Oh Concealer! It’s probably one of my BEST friends when it comes to makeup. Once that I realized how concealer can dramatically improve ones appearance, it became a staple in my beauty routine once I hit a certain age (at about 25). As a makeup artist myself, I know that even a small amount of concealer can be a game changer for perfecting the complexion. So, today I'm talking how to apply concealer the right way.
When used correctly, my favorite thing about it is that it can brighten a face and conceal the darkness than can start appear under our eyes as we age. It can also cover up blemishes and tone down redness. And in some cases, some women can skip their foundation completely if they wish and only use concealer placed strategically to boost their complexion!
Today, Jennifer is showing us how to apply concealer the right way
She's providing the tools we need, all shoppable via widgets, and an easy to follow tutorial
Of course before we can start talking about WHERE to apply your concealer to boost your face, we need to talk about WHAT is the right product for your skin type! Even though thick formulas sound best for concealing it all, I find as we get older, a creamier consistency is best that you can layer until you get the right amount of coverage you’re comfortable with.
But if you just can’t go without foundation (like me!) I always suggest applying your foundation first, concealer second. Concealer is your heavy hitter - it’s what you’re bringing your complexion home with! As pictured above, this is my skin with just my foundation applied before any other eye makeup or blush/bronzer and lips.
Lately, my go-to formula is the very affordable priced Catrice True Skin High Cover concealer, link >> https://bit.ly/3U4gWpw I would highly suggest any one of any age, try this amazing concealer. I
t’s got plenty of color options and has great staying power and true coverage! I’ll be using shade 018 Cool Rose which has a touch of pink to it (for a brightening element).
Before I show you some of the best places on the face to use your concealer, here are the supplies to help you nail the application process in addition to your concealer of choice.
An eye cream that quickly absorbs is key for preparation of the under eye area.
A concealer brush is so helpful when applying your concealer precisely where you want it because sometimes fingers are just too large and can make concealer streaky.
Grab a pressed or loose setting powder + a powder puff. I buy a lot of these triangle powder puffs from Amazon that fit so perfectly in the crooks under the eyes and can easily be washed as well.
Now for the fun part! Layering and placement to get the most out of your concealer.
Apply your eye cream, then let it sit for a minute or so to sink in while you start placing your concealer elsewhere.
Now here are some spots you can use your concealer in addition to the traditional under eyes…
Right down the center bridge of the nose to highlight this bone structure but without actual highlighter! I like to stop the line short then apply a bit to the tip of the nose where we tend to get a bit red at times.
Ever thought to apply concealer right above the arch of the eyebrow?? It’s a great way to clean up and brighten that area to give your brow products a crisp clean look.
Now of course concealer can benefit dark under eyes so apply it just in the hollows of the eyes and a bit on the outside of the eye if you get darkness there as well.
Then if you want to “reverse contour” (meaning using the opposite of a bunch of dark bronzer or contour shades) I like dragging it from the lower corners of my mouth up towards middle ear. As our mouths tend to turn downward with age, adding a bit of light in this area can fake a bit of a face lift!
I always hit the corners of my nose as well where broken capillaries can happen.
Always finish off your concealer placement with a bit of powder depending on how oily or dry your skin is. I do like at least a tiny bit of translucent powder to set anywhere that the concealer was placed to help it stay budge proof!
Now finish off by adding the eye makeup, bronzer, blush and lips! Enjoy the fact that your concealer is like “shape wear’ for your skin and gives it a lifted appearance!
Yesterday, Beth showed you how to wear monochrome this Fall. Click the title or image below to read the article.
is our beauty & makeup contributor. She posts a weekly column on Wednesdays.
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Great suggestions, love the flawless look that you have. Beautiful!
Thank you Pam! Hope it was a helpful post!
I’m 66 and used to love makeup, but as I aged getting eye concealer just right became extremely difficult. Used to use the techniques described above, but as I’ve aged the under eye area becomes creepy with concealer set with loose powder making me look older than I do. Is there a solution to this problem?
Hey Maura! Just be sure you are actively : moisturizing the under eye area with a face or eye cream and 2. Use a hydrating creamy concealer that isn’t too drying. And a small thin amount of concealer makes a big difference – no need to pile it on thick which can translate into crepey! Give this inexpensive concealer I suggested a try!
This is so helpful! I didn’t think to apply concealer in places other than under the eye and to cover redness. I started avoiding powder in middle age because it can settle in lines, but you’ve convinced me to try it again.
Give a good finely milled loose powder a try again! Highly recommend the Laura Mercier – and a small amount of powder goes a long way to help set the creamy a concealer.
Thank you, Jennifer for this post. I have never applied concealer under my eyes until after my foundation. I will give your routine a try. Also, you have some products featured that I haven’t tried before. Again, thanks for the post!
Thanks Nancy B for taking time to comment! Do try some of the suggested products for yourself and let me know how they work out!
Very informative post and I love your bright look!
I’m going to try this concealer.
Thanks!
Do try it Nancy! It’s a great inexpensive formula and very hydrating!