How to Use Concealer: 10 Expert Tips for a Flawless Finish

Concealer is perhaps the most versatile and important product in any makeup look. Whether you want to conceal dark circles, cover up blemishes, or even out your complexion, learning how to use concealer properly can make all the difference. In this detailed guide, we will cover all you need to know about concealer, including how to use it, how to select the right shade and formula for your skin, and expert tips for a flawless finish every time.

What is a concealer​?

Concealer is a thick, highly pigmented makeup product that is used to cover skin imperfections. It has more coverage than foundation and is perfect for covering blemishes, dark circles, redness, and other issues. Concealer can also be used to contour and highlight, adding dimension and bringing out your natural features.

Concealer vs Foundation: What's the Difference?

While both concealer and foundation are used to create an even skin tone, they serve different purposes. The foundation is applied all over the face to provide a base layer of coverage, while concealer is used to target specific areas that need extra attention. Think of foundation as the canvas and concealer as the touch-up tool that perfects your look.

Types of Concealer

There are a few different kinds of concealer on the market, each designed for specific skin types and issues. Below are the most popular varieties:

1. Liquid Concealer:

Suitable for most skin types, liquid concealer is simple to blend and offers buildable coverage. It's great for hiding dark circles and blemishes.

Liquid concealer is versatile and works well for most skin types. Its lightweight formula blends easily and provides buildable coverage, making it perfect for hiding dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. It’s a go-to choice for a natural, everyday look.

2. Cream Concealer: 

Cream concealer has a thicker consistency, offering full coverage for stubborn imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. It’s ideal for dry or mature skin, as it provides hydration while effectively masking flaws for a flawless finish.

3. Stick Concealer: 

Stick concealers come in a solid, creamy form, offering medium to full coverage. They are highly pigmented, making them great for covering dark spots, blemishes, and under-eye circles. Their compact and easy-to-use design makes them perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day. However, they can be slightly heavier on the skin, so they work best for normal to dry skin types rather than excessively oily skin.

4. Color-Correcting Concealer: 

Color-correcting concealers come in shades like green, peach, lavender, and yellow to neutralize specific skin issues. For example, green cancels redness, while peach counteracts dark circles.They’re applied before regular concealers for a balanced, even complexion.

5. Powder Concealer: 

Powder concealers are lightweight and provide a matte finish, making them ideal for oily skin. They can be used alone for light coverage or to set liquid or cream concealers, ensuring long-lasting wear and reducing shine throughout the day.

How to Choose Concealer Color

Opting for a suitable concealer shade is instrumental in getting that natural look. Here's the way to choose the ideal concealer color matching your skin type:

1. Find Your Skin Tone Match:

When covering redness or blemishes, use a concealer that exactly matches your skin tone. That way, it will blend completely with your foundation.

2. Lighter for Under-Eyes:

For a concealer under the eyes, pick one shade to two shades lighter than your skin tone. That way, the area will appear lighter and your eyes will appear more awake.

3. Keep Undertones in Mind: 

Note your skin's undertones (warm, cool, or neutral) when picking a concealer. A concealer with the wrong undertone will appear ashy or too orange.

4. Try Before You Shop:

Always try concealer on your jawline or the back of your hand before you shop. Natural light is the best to determine how the shade will appear on your skin.

How to Apply Concealer: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand how to select the perfect concealer, let's move on to applying it for a perfect finish.

Step 1:  Prep Your Skin

Begin with a clean, moisturized face. Use your favorite primer to prepare a smooth canvas for your makeup. This will make your concealer and foundation last longer and go on more evenly.

Step 2: Apply Foundation First

Before grabbing your concealer, put on your foundation. This will help to smooth out your skin tone and cut down on the amount of concealer you have to apply.

Step 3: Apply Concealer to Under-Eye Area

Using your fingertip or a small brush, apply concealer in a triangular pattern underneath your eyes. This both covers up dark circles and makes the whole eye area look brighter. Apply the concealer using a damp beauty sponge or a concealer brush.

Step 4: Conceal Blemishes and Redness

For redness or blemishes, apply concealer directly to the area with a small brush. Softly blend the edges for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Highlight and Contour

Concealers can be employed to brighten up and define your face as well. Use a lighter concealer color on the tops of your face (forehead, bridge of nose, cheekbones, and chin) to make them stand out. Contour hollows of cheeks, jawline, and nose sides with a darker color.

