If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror, concealer in hand, wondering exactly where to apply it for the best results, you’re definitely not alone. A common question in the world of makeup is whether foundation or concealer should come first. While there’s some flexibility depending on your specific makeup goals, the general consensus is that foundation goes on first, followed by concealer to address any lingering imperfections. Let’s dive into the details of how to strategically place your concealer for a seamless and perfected complexion.
Step 1: Finding Your Perfect Concealer Shade
Before you even think about placement, selecting the right concealer shade is paramount. The ideal shade depends on your goal: are you aiming to highlight and brighten, or to simply conceal?
For highlighting areas like the center of your face and under-eyes, opt for a concealer one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This will bring light to these areas, creating dimension and a more awake look. If your objective is purely spot-concealing blemishes or evening out your complexion without highlighting, a concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone is your best bet. Crucially, consider your undertones – warm, neutral, or cool – to ensure a seamless blend with your skin. Understanding your undertones is key to avoiding a mismatched or ashy look.
[alt]: Applying concealer under eyes with a makeup sponge for a natural blend
Step 2: Strategic Placement – Where to Apply Concealer
Now, let’s get to the core question: where exactly should you be putting your concealer? The answer depends on what you want to achieve. Here are the primary areas for concealer application:
- Under-eyes: This is one of the most common areas for concealer application. Apply concealer in an inverted triangle shape, starting from the inner corner of your eye, down to the top of your cheekbone, and back up to the outer corner of your eye. This shape effectively brightens the entire under-eye area, counteracting dark circles and shadows.
- Blemishes and Redness: For spot concealing, apply concealer directly onto blemishes, acne scars, or areas of redness around the nose or chin. Use a light hand and focus the product only on the affected area for targeted coverage.
- Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots: Concealer is excellent for covering age spots, sunspots, or any areas of uneven pigmentation. Apply directly to the dark spot and blend outwards.
- Around the Mouth: Concealer can be used to address shadows or discoloration around the mouth, particularly at the corners. This can help create a more lifted and even-toned look.
- Center of the Face (Optional): For highlighting, you can apply a lighter shade of concealer to the center of your forehead, bridge of your nose, cupid’s bow, and chin. This draws light to the center of the face, creating a sculpted and radiant effect.
Remember, less is often more. Start with a small amount of product and build up coverage as needed. Avoid applying concealer all over your face like a foundation – its purpose is to target specific areas and imperfections after your foundation base is applied.
[alt]: Using a concealer brush to apply product around the nose for precise coverage
Step 3: Blending Techniques for Different Finishes
Once you’ve placed your concealer, the blending technique you use can significantly impact the final look. You can use brushes, sponges, or your fingers, each offering different results:
- Makeup Sponges: Sponges, especially when dampened, are fantastic for achieving a seamless, natural-looking blend. The bouncing or tapping motion of a sponge helps to meld the concealer into your foundation without streaks or harsh lines. They are particularly good for under-eye application as they provide a soft and diffused finish.
- Concealer Brushes: Brushes are ideal for fuller coverage and more precise application. A dedicated concealer brush, like a small, dense brush, allows you to buff the product into the skin for an airbrushed effect. The smaller, tapered ends of some brushes are perfect for reaching tight spots like around the nose or inner corner of the eyes.
- Fingers: For sheerer concealers or quick touch-ups, your fingers can be a great blending tool. The warmth of your fingers helps to melt the product into the skin for a very natural finish.
[alt]: Setting concealer with powder using a brush for long-lasting wear
Step 4: Setting for Longevity
Setting your concealer with powder is a crucial step, especially if you want to prevent creasing and ensure all-day wear. While not always necessary for dry skin types or those aiming for a dewy look, powder is generally recommended for most skin types, especially in areas prone to creasing like the under-eyes.
A light dusting of translucent powder over your concealed areas will set the liquid or cream formula, minimizing shine, preventing creasing, and creating a smooth base for other powder products like bronzer or blush.
Choosing the Right Concealer Formula for Your Needs
The world of concealers is vast, with various formulas and finishes available. Selecting the right one involves considering your skin type, concerns, and desired coverage level.
- Oily Skin: Individuals with oily skin often benefit from lightweight, matte concealers. These formulas are designed to control shine and provide coverage without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic options.
- Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, creamy and hydrating concealers are your allies. These formulas offer coverage while adding moisture, preventing the concealer from emphasizing dryness or fine lines. Seek out concealers with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Coverage Needs: Consider the level of coverage you desire. Full-coverage concealers are excellent for glam looks or significant blemish coverage, but might feel heavy for everyday natural makeup. Sheer to medium coverage concealers are ideal for subtly evening out skin tone and creating a “no-makeup makeup” look. Buildable formulas offer versatility, allowing you to adjust coverage as needed.
Exploring Different Types of Concealers
Understanding the types of concealers available can further refine your choice:
- Liquid Concealers: Liquid concealers are popular for their ease of application and blendability. They come in a wide range of coverage levels, from sheer to full, and often have a lightweight feel, making them excellent for under-eye use. Many liquid concealers also offer hydrating benefits.
- Cream Concealers (and Sticks): Cream concealers, including stick formulas, typically provide medium to full coverage. Their thicker texture makes them effective for concealing blemishes and highlighting. However, due to their richer consistency, they might not be the best choice for the delicate under-eye area, where lighter formulas are often preferred.
- Color-Correcting Concealers: These specialized concealers come in various tints to neutralize discoloration. For example, green correctors combat redness, peach or orange correctors address dark circles on deeper skin tones, and yellow correctors brighten dullness. Color correctors are applied before foundation and concealer to create an even base.
Editor’s Picks: Recommended Concealers
To help you navigate the concealer landscape, here are a couple of editor-favorite formulas known for their quality and performance:
Maybelline New York Super Stay Longwear Liquid Concealer
For those seeking long-lasting, full coverage, the Maybelline Super Stay Concealer is a standout. Its matte, oil-free formula delivers impressive coverage that feels surprisingly lightweight. It’s renowned for its longevity, resisting sweat, smudging, and transfer, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear and demanding situations.
By understanding where to place concealer and the various formulas and techniques available, you can confidently achieve a flawless and perfected makeup look.
