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How to choose and use concealer

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Image: Getty Images
Image: Getty Images

Concealer is a make-up bag staple, but many of us are just not doing it right. We’re either choosing concealer which is too light, too dark, or not the right texture for our particular skin type. Also do you apply it before or after foundation, and should we be applying it elsewhere? We’re also failing to apply it correctly which could be making our dark circles look worse. But with the right knowledge you can easily turn this around and learn to apply the creamy helper like a pro.

Prep your skin first

One of the biggest mistakes we make is not prepping the eye area first before applying concealer. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, concealer won’t sit naturally and seamlessly, so prep the area first using a hydrating eye cream.

Choose the correct colour

Always make sure you test your concealer out in person. Swatch the under eye with a few different concealer shades to check and make sure the colour looks bright and that it also is skin tone correct. It’s better to choose a shade closer to the rest of your skin colour for the base coverage before adding a brightener on top. If you have dry skin, try a liquid or creamy version. For oily skin, a dense, drier cream or creme-to-powder version will work well.

Test a few shades

Check it on the outer corner of the under eye and compare to the brow bone. If the concealer is brighter than your brow bone, then it may be too light and bright, as the brow bone should be the lightest part of the face to help lift and open the eyes.

Apply concealer before or after foundation

Some beauty experts swear by applying concealer first, but it really doesn’t matter. A lot of the discoloration and darkness in the face is under the eye, including the inner corner of the eye. So when you take it away, you’ll be able to see where you need foundation throughout the rest of the face more easily and will probably end up using less. But it’s simply down to preference.

Apply with a brush

Concealer is great for adding brightness to the face, and for covering dark areas, redness, pimples or imperfections. The best way to make concealer look natural is to apply it with a brush. Buff it on with an eye shadow brush, or use your fingers to build up coverage over very dark circles. Prepping the skin first with eye cream will also help to prevent a dry or cakey finish under the eye.

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