Step 6: Set Your Concealer

To avoid creasing and fading of your concealer, set it with a translucent powder. Gently dust powder over the areas where you have applied concealer using a fluffy brush.

10 Expert Tips for Using Concealer

1. Less is More:

Apply a little concealer at a time and gradually build up the coverage as required. Excess concealers will look cakey and settle into fine lines.

2. Use the Proper Tools:

While fingers are suitable for blending, a brush or beauty sponge will provide you with a more controlled and even finish.

3. Layer Judiciously:

If you're applying both foundation and concealer, apply the foundation first. This will prevent you from having to use too much concealer and create an overdone look.

4. Color Correct:

In case of severe dark circles or redness, apply a color-correcting concealer underneath your normal concealer. For instance, use peach or orange color to cover blue or purple undertones on the under-eye area.

5. Blend, Blend, Blend:

The trick to achieving a natural finish lies in blending. Blending takes time, but make sure the edges of the concealer are well blended with the skin so it just seems like part of the skin.

6. Set with Powder:

Always set the concealer with a light dust of powder to prevent it from creasing throughout the day and ensure it stays put.

7. Choose the Right Formula for Your Skin Type:

For dry skin, a hydrating liquid or cream concealer will keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. For oily skin, use a matte or powder concealer to control shine.

8. Don't Forget the Eyelids:

Putting a thin layer of eye concealer on your eyelids will provide a smooth surface for eyeshadow and make your eyes stand out.

9. Use Concealer to Shape Your Brows:

Use a small amount of concealer to shape your brows and make them more noticeable.

10. Try Out Various Brands:

All concealers are not the same. Try out various brands and formulations to determine what works best for you. For instance, Charmacy Milano has a variety of top-quality concealers that suit all skin types and issues.

Where to Apply Concealer

It is equally crucial to know where to put concealer as it is to know how to use it. Below are the main areas to pay attention to:

1. Under-Eye Area:

Concealer is applied most frequently to conceal dark circles and lighten the under-eye region.

2. Blemishes and Acne:

Apply concealer to hide pimples, redness, and other blemishes.

3. Around the Nose:

Apply concealer on the sides of the nostrils to cancel out redness.

4. Forehead and Chin:

These spaces may occasionally have an uneven skin color or discoloration that concealers can smooth out.

5. Cupid's Bow:

Applying a small amount of concealer on your cupid's bow will make your lips look more defined.

6. Eyelids:

As discussed before, concealer on the eyelids helps to provide a smooth surface for eyeshadow.

Best Concealer Brands to Try

There are so many brands available, that the best concealer can be so difficult to find. Here are some of the top-rated products, such as Charmacy Milano, worth considering:

1. Charmacy Milano:

This brand has a reputation for its high-quality and high-performing makeup. Charmacy Milano conceals have exceptional coverage and look natural on the skin. Formulated with natural ingredients that help care for your skin, all skin types are suitable for the products.

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer:

This concealer is a cult classic, providing full coverage with a radiant finish. It's great for under-eye and blemishes.

3. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer:

This full-coverage concealer is very pigmented and lasts long. It's great for those who need a flawless, matte finish.

Concealer for Different Skin Types

Concealer for Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, use a hydrating concealer that won't settle into fine lines or highlight dry patches. Liquid concealers with a dewy finish, such as the Charmacy Milano Hydrating Concealer, work well for dry skin types.

Concealer for Oily Skin

For oily skin, use a matte or powder concealer that will keep shine at bay during the day. Choose oil-free products that won't clog pores or make oiliness worse.

Concealer is a versatile weapon in your makeup kit that can drastically alter the way you look with a few swift strokes. Once you know how to select the best concealer for you, how to apply it, and where to apply it, you can achieve a perfect finish that brings out the natural beauty in you. Whether you are concealing dark circles, camouflaging blemishes, or emphasizing features, these professional tips will teach you the secrets of concealer application.

Remember, the key to a perfect makeup look is practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different products, techniques, and brands like Charmacy Milano to find what works best for you. With the right concealer and a little know-how, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a radiant, flawless complexion every time.