ll be honest with you: I used to think concealer was the most self-explanatory product in my makeup bag. Like—what more can you do than swipe it under your eyes or on top of your zits, right? Welp, wrong, ’cause apparently, concealer can do way more than hide your annoyances (spoiler: you can also use it on your eyelids, collarbones, and even your back). Ahead, I rounded up 20 game-changing concealer tips, tricks, and hacks that’ll pretty much change the way you apply your makeup (for real).
Concealer Tip #1: Draw your under-eye concealer in a triangle
The biggest mistake you’re probably making with your under-eye concealer? Not drawing it in an upside-down triangle. When you sweep your product directly under your eyes (i.e., right on top of your bags or dark spots), you’re actually emphasizing the area, not concealing it (especially if your shady spots extend way farther than your lower lash line).
An inverted triangle—think: the base should be under your eye, with the tip pointing toward your cheek—brightens up your entire face, regardless of how many hours of sleep you got. Try it out yourself with one of these top-rated concealers:
Concealer Tip #2: Apply your foundation first
I’ve definitely learned this one the hard way, y’all, since concealer has been the first step in my makeup routine for years (which, if you want a sheerer, no-makeup makeup look, is totally fine). When you apply concealer first, you actually end up removing most of it when you sweep on your foundation or powder. If you start with foundation, though, you’ll need way less concealer overall and get a more full-coverage finish,since you’re basically applying it on top of a base. Some of my favorite foundations to get you started, ahead:
Concealer Tip #3: Prime your eyelids with concealer
Not super down to spend extra $$ on an eyeshadow primer? Concealer is actually a godsend for preventing fallout and creasing (yup, really). Just dab a little concealer along your lids with your fingertips before you start on your smokey eye.
Concealer Tip #4: Cover zits with green concealer
If your classic concealer just isn’t cutting it when it comes to zits, try swapping it for a green formula, which can help cancel out redness. Gently tap a green-tinted concealer (I’m a fan of Physicians Formula Conceal RX or Dermablend Color-Correcting Powder Pigment) directly onto your zit, avoiding the surrounding skin. Then, use a cotton swab to blend a tiny bit of high-coverage concealer (one that matches your skin tone) on top of the zit to really camouflage it. Finish off with a sweep of setting powder and you’ll be good to go.
Concealer Tip #5: Use concealer on your body
Concealers aren’t just for your face—if you have a zit on your chest or back that needs covering, dab on a creamy concealer and top it with setting powder. Continue alternating between concealer and powder, waiting a full five minutes between each “coat” until you’re left with the coverage you want. Not sure your setting powder is up to the task? These are some of my favorite formulas:
Concealer Tip #6: Swap your concealer for foundation in a pinch
If you find yourself without concealer (been there), place a small dot of liquid foundation on your zit/under eyes/nose/wherever, wait a few minutes for the formula to set, and then lightly blend it out with your clean fingertips. The trick is to wait until the foundation dries and thickens a bit (it will eventually reach the consistency of concealer) before trying to blend it. If you blend it too soon, the foundation will look too sheer and rub off, leaving you with some not-so-concealed spots.
Concealer Tip #7: Highlight your lids with concealer
Give your eyelids a nice little highlight with the help of a concealer that’sslightly lighter than your skin tone. Divide your lid into three tiny sections (the inner V, the middle, and just below the brow bone) with a concealer stick, then gently blend with your fingertips. The result? Bright, well-rested eyes that definitelyhide the fact that you went way too hard at happy hour.
Concealer Tip #8: Dab concealer over under-eye circles
If your under-eye circles are looking a little darker than usual, try dabbing an orange or peach concealer (which cancel out dark, blue shadows) with your ring finger. It sounds very old-school, but it’s legit: Your ringer finger is actually the weakest of your fingers, so it’ll apply just the right amount of pressure to blend your concealer without pulling at the delicate skin around your eyes.
Concealer Tip #9: Load up on color-correcting formulas
I’m of the belief that everyone should own a few color-correcting concealers, especially if you’re dealing with discoloration. Your color-correcting strategy depends entirely on your skin tone and concerns, but generally, you’ll want to look toward pale-pink concealer to brighten blue-toned spots on fair skin, peach concealer to neutralize blue/purple shadows on medium skin tones, orangey-pink concealer to cancel out dark spots on dark skin tones, yellow concealer to offset purple or darker-toned shadows on olive or tan skin, green concealer to neutralize redness, and lavender concealer to cancel out yellow tones.
Concealer Tip #10: Combine eye cream, highlighter, and concealer to mask puffy eyes
The secret to hiding tired, puffy eyes? A combination of eye cream, highlighter, and concealer, which brightens and lifts your brow bones for a wide-awake look. Just mix all three products on the back of your hand and tap it into your skin with your fingertips for a natural finish.
Concealer Tip #11: Blot your concealer to prevent caking and creasing
After applying concealer, blot the area with a thin tissue to prevent the product from settling into the creases around your eyes. And if your concealer tends to look a little cakey around midday, split a tissue into two layers and use one side to dab away excess oil.
The post 11 Concealer Tips for Covering Zits, Dark Circles, Discoloration, and More appeared first on wikiloss.
