Why Use Concealer?

Why use concealer? Because it will conceal all the false your skin may have!

Concealer can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on which one you choose, so why use concealer? Concealer comes in a multitude of formulations and textures, and because different textures are used for different problem areas, it’s important to match it to the problem area. For example, a concealer used to cover under-eye areas should always be moist and creamy, whereas a concealer designed to cover breakouts or broken capillaries should be much drier in texture, so it will adhere better and last longer. If you use the wrong formula, your concealer can actually draw more attention to the problem you are trying to conceal.

Concealer comes in various forms and texture, try one or try them all and know what works best for you.

Stick Concealers

Stick concealers provide full coverage. They vary in dryness and texture—some are creamier, and some are much less moist. Stick concealers cover everything from dark circles to prominent blemishes and skin discoloration. When using this formula to minimize under-eye circles, be sure the texture and consistency is creamy enough to blend well and keep the area hydrated, so fine lines are not accentuated. Using a creamier texture helps keep the delicate skin under the eyes looking it most flawless. If you are covering other types of spots on your face, such as blemishes, dark spots, or veins, choose a stick that is a little drier in texture, so it will hold longer.

Pot Concealer

Pot concealer provides similar coverage to stick (full), but it is formulated with more moisturizing ingredients and is not quite as thick. Perfect for concealing flaws, this is the form of concealer most commonly used by professionals because of its great coverage and versatility. As with stick concealers, there are many formulas out there, so find the one most suited to your needs. Although usually creamy, it is also available in drier, oil-free formulas that are used to cover discolorations such as blemishes and hyperpigmentation (because the drier it is, the better it will adhere).

Tube Concealer

Tube concealer has a light, creamy texture that is less likely than other formulas to collect in fine lines, making it great for mature skin. It provides terrific coverage and is perfect for covering dark under-eye circles because it is moist and easy to blend. However, it does not have the staying power of drier formulas, so it might not be the best choice for other spots and discoloration on the face. Tube concealers can be mixed with moisturizer or foundation to create a sheerer product.

 

Wand Concealer

Wand concealer provides the lightest and sheerest texture of all concealer formulas; it blends in easily and looks very natural, although it can settle into fine lines if not completely blended (due to the nature of the texture). If you use the proper shade, you can apply it without a foundation, because it blends so easily into bare skin. A wand concealer provides a quicker, slightly denser coverage than liquid foundation but less coverage than most other concealer formulas, and they are absolutely fabulous for a fast repair (because of their convenience). Some dry to a powder finish that is great for covering facial blemishes, because the powder clings, making it longer-wearing.

Pencil Concealer

Pencil concealers effectively cover tiny imperfections, such as broken capillaries, blemishes, veins, and any other tiny flaws. You simply draw it on (which is what makes it so amazing). Draw it all along a vein, or draw it right on a blemish or any other spots. With an exact color match, flaws can be concealed with exact precision and without a lot of blending. Pencil concealers are also terrific for fixing lip lines. Use it around the outer edge of your lips to erase your natural lip line (so that you can draw on your new one) or prevent lip color from bleeding. No other formula compares to the convenience of this product, which can be easily carried with you.

Oil-free Compact Concealer

Oil-free compact concealer formulations are best used on the face to hide pimples and spots. They generally offer a long-wearing, dry texture that will not irritate breakouts and will stay right where you put them. Because of their wear ability, they are perfect for effectively covering blemishes, age spots, and hyperpigmentation (any type of spot on the face). But keep in mind that, because of their dry texture, they are the wrong choice for covering dark, under-eye circles—they will make the area appear dry and cakey.

Highlighter Pen

Highlighter pen is one of the most amazing makeup innovations of the past few decades. It contains light-reflecting particles, which bring forward recessed areas of the face and hide minor flaws. This is not a concealer—it is a highlighter (I stress this because many women are confused about the pen’s use). It works by highlighting (bringing out) recessed areas, such as the dark shadows created by bags, wrinkles, deep creases, and the inside corners of your eyes, and making them look even with the rest of the face. Applying the highlighter to a shadowed area brightens it and makes it appear less distinct. There are many brands out there, and some can look dry (chalky or cakey), so be sure to choose one that looks fresh and natural.

Why Use Concealer?