Whether you are looking to cover up the after-effects of a late night or need some camouflage for a sudden breakout, a trusty hand of concealer is likely your first port of call. With an ever-evolving roster of liquids, sticks, powders and cream concealers hitting the aisles every single day, hunting for the right concealer is the matter of knowing how to discern the right formula for your skin type and needs. To take the guesswork out of the process, we asked Bianca Louzado, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Code Beauty, to share her best concealer tips and tricks and here’s what we learned:
If you have dry, normal or combination skin…
These skin types work well with liquid concealers. You’ll find a bevy of hydrating formulas these days that are spiked with hyaluronic acid to ensure that the finish lasts longer and doesn’t crack easily.
If you have mature skin…
As the skin ages, it loses its elasticity and is prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. A cream concealer works best for this skin type as it offers a natural-looking finish and does not enhance pores, fine lines and wrinkles.
If you have oily skin…
Oily skin adapts well to powder-based concealers that offer buildable coverage without settling into wrinkles or fine lines. If you live in a climate with high levels of humidity, a powder concealer is your best bet for coverage that doesn’t slip through the day.
If you are looking to cover up pigmentation…
Stick concealers are the go-to choice for anybody looking for medium to heavy coverage. A handy option for on-the-go usage, just a few swipes in the relevant areas will ensure that you have the coverage you need. This type of concealer also works well for anybody looking for a little assistance with concealing hyperpigmentation.
How to choose the right concealer shade for your skin tone
The first step for finding the concealer that is a perfect match with your skin tone is to understand whether your undertone is warm or cool. The former is characterised by blue veins with a greenish tint while the latter will have a blue or purplish tint. Once you have deciphered this, you will find that every brand has certain tints to offer that complement each undertone. Louzado agrees and adds, “Do not use concealers that are 4-5 shades brighter than your skin tone as the coverage will not look natural. Use a shade that seamlessly matches your skin tone to make your overall face look even and uniform.”
Concealer mistakes to avoid for a flawless finish
From precise placement to the correct techniques, there are several factors that can impact whether your concealer looks natural and seamless or streaky and uneven. Ahead, Louzado shares her best advice on the concealer mistakes to avoid:
- You do not need concealer all over your face—remember to just apply it in the areas that require coverage such as under the eyes and in areas of hyperpigmentation around the nose and mouth.
- Do not use a sweeping motion for blending in the concealer. Instead, always pat it in gently to ensure even coverage and a smooth, blemish-free finish.
- If you aren’t confident with brushes, resort to the simple technique of tapping your concealer in with your fingers. This is because the gentle warmth of your fingers combined with the tapping motion helps seal the product in.
- Concealer first or foundation? The answer lies in understanding the correct order of applying makeup products in your getting-ready routine. Since the concealer is a corrective measure, it helps to apply this first before going in with the foundation to create a balanced and even tone across the face.
- Don’t forget to hydrate the face before applying concealer. This can be done in the form of a non-greasy under-eye cream or rejuvenating under-eye patches for added hydration before the work of concealing begins.
