CONCEALER 101
15 TIPS ON HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER
WITH VINCENT OQUENDO & GRACE LEE
Concealer is a unique makeup formula that helps deliver a more even complexion —among other things! So, if you're wondering how to apply concealer, you've come to the right place! We've got you and your skin concerns covered thanks to help from Maybelline Makeup Artists Grace Lee and Vincent Oquendo. Read more to discover Maybelline New York's best tips for applying concealer.
Concealer is a unique makeup formula that helps deliver a more even complexion —among other things! So, if you're wondering how to apply concealer, you've come to the right place! We've got you and your skin concerns covered thanks to help from Maybelline Makeup Artists Grace Lee and Vincent Oquendo. Read more to discover Maybelline New York's best tips for applying concealer.
ALL-IN-ONE CONCEALER
Concealer is one of those magical desert island products that’s able to do a lot of different jobs when you know how use it right. It can brigten, conceal, contour, color correct, and the list goes on. And Maybelline has a concealer for every occasion– each unique formula and specially designed applicator can be used in a range of different ways to achieve your desired look. Read on for 15 pro tips on how to use concealer to elevate your makeup routine.
TIP #1: APPLY FOUNDATION FIRST
When it comes to applying concealer and foundation, a good rule of thumb is to apply your foundation first, followed by concealer. When you apply concealer first, you run the risk of removing or messing with it when you sweep on your foundation or powder. When you start with foundation, it helps to even everything out so that you might not need much concealer.
TIP #2: TAP GENTLY TO APPLY
"In general, you want to make sure that you blend your concealer and not wipe it away," adds Lee. "That's why soft tapping or stippling motions are best. I always recommend setting your concealer with an effective powder, so it stays put." Whether you use a brush, a sponge, or even your finger, a gentle dabbing motion will ensure that your concealer blends into your skin seamlessly.
TIP #3: HYDRATE DRY SKIN WITH CONCEALER
Regardless of your skin type, the right concealer can make all the difference. If you have dry skin, choose a concealer with a hydrating, ultra-blendable formula like Instant Age Rewind Eraser. Its sponge applicator allows for easy application in the dry, under eye area and its creamy formula creates a more radiant appearance. Dab directly onto skin and blend in an outward motion.
TIP #4: SMOOTH MATURE SKIN WITH CONCEALER
Concealer can accentuate the wrinkles of mature skin, but Super Stay Active Wear Long-Lasting Concealer is so lightweight and breathable that it won’t crease, feel cakey, or settle into fine lines. Apply a thin layer to skin using the comfort-curve flex applicator, then blend.
TIP #5: CREATE A FLAWLESS UNDER EYE WITH CONCEALER
When applying concealer under the eyes, technique is key. "I suggest using soft blending motions or soft stippling motions as the eye area is sensitive," says Lee. "I like to use my fourth finger to apply as it also warms up the concealer. You can press the concealer underneath the eyes so it adheres and conceals." You’ll notice that it almost melts into the area when you use your finger to warm it up. If you're oil-prone, try blotting the area gently with a tissue after applying your concealer and letting it dry, this will help to prevent it from creasing and settling into fine lines.
TIP #6: LIFT YOUR EYES WITH TWO CONCEALER SHADES
For perfect, sculpted under-eye coverage (and an incredible lifting effect), here's a trick straight from Vincent: Use two shades of concealer, one a shade lighter than your natural skin tone and one a shade darker. Apply the lighter concealer under eyes and at the brow bone for a brightening pop. Then, take the deeper shade and apply it right underneath the lighter shade and up to the temples. Blend by patting the two together with a sponge. The contrast between the two shades will direct your eye up and out for a faux face lift.
TIP# 7: APPLY A DARKER SHADE FOR BLEMISHES
When covering up blemishes and breakouts, be very precise and dot a full coverage concealer like Fit Me Concealer on the raised, red or discolored area only– not the skin around it. Then very gently, pat until it blends into skin. "I suggest using a slightly darker concealer when covering blemishes to block out the color of the pimple," says Lee. (Although it may seem like you want something brighter to counteract the discoloration, using a lighter shade will actually highlight the area and call more attention to it.) After the actual blemish is covered, use a lighter shade or one that matches your skin tone better to blend the darker shade into the rest of your skin.
TIP #8: MIX SHADES WITH BB CREAM
If you’re dealing with uneven texture or tone (most of us do), you’ll likely be using a few different concealer shades to get your base just right. To keep the difference in shades from being noticeable, it can help to blend the two concealer shades with a lightweight bb cream such as Dream BB Pure and a sponge to create a seamless-looking finish. Light and hydrating, bb cream serves as the perfect "bridge" between the two shades, so you don't have any noticeable lines of demarcation.
TIP #9: USE A YELLOW-BASED CONCEALER TO COLOR CORRECT DARKNESS
Color correcting with a dab of contrasting color concealer is a great way to help fix a range of skin tone concerns. Combat dark circles and other darkened areas (think: leftover discoloration from a breakout) with a do-it-all concealer like Instant Age Rewind Eraser Neutralizer. It has yellow undertones to balance out purples and darker tones. Then, you can apply your regular concealer on top .
TIP #10 BRIGHTEN UP DARK CIRCLES
If you’re trying to combat dark circles, a lighter, brighter light-reflecting concealer is key. The Instant Age Rewind Eraser Brightener will help to illuminate the entire eye area and makes for the most natural-looking coverage.
TIP #11: USE A GREEN-BASED COLOR CORRECTOR ON REDNESS
If you suffer from rosacea or general redness around the nose or on the chin (the most common areas for redness), a green color corrector like the Master Camo Color Correcting Pen will help to neutralize the ruddiness and prepare the skin for concealer over top.
TIP #12: SET AND BAKE
A concealer’s best friend is a loose setting powder like the Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder. Dust it on over the areas that you’ve concealed to lock in your look.It will help keep your concealer handiwork in place and prevent it from creasing, sliding or disappearing altogether.
TIP #13: USE CONCEALER TO CONTOUR
Once you find a concealer formula that you love, it’s smart to get it in a few shades. Grab a shade or two darker to use it as your contour and apply it under your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose and along the jawline for a more chiseled look. We love the Instant Age Rewind for this because the sponge applicator makes for a natural finish.
TIP #14: USE CONCEALER TO HIGHLIGHT
In the same way that a darker concealer shade can works as a contour product, a lighter shade can double as a shimmer-free highlighter. Use it on the areas that you want to pop like the tops of the cheekbones and down the center of the nose. This makes for a great base ahead of applying your traditional highlighter, too, because it creates more of a contrast so your shimmer shade can really shine.
TIP #15: USE CONCEALER AS AN EYE SHADOW PRIMER
If you really want your eye shadow to pop, especially if you’re using a more vibrant color or one with lots of sparkle, it’ll look best when applied on a brightened canvas. That’s where concealer comes in. Use the same shade as the one you used on your under eyes and it’ll create a nice, bright base that not only helps your shadow to pop, but it will grip it better too, especially on oily lids.
