What is Concealer and What Makes it Different From Other Makeup Products
Are you crushing the concealer game, or do you feel like you’re actually bringing more attention to your imperfections, and you're not sure why? If you haven't found your holy-grail concealer yet, no worries, we have you covered at HIDE.
Concealer is one of the most important products in many people's makeup bags. It's one of those essentials that everyone needs.
We know with so many types, finishes, and textures, it can be challenging to know what concealer is right for you. You want to find one that can cover your blemishes, discoloration, and other imperfections with minimal effort.
Learn how to put your concealer problems behind you so you can start reaping the benefits of this excellent makeup product. We're going to go over what concealer even is and why it's different than other makeup.
What Is Concealer
So what is concealer? In the simplest terms, concealer is a color-correcting cosmetic.
Concealer is not the same as foundation, although both can create an even-looking complexion. Concealer is a much thicker consistency and is designed to be layered on top of your skin. It's easier to cover a problem area with concealer than with foundation. Foundation is meant to be the first layer of coverage, and concealer goes on top to give you a true flawless-looking complexion.
A high-quality concealer, like HIDE Premium Concealer, allows you to mask everything from dark circles to blemishes to hyperpigmentation and even tattoos!
Concealer comes in many different formulations. There is cream concealer, which is very pigmented and, as the name suggests, comes in a creamy formulation. There are also stick concealers that are firmer than a cream but similar in pigmentation. A stick concealer gives you the ability to precisely control where you are placing the product. Finally, there are liquid concealers. We consider liquid concealers to be the most versatile.
Liquid concealers can cover your whole face and never look too heavy or creases like cream and stick concealers. If you struggle with acne, liquid concealer is a good choice because it can offer high coverage without clogging your pores, as a cream or a stick concealer may do.
HIDE Premium Concealer is an excellent choice if you're looking for a liquid concealer. It is long-lasting and oil-free, which will give you a matte finish that lasts all day. It's also waterproof, so it will keep you covered no matter what your day holds. We also offer a variety of shade and undertone options so you can get your exact match.
Why You Need Concealer
If it's not obvious already, let's dive into why you need at least one concealer in your makeup collection.
If you only have a foundation and not a concealer, you could be using an excessive amount of foundation and not even realize it. While you can layer a buildable foundation, it can be easy to start looking cakey when trying to achieve a high coverage look.
Concealer allows you to accomplish a natural-looking finish. Since concealer is a thicker product, you can use a smaller amount to cover your imperfections.
It's also worth investing in a higher-end concealer. Cheap concealers are around every corner, but not all of them will create the desired effect. Less expensive concealers can have low-quality ingredients, which are either not great for your skin or aren't long-lasting. These types of concealers have the potential to affect your skin negatively, and you could end up with even more imperfections.
HIDE offers a premium formulation with higher quality ingredients. It will last longer than most less expensive products and won't break apart or look splotchy.
So concealer is worth adding to your makeup collection. Think about spending more than a few bucks to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
How To Apply Concealer
You can have the perfect concealer, but if you don't know how to apply it, you can end up looking worse.
If you don't know what you're doing, there will be a trial and error phase, but we'll try to help you along the way.
The first step is priming your skin and applying your foundation, and then you can use a concealer.
Under Your Eyes
When placing concealer under your eyes, aim for an inverted triangle pattern with your concealer. This technique will ensure you don't end up emphasizing your under-eye area. Once your concealer is in place, dab over the area with a damp makeup sponge until it's blended out. You can also use your ring finger. The warmth from your fingertip will help melt the concealer into your skin for a natural-looking finish that will brighten up your face.
Blemishes & Other Imperfections
For concealing blemishes and other imperfections, start with a small layer over the area. Use the same dabbing technique as you do when bleeding concealer out under your eyes. If you can still see what you're trying to conceal after the first layer, go in with another small amount until it is completely covered. You won't need a lot of HIDE Premium Concealer to cover blemishes and redness because of its high pigmentation.
After blending out your concealer, you can go over it with a translucent powder to set it if you feel like you need to. You can also lightly blot the area to remove any excess product that may make you look cakey.
Common Concealer Questions
There are many common questions that arise around concealer. Here are a few tips and tricks to turn your confusion into clarity.
Should My Concealer Be Lighter Than My Foundation?
It depends. If you are looking for a concealer to highlight and brighten up your face, you should absolutely go a shade or two lighter than your foundation. You can apply it under your eyes and in your T-zone to lighten your appearance. Don't go too light because you can end up looking washed out.
You don't want to use a lighter concealer shade if you're covering random blemishes and flaws in other areas of your face. Try a concealer that matches your foundation shade. You want an exact match so that it effortlessly blends into your foundation. Otherwise, you may have white spots on your face, which will end up highlighting your flaws.
How Do I Stop My Concealer From Creasing?
Concealer can settle into fine lines and wrinkles, creating creasing and cakiness. There are a few simple steps you can follow to avoid creasing from occurring.
The first step is choosing a lightweight hydrating concealer. A heavy dry concealer tends to crease more because they are less malleable, making them stand out in the folds of your skin.
HIDE concealer is ultra-lightweight and gives you a nice balance of setting without settling into your fine lines and wrinkles.
When applying your concealer, use a damp makeup sponge to press your concealer into your skin gently. This technique helps set the concealer.
Finally, go over the area with blotting paper to remove any extra product.
Do I Need A Color Correcting Concealer?
Color correcting concealers can be an excellent tool for hiding discoloration on your face.
You want to pick a color on the opposite side of the color wheel than the color you're trying to conceal. For example, you want to go with an orange color corrector to cover blue under-eye circles. If you have a dark skin tone, opt for red instead of orange.
However, you don't necessarily need a color-correcting concealer if you're using a HIDE concealer. Our concealer has a high amount of pigment and can conceal full-color tattoos or discoloration on your face.
Can I Wear Just Concealer?
We recommend you at least wear a thin layer of foundation for a flawless-looking finish. However, if you are going for a natural minimal makeup look, you can get away with just wearing a concealer.
When using only concealer, you do have to blend it out very well. Otherwise, it will be evident that you put on random patches of concealer.
A Flawless Routine
Concealer is something you should try to implement into your makeup routine if you haven't already.
If you want the appearance of an even complexion, concealer is a must-have.
Remember to find a concealer that is the right formulation and shade to match your skin and coverage needs. Use a lighter shade for highlighting and brightening and a shade that matches your foundation for covering imperfections.
When applying your concealer, start small to avoid looking cakey. Use a damp makeup sponge or your fingertips to blend it out seamlessly into your skin.
HIDE concealers are an excellent option because they have buildable coverage, are ultra-lightweight, long-lasting, and come in an array of different shades.
Sources:
Skin Discoloration & Pigmentation Disorders: Causes & Treatments | Cleveland Clinic