If you're anything like us, then you're always on the lookout for the next best (makeup) thing!
When it comes to concealing, most people think of it to disguise dark circles and blemishes, which isn't wrong, but did you know that concealer can also be used for so much more? In this guide, we'll show you how to use concealer effectively to achieve a truly flawless complexion.
We'll also share our favorite tips and tricks for applying concealer. So whether you're a beginner or a professional, read on for the complete guide to concealer!
What Is Concealer?
Concealer is very similar to (and often gets mistaken for) foundation. Clients may even use foundation in place of concealer and skip concealer altogether - we definitely do not recommend doing this!
Concealer formulas are a lot more pigmentated and should be used in a targeted manner rather than all over the skin. Foundation is designed to be used across the whole complexion to provide a whole, even base. Then, you would go over areas that need a little more coverage with concealer to hide hard-to-cover areas such as exposed redness, blemishes, and dark spots.
It makes applying your makeup so much easier rather than trying to work with a thin foundation to cover up something hard to hide.
Choosing The Right Shade
Choosing the right shade entirely depends on what and where you are treating on your face.
Unlike with foundation, we would always recommend that you should choose an exact shade match. However, when using a concealer, a slightly different shade can actually make all the difference. When applying concealer under the eye, you should choose a shade that is around half a shade lighter than your actual skin tone (but no more than a full shade lighter) to brighten and bring light to the area; be careful as going too light can cause the opposite effect and make you look tired.
A dewy and hydrating concealer under the eyes will be much more complimentary as well rather than a matte finish which can look drying around the delicate, thin skin. On the other hand, a matte concealer that is a completely perfect match to your skin tone is recommended to be used to cover blemishes around the skin as to not draw attention to the area even more so.
Which Concealer Is Right For Me?
Here at Dermacare Direct, we have a variety of concealers on offer so you are bound to find the perfect match for you. Let's run through the different options:
Best Concealer To Brighten Under The Eyes
Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer
Designed with a built-in brush, this Jane Iredale concealer allows you to apply product everywhere you need it with ease, blend out and intensify coverage with every stroke.
The formula is light reflecting too meaning that when any type of light hits it (artificial or not), the light will bounce off it and make the area look luminous. Not only that, clever ingredients Cucumber and White Tea Extract help to fight off excess puffiness and inflammation around the area that suffers from it the most - around the eyes. A gentle, nourishing but very effective formula for combating sleep-deprived eyes.
Best Concealer With Added Sun Protection
Colorescience 3-in-1 Total Eye Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Conscious that your eye area isn't being protected from those harmful UV rays? The majority of sunscreens for your face cannot be used near your eyes and if you do, they can become irritating and bothersome. This is where undereye sunscreens come into play.
Colorescience 3-in-1 Total Eye Renewal Therapy SPF 35 immediately brightens the eyes with patented ingredient Beautifeyeâ„¢, irons out the appearance of puffiness and fatigue with its soothing and cooling stainless steel applicator tip, but most importantly, protects you all day long with a 100% mineral-based, non-irritating sunscreen formula. It can even be safely used all over the eyelids for a full 360 protection!
Best Concealer For Covering Pigmentation, Redness & Blemishes
Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer
If you've got an area that is hard to cover such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation or, you've tried to cover it before and failed - then you should give this magic pot a try. Insanely pigmentated, Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer camouflages anything you want instantly and easily.
For extremely dark circles, regardless of whether they are heredity or due to your lifestyle, you should incorporate Enlighten as your corrector first instead. So, for this apply Enlighten to where the darkness predominately is (usually right in the inner corner of the eye) with a flat concealer brush and then apply something brightening and reflecting over the top such as Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer. Your dark circles will be a thing of the past!
Best Concealer For Ageing Skin
delilah Farewell Cream Concealer
Winner of LuxLife Health, Beauty & Wellness Awards 2020; this creamy pencil-style concealer can travel with you everywhere, providing unnoticeable coverage wherever and whenever you feel that you need it the most. Loaded with Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, when applied directly over the top of fine lines and wrinkles these smart spheres help to visibly plump and soften the skin out to create a beautiful, smooth canvas.
Not only this, Farewell can be used all over the skin for any imperfections, creating a light, undetectable finish. Perfect for those who prefer a more naturally done complexion. Your skin, only better.
Best Concealer For Dark Circles
delilah Take Cover Radiant Cream Concealer
Looking for something to cover your dark circles but want something creamy and hydrating that won't draw more attention to them? Look no further than vegan and cruelty-free Take Cover Radiant Cream Concealer from delilah cosmetics.
The smoothing concealer is capable of providing buildable coverage - starting at medium and increasing with every layer to a full, ultimate cover - you can be sure that the product will have you covered for whatever the skin complaint is, leaving you with an even-toned radiance. Apply in a 'V' shape underneath the eye to ensure that you highlight the whole area and don't forget to select a shade half a shade lighter than your skin tone.
Which one will you choose?
Hopefully, you have now worked out which concealer is right for you and your needs thanks to this handy guide.
If you're still unsure, feel free to ask us! We can help with our expert advice, top tips, and products making makeup shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via advice@dermacaredirect.co.uk, or pick up the phone now and call us on 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.