Makeup Tips: How to Apply Concealer like a Pro

Concealer is one of the most valuable products in any makeup bag. However, applying concealer is not an intuitive process for many, but it's simpler than you may think. 

HIDE Premium Concealer is fantastic at covering all of your imperfections, but only if you are using it correctly. You can have the highest quality concealer on the market, but if you're using it incorrectly, your skin will look anything but flawless. 

If you've ever wondered how to apply your concealer like a pro, then you're in the right place! We are going to give you the 411 on concealers. Learn what they are, the different styles of concealer out there, and how to best apply them to your skin. 

What Is Concealer?

Concealer is a thicker formula than your full coverage liquid foundation. However, it is easier to cover imperfections with concealer than with foundation because of the concentrated formulation. 

Foundation is the first layer of coverage for your skin, and concealer goes on top of it in areas where you will need extra coverage. If you have any skin insecurities due to sunspots, blemishes, or dark circles, concealers can cover it all. HIDE Premium Concealer allows you to cover any discoloration or imperfections that you may have. 

Similar to foundation, concealer comes in a variety of different consistencies, coverages, and shades. Using the correct concealer shade is crucial to any makeup look. 

If you're covering your under-eye circles or highlighting, you should aim for a shade one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. If you're covering blemishes, you want an exact match, and if you are contouring, reach for a concealer one or two shades darker.

Kinds Of Concealers On The Market

If you're just getting into makeup, you've probably already noticed the variety of certain products come in. You can have three concealers, and they could all be different consistencies and formulations. 

Let's go over the main concealers you're going to see most often.

Cream

Cream concealer is a thick creamy, highly pigmented formula that provides medium to full coverage.  

People with dry skin may reach for cream concealers for the added hydration. If you struggle with acne, you may also like a cream concealer because of the coverage and that it won't draw attention to a blemish that's drying out. 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind with cream concealers. They can be challenging to blend out and aren't great for areas like under your eyes because the thicker formulation can cause creasing. So, they may not be the best choice if you have a lot of fine lines or wrinkles. Cream concealers can also clog your pores since they aren't very breathable, which can be a concern if you struggle with breakouts.

Stick

Stick concealers are similar to cream concealers in pigmentation, but they have a more compact feel. Stick concealers also offer a lot of coverage.  

They are a good choice when you want to have precise control over where you are applying your concealer. You can hone in on covering specific areas, like a dark spot or a blemish, by placing the concealer in the exact location you need it.  

However, just like cream concealers, stick concealers can crease if you have fine lines and wrinkles. While they offer one of the fullest coverages, they need to be blended out thoroughly. 

If you have oily skin, you may want to avoid stick concealers in the hotter months since the heat can make it slide around as it melts if you don't set it correctly. 

Liquid

Liquid concealers are some of the most popular concealers on the market because of their versatility. They have a similar consistency to high coverage foundations but are a lot thicker. 

Liquid concealers also have a variety of different finishes. You can find a matte, satin, and radiant finish on the market. HIDE Premium Concealers have a soft-matte finish, which reduces shine and ensures it will stay put all day long! 

A satin finish concealer can provide a more natural look. If you are just looking to correct minor imperfections and you don't have oily skin, a satin look may be what you want.  A radiant finish is ideal for covering under eyes because it can cover the dark circles and brighten up the area. However, you want to be strategic with applying a radiant concealer because you can end up overdoing it and looking shiny.

Liquid concealers are buildable and allow you to achieve medium to full coverage makeup looks. Unlike cream and stick concealers, liquid concealers can be used in all areas of your face and won't be too thick or too heavy. A high-quality liquid concealer can effortlessly be blended out in places like under your eyes and brighten up your face without settling into your fine lines. 

HIDE Premium Concealer works for all skin types. People with normal, dry, oily, or combination skin can achieve a fantastic makeup look that lasts all day with HIDE products. 

How To Apply Concealer

Applying concealer is an art form in and of itself, but anyone can learn how to do it! 

 HIDE Premium Concealer is a water-based, weightless formula that can do it all and is great to use if you're looking for a smooth complexion. 

You can achieve a flawless finish with HIDE concealer by following a few simple steps. 

1. Prep & Prime:

You want to start with clean skin by washing any dirt or oil off your face. Then prime your skin by applying moisturizer. You can also add an actual primer to achieve a more mattifying or illuminating look that can help your makeup last longer. 

2. Apply Foundation:

Before you apply concealer, evenly apply a foundation across your face. We recommend applying your foundation with a foundation brush or a damp makeup sponge for optimal blending. When you apply your foundation before your concealer, you won't end up using more product than you need. 

3. Apply Concealer:

Now it is time to apply your concealer. 

Start in the center of your face, applying the concealer under your eyes and in your T-zone. Draw an inverted triangle under your eyes with your lighter shade and gently blend it out. This triangle technique helps to brighten up the face and won't draw attention to your under eyes. 

Next, apply your concealer that's your exact shade on any blemishes or discoloration on your face. Try not to drag your concealer because this can take it off the area you need it on.

If you're going for a full glam look, you can do a little bit of contouring by using your darker shades around your hairline, down your jawline, and on the upper sides of your nose. Make sure you blend it out entirely, so it looks like you're naturally sculpted!

4. Set Your Makeup:

Once all your liquid products are on, set them with a thin layer of translucent powder. If you're applying a powder with color on over your concealer, you should aim for a powder one shade lighter. The powder can make your face too dark because it gets darker when it comes in contact with the moisture from concealer or foundation. We recommend a translucent powder if you feel you need it.

However, HIDE products don't necessarily need to be set with powder. Another option for locking in your makeup is a setting spray. Both a powder and a setting spray can ensure your makeup won't move no matter what your day holds. 

Double Concealing

A lot of makeup professionals will double conceal if necessary. Double concealing is when you use a color-correcting concealer first and then a skin tone concealer shade over the top. 

This is especially helpful for covering dark under-eye circles. If you apply your lighter concealer on dark circles, it can turn out looking gray. So if you apply a few layers of concealer under your eyes but still feel like you can see your dark circles, double concealing may be for you. 

The key is using the right color-correcting shade for you. If you have deeper skin tones, reach for an orange concealer. For midrange skin tones, look for a salmon color corrector. If you have fair skin, opt for a peach tone corrector. 

Start with a thin layer of corrector under your eyes, and then apply your lighter concealer on top in the inverted triangle pattern we went over earlier. Blend it out using a damp makeup sponge, and watch your dark circles disappear! 

HIDE concealers are pigmented enough to cover tattoos without a color corrector. So more than likely, you won't need an under-eye corrector when using HIDE. 

In Summary

Concealer is one of those makeup bag essentials that can do wonders when applied correctly. Using the correct shade and consistency for your skin type will make application easy. 

HIDE Premium Concealers work for all skin types and can cover almost anything!

 

Sources:

17 Top Tips for Zits and Blemishes | Web MD

Moisturizers: Options for softer skin | Mayo Clinic

Advanced Training in Correcting, Concealing and Camouflaging for Makeup Artists | Makeup Artists EDU