In the makeup world, true concealer is known
to be a lighter-colored, thicker, heavier face makeup. In
contrast, foundation is designed to be an all over exact skin
tone coverage.
True Concealer
Created to cover the dark areas on your face -
it is perfect for the following flaws:
Under Eye Circles
Scars
Birthmarks
Moles
Veins
What is it not designed for is to cover
blemishes. Because of the lighter color, it actually lightens
the raised bump, drawing more attention to the imperfection. A
thick cream or stick foundation in your natural skin tone is the
best for covering acne flare-ups.
Foundation
Since a thick heavy foundation stick will
conceal your imperfections, it is also known at times as a
concealer. Some women will also purchase true concealer products
in their skin tone to cover blemishes. What makes foundation
ultimately better as a blemish disguise is it’s availability in
a variety of shades to more accurately match your skin tone.
While the lighter color of a concealer hides the dark shadows
and marks on your face, to cover redness and bumps you really
need a product that will perfectly blend into the rest of your
face.
How to Choose
Depending on your skin’s needs, it is best to
have a true concealer and a foundation stick on hand.
Even fashion models don’t have perfect skin, thus, we all have
times when our eyes are dark and puffy or a pimple pops out.
Therefore, having pre-selected both products for these problems
will help you make it through a difficult beauty day.
Selecting the Best Color and
Texture
Widely available in a variety of textures and
colors - when choosing the product for you, keep in mind your
skin’s individual needs.
Color
Picking the right color is relatively simple.
Most skin types need a yellow-based shade – so, avoid the pinks!
Always select a shade that is one step lighter than your natural
skin color. If you tend to have significant dark eye circles,
take the advice of Eve Pearl, Celebrity Makeup Artist and chose
a shade that is more salmon in color. This helps to battle the
blues evident in darker under eye circles.
Texture
Found in either a liquid style formula or
cream. Liquid types tend to apply more smoothly with a sheer
finish. They are available in either tubes or wand containers.
Cream versions are found in either a stick or pot. They tend to
be drier and offer a better overall coverage, but also can be
harder to apply.
Application
Like all types of face makeup, concealer is
best applied in light layers - ensuring that you receive enough
coverage, but not too much. While it does an outstanding job of
making those pesky imperfections disappear; the trick lies in
making the concealer disappear too.
When using as a highlighter or to cover dark
areas, it is best to start your makeup routine with it. Then,
the rest of your makeup can be applied over the uniform
complexion. In contrast, when using a face makeup stick for
hiding redness and blemishes, it is actually preferable to apply
your face makeup first. As you may discover you do not need as
much once the rest of the makeup is on your face. You can also
use it as a primer for your eye shadow or lipstick, which will
ensure an even color application with a longer life.
When applying, start with a small amount,
either on your finger, wand or makeup brush. Apply to the area
you would like to cover and blend well. If using an all over
foundation, you can add additional coverage and balance the area
by applying the foundation over the concealer and then a layer
of face powder to seal it in. Even if you are not using a
foundation, always pat with powder to keep your imperfection
hidden.
For an area that requires a precision of
application, like a mole or spider veins near your nose, you may
want to consider a tiny makeup brush for more accuracy. When
using around the eyes, remember to also apply to the dark area
at the inner corner by the nose.
Special Tips
Especially useful for blotchy skin and
often evens out the skin enough to avoid the use of an all
over foundation.
Particularly helpful for darker African
American skins that tend to have more variations in their
natural skin tones.
Evaluate your face’s needs each morning –
as different days will require varying amounts of coverage.
A key component in anti aging cosmetics as
it helps to hide the negative effects of the sun.
Use on your eyelids if they are
particularly full of dark veins.
Employ as a highlighter; apply to sunken
areas to reduce the shadows.
Try a small dot on the center of the lips
between your coats of lipstick for a plumper lip appearance.
Consider mixing your with eye cream for a
smoother lighter coverage.
”I do think it is very important to apply
more concealer in the evenings,” remarks Linda Mason, Makeup
Artist.
