Concealer is the one staple in a woman's beauty arsenal that can dramatically change your appearance. Used correctly, concealer can brighten a tired face, it can cover up blemishes and it can totally conceal under-eye circles. Many people are afraid of concealers because they don't know how to find the right shade or apply it properly. It can be daunting, but once you know the basics and try the application process below, you'll find out that concealer are the beauty product ever produced. A basic rule of choosing a concealer is that it should be a shade or 2 lighter than your skin tone.
TYPES OF CONCEALER
Most women use concealer to lighten the areas under the eyes. Others use concealer to cover up pimples, acne scars, tattoos and even spider veins. Concealers are not a one-size fits all formula. Different concealers work on different problem areas. Here's a rundown:
• Under-eye concealer is best for camouflaging the circles under the eyes. This concealer won't work on redness or blemishes.
• Correctors work to cover up extremely dark under-eye circles. Peach tones and pink tones work best to counteract the dark colors.
• Yellow-toned concealer that matches your skin tone exactly is best for covering up blemishes, tattoos, etc.
• Body concealer is great for covering up veins on the legs.
• Heavy duty concealer works to cover up tattoos and bad scars.
HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER
Concealer looks most natural when you work in "sheer layers and build it up gradually. To properly apply concealer, follow these directions:
1. Apply several dots of concealer under the eyes close to the lashes. Apply a dot to the inside corners of the eyes. You can use your finger or, for best results, try a small-headed brush with firm bristles.
2. Using the pad of your middle finger, tap in the concealer (always tap, never rub). Make sure to blend well. You can also use your index finger. There's no real rule to it, but I find the middle finger tends to be gentle.
3. Apply concealer on other uneven spots on the face -- including the chin, and around the nose and mouth if need be and tap in.
4. Apply another layer if you need more coverage.
5. Dust fine, loose powder over your face to set your concealer. According to makeup artist Scott Barnes in Allure Magazine, loose powder applied with a fluffy brush is "the secret to good concealer."
How to Disguise Dark Under-eye Circles
It's best not to use your basic concealer to try to disguise dark under-eye circles. Instead, choose an "under-eye concealer" specially formulated to cover up dark spots. These work by brightening the dark areas under the eyes and are not to be used to camouflage redness or blemishes.
How to Cover Up a Pimple
Use a stiff brush with a pointy, fine tip to dab on a concealer that matches your skin tone. It's important to apply only to the red areas, not necessarily to the raised area. Let the concealer dry. Apply a second layer. Set the concealer with a dusting of translucent powder. If you find you overdid the concealer, use a tissue to gently buff the concealer away. If that doesn't work, moisten a Q-tip with makeup remover and gently apply to the pimple. Then re-cover the pimple with concealer.
HOW TO DISGUISE A POCK MARK AND DEEP SCAR
You can disguise a concave pockmark or scar by using an angled brush dipped in a concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone. Fill in the center of the pockmark without going over the edges and then dust skin with translucent powder. If the scar is raised, use a concealer that matches your skin tone and pat the scar with the concealer, setting the concealer with powder.
