Concealer 101 – What Is It, How To Use It And How To Buy It

The humble concealer often assumes the role of the perfect pick-me-up for dull, blemished skin. Offering optimal coverage in a single swipe, it’s the beauty-loving girl’s go-to for concealing imperfections, hiding hyperpigmentation, and blurring blemishes. Besides, a full-coverage variant could easily double up as a foundation, lending a buildable base for a second-skin-like finish.

If we were to begin jotting down the umpteen reasons why a concealer is a beauty kit staple, we’d run short of words. That said, allow us to assert why you must incorporate this versatile product into your makeup arsenal. But before we delve into it, here’s a quick lowdown on what a concealer is, all the features you should consider before buying one, and the types of concealers available in the market.

What is a Concealer?

Simply put, a concealer is a cosmetic product that helps mask the imperfections and blemishes on your skin. A slightly thicker formulation when compared to a foundation, concealers help even out skin tone and texture and fill in mature lines.

The Difference Between a Concealer and a Foundation

While both foundations and concealers offer an even-toned appearance, their primary function isn’t the same. Foundations act as a base product, lending a clear canvas for makeup application. Alternatively, concealers hide problem areas and skin imperfections, including dark circles, scars, pimples, and skin discoloration. Apply it after your foundation base is in place. However, you may want to touch up with concealer when you’re on the go or don’t desire a heavy makeup look.

Types of Concealer

Concealers are available in five forms:

1. Liquid Concealers: Liquid concealers lend a satin or matte finish. While the matte variant has greater staying power, a satin formulation offers a more natural finish. They are also ideal for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. Liquid concealers have buildable coverage and seldom crease or bleed.
2. Stick Concealers: Stick concealers possess a creamier texture and offer a dewy finish. After swiping a stick concealer, apply a thin layer of pressed powder to extend the product’s staying power. While stick concealers are ideal for normal to dry skin types, they don’t work very well to cover blemishes because of the waxy ingredients.
3. Cream Concealers: Cream concealers are often available in small pots or palettes, offering medium to full coverage. Highly pigmented, this variant is ideal for concealing dark circles and other discolorations.
4. Cream-to-Powder Concealers: Cream-to-powder concealers resemble a compact powder, applied using a beauty blender. Ideal for all skin types, such concealers have a creamy texture but lend a matte finish.
5. Colour-Correcting Concealers: Colour-correcting concealers are supposed to be applied under the foundation to conceal discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Lending an even skin tone, they are often sold in stick or cream form, offering buildable coverage.

Choosing a Colour-Correcting Concealer Based on Your Skin Concern

• Pink: Brightens pale skin and counteracts a blue sheen on light complexions
• Yellow: Conceals dark circles and scars
• Lilac: Corrects a yellowish skin tone
• Green: Offsets redness
• Orange: Neutralises grey or purple on dark complexions
• Pale Yellow: Accentuates cheekbones and eyebrow arch

Choosing a Concealer Formulation Based on Your Skin Type and Concern

The concealer formulation you pick should be per your skin type and concerns.

• Dry Skin: Dry skin types should avoid picking a liquid concealer with a matte finish.
• Oily Skin: Oily skin types should avoid cream or stick concealers as they can clog the pores, triggering breakouts.
• Hyperpigmentation: For skin discoloration, pick a highly pigmented formulation with buildable coverage.
• Dark Circles: If you are applying concealer in your under-eye region, pick one two shades lighter than your skin tone.

How to Apply Concealer: Things to Bear in Mind

Irrespective of the concealer formulation, the application technique is the same.

1. Avoid applying concealer over a powder foundation, as it may cause the powder to clump.
2. If the skin around your eyes is dry, apply a thin layer of cream before using a concealer.
3. Dust loose powder over the concealer to extend its staying power.
4. Use your fingertips, a beauty blender, or a brush to blend the concealer until it mimics the shade of your foundation.
5. For your under-eyes, apply a concealer with a satin finish – or a luminescent highlighter – disguising shadowed areas with the help of lighting.
6. A poorly chosen concealer shade can bring skin flaws under the spotlight. Doing so will draw attention to blemishes and pigmented regions instead of bidding them.

Concealer Hacks to Try

1. The ‘sandwich concealer’ method involves sandwiching your foundation between two applications of concealer for fuller coverage and longer staying power.
2. For a lifted, sculpted appearance, apply your concealer on the prominent areas of your visage: the inner corner of the eye, along the outer edge of the eye, along the laugh lines, and from the outer corner of your lips upwards towards the cheekbones.
3. If your concealer creases under the eyes, use a tissue to blot away the excess product.
4. For razor-sharp brows and a well-defined pout, swipe concealer along the outlines of the mouth and over and under your brows.
5. A darker concealer shade can double up as contour for a striking jawline and chiseled cheekbones.

Benefits of Using a Concealer

Besides hiding blemishes and correcting discoloration and pigmentation, concealers help highlight your cheekbones and double up as a primer on the lips and lids. It also helps fill in fine lines and wrinkles. However, too much of the product can cause bleeding or creasing. Plus, It cannot entirely hide pimples or pigmentation. Even the best concealers have their limitations. But if you desire even-toned, spotless skin, concealer is your best bet.

Conclusion

Concealers are an integral part of every beauty connoisseur’s makeup kit. The perfect pick-me-up for dull, blemished skin, this wonder cosmetic will help hide all your imperfections in just a single swipe. However, before you buy concealer, you must consider the various kinds and formulations, as they are suited to different skin types and concerns. At the same time, avoid overdoing the concealer, as it may lead to bleeding or creasing, accentuating your blemishes instead of camouflaging them. Liquid concealers are the most common variety, ideal for all skin types.