perfect color.
Use for contouring
Use concealer that is 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone to contour and create dimension on the face. Sculpt and define the face with this technique, giving it a more defined and youthful look.
Try before buying
When choosing a concealer shade, it is always best to try it before buying. You can ask for a sample of the product or test it on your skin in the store. This will allow you to test the shade and make sure it matches your skin tone perfectly before purchasing.
Concealer For Specific Concerns
Cover up specific concerns on the face such as dark circles, blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation by using concealer. Remember to apply it after your foundation and blend well. Also, always set your concealer with powder to avoid creasing.
Dark circles
To conceal dark circles, it is best to use a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. This will help to brighten the area and make it appear less tired. Look for a product with a yellow or peach undertone to neutralize any blue or purple tones in the dark circles. It is also important to use a concealer with a creamy texture that can be blended seamlessly into the skin.
Blemishes
To conceal blemishes, use a concealer that is the same shade as your skin tone or slightly lighter. Look for a product with a matte finish, as this will help to reduce the appearance of shine on the blemish. It is also important to use a concealer with a thick, opaque formula that can provide full coverage.
Redness
To conceal redness, use a concealer that is green-toned. The green will neutralize the redness and make it less noticeable. Look for a product with a light-medium coverage. It is also important to use a concealer with a lightweight formula that will not clog pores and cause further redness.
Hyperpigmentation
To conceal hyperpigmentation, use a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. Look for a concealer with a yellow undertone to neutralize the dark spots. It is also important to use a concealer with a creamy texture that can be blended seamlessly into the skin.
Concealer Application Techniques
Concealer application is an important step in achieving a flawless and natural look. Here are some techniques for applying concealer correctly. By using these techniques and the right tools, you can achieve a natural and flawless look with concealer. In addition, experiment with different application techniques to find the one that works best for you and your specific needs.
Blending
Blending is the key to achieving a natural look with concealer. Use a beauty sponge or your fingers to blend the product into your skin, focusing on the areas that need coverage. Be sure to blend the concealer well, avoiding any hard lines or streaks.
Layering
Concealer can be layered for more coverage in specific areas. Start with a thin layer and build up as needed. Be sure to blend each layer thoroughly to avoid a cakey appearance.
Using beauty tools
A beauty sponge or a concealer brush can be used to apply concealer. A beauty sponge allows for a more natural and sheer coverage, while a concealer brush provides more precision and allows for more control over the amount of product applied.
Triangle technique
To conceal dark circles and brighten the under-eye area, apply concealer in a triangle shape, starting at the inner corner of the eye and extending down to the cheek. This technique will lift the eye area and make it look more awake and refreshed.
Tap and press
Use a tapping and pressing motion with a beauty sponge or your finger to apply concealer. This will help the product to adhere to the skin and give a natural-looking coverage.
Setting with powder
Set the concealer with a translucent powder to help it stay in place and to keep it from creasing throughout the day.
Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer
Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer is a concealer that is designed to instantly erase the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, while also helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness. The product is infused with goji berry and Haloxyl, which work together to provide anti-aging benefits.
The concealer is easy to use, with a simple twist collar applicator that allows you to adjust the amount of product that you need. To use, twist the collar of the applicator until the concealer is visible on the sponge, and then apply to the under-eye area and blend. For extreme dark circles, you can apply the Neutralizer shade under the concealer, and for added luminosity, you can use the Brightener shade on the inner corner of the eyes, cheek, brow bones, and bridge of the nose.
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer is protected by an anti-microbial system, and should not be used with a wet applicator. The product is easy to remove with micellar water.
The concealer is also a popular choice among makeup enthusiasts, with many bloggers raving about its performance and effectiveness in hiding dark circles and fine lines. Overall, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer is a great option for those looking for an affordable and effective product that targets dark circles and fine lines.
How to Remove Concealer Safely
Removing concealer can be a delicate process, as the skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive. Here are a few tips on how to safely remove concealer:
- Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover: Look for a remover that is specifically formulated for eye makeup, as it will be less harsh on the delicate skin around your eyes. Avoid using makeup wipes, as they can be too abrasive.
- Gently massage the remover into your skin: Using your fingertips, gently massage the remover into your skin in circular motions. This will help break down the concealer and make it easier to remove.
- Avoid tugging or pulling: When removing the product, avoid tugging or pulling on your skin. This can cause irritation and even breakage of the delicate skin. Instead, use a cotton pad or a soft cloth to gently wipe away the remover and the concealer.
- Rinse with lukewarm water: After removing the product, rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove any remaining traces of the remover and concealer. This will also help to soothe and calm the skin.
- Pat dry with a clean towel: Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause irritation.
- Follow up with a moisturizer: To keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy, follow up with a moisturizer. This will help to replenish any moisture that may have been lost during the removal process.
In addition to these tips, it’s also important to ensure that you are using a concealer that is appropriate for your skin type and that you are applying it in the correct way. This will help to reduce the need for heavy makeup removal and will also help to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, concealers are a great tool for achieving a flawless complexion. They come in a variety of forms, from liquid to cream to powder, and can provide light to full coverage, depending on your needs. By understanding your skin type, desired coverage, and the different types of concealers available, you can find the perfect one for you. With proper application and blending, concealers can help you achieve a natural-looking, radiant complexion.
