There are several things to consider before using a concealer; do i have the right shade, what am i using it for, can i apply it, what end result am i expecting??
The first thing you have to do is pick the right concealer. For dark undereye circles and brow highlihting, use a concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone. For discolorations, blemishes or use on a large part of the face, use a concealer that match your skin tone. Always apply your concealer with natural light or day light ensure it is correctly applied.
Concealers come in different types:
LIQUID CONCEALER
This tends to work better on dry skin. it hydrates the skin and ranges between a light coverage to medium coverage and because of its watery form, it can b easily applied with a brush or sponge. I love MAC prolong wear concealer - N3,700, MAC select cover up - N3,500
PEN/PENCIL CONCEALERS
The pen ones are cream based and are perfect for covering blemishes and easily covering under eye dark circles while the pencil ones are perfect for eyebrow highlighting and illuminating the inner corners of your eyes. Iman corrective Stick concealer - N2,200 and Elf concealer pencil - N1,000
CREAM BASED CONCEALERS
This concealers are highly pigmented, full coverage formula; more mattifying for oily skin, as it's thicker. It can efficiently help you to cover up large areas of your face. Some of my favorite cream concealers are Milani concealer - N2,200, MAC Studio finish concealer - N3,500, Iman cover cream - N2,500
When you decide on the kind of concealer you want, you have to test the concealer on your face, not on your hands, in order to get a true color match. Make sure that you test your concealer without any other makeup on first. FOR:
UNDER EYE DARK CIRCLES
Pick concealer shades that are one half shade lighter than your skin tone. this will brighten your under eye while still looking natural. Start from the inside corner at the bridge of your nose and go to the opposite corner at your outer lash line and also blend properly so there is no obvious change in tone.
BLEMISHES/ACNE
Apply a oil-control foundation starting at the center of your face and blending outward, apply a thin amount of concealer to the affected areas with a brush or clean finger tips. Dab your concealer onto the top of each mark, and then blend softly outwards to your skin. Use a thin layer of concealer to avoid having a caked-on look, and apply more if necessary
There are also several conflicting advices if a concealer should be worn before a foundation or after.
BEFORE FOUNDATION
You can apply concealers to the areas that need before applying your foundation and find out u don't need foundation at all or just need a Lil bit of foundation to complete your makeup. You can apply lightly all over the face if you are someone that doesn't like foundation. Whatever way you choose, your skin tone is evened out and looks flawless.
AFTER FOUNDATION
apply foundation all over your face with a brush or sponge. determine the areas that need a lil bit of more coverage. always apply with a concealer brush for even application on parts needed. u can use your hands but ensure your hands are clean. set concealer with a translucent powder over camouflaged areas.
BEAUTY REPUBLIC LAGOS METHOD (Lol)
I usually use both at d same time. I touch up a Lil bit of foundation and a Lil bit of concealer and apply, then set with a oil free powder. That way i am able to cover up blemishes at d same time give a flawless finish. I think if you use the concealer first, you will end up using more concealer than you would have needed, so i think it all depends on which one works best for you.
other few tips are
- Avoid having your face appear paler than your neck in photos; skip the foundation if possible: and use concealer just where you need it. Top with loose powder for a look that lasts.
- A little concealer goes a long way – too much accentuates rather than hides. If your application looks caked-on, wrap a tissue around your finger, and gently blot it over the surface to remove the excess.
