Concealer Makeup...

The Key To A Flawless Finish

Concealer/Camouflage

Traditionally in makeup application sequence, concealer makeup and skin tone camouflage were applied before foundation. However, this sequence was serving the necessity of heavier coverage for film and photography.  At this time, many professional makeup artists agree that concealer should come after your foundation application.

Why?

Often once foundation has been applied, it is very successful at dimishing the appearance of discoloration or blemishes.  Concealer then is the touch up for areas that require a little more attention.  When applied first, concealer tends to be over applied (for most of us, the makeup philosophy of 'less is more' is most appealing).  An as needed approach, is in fact, the key to a flawless finish (fresh, flawless, natural looking).

CONCEALER, generally speaking, is a term that describes makeup product that is creamy and opaque in nature.  The more opaque the product, the greater its covering capacity, but also, it will tend to be drier.  What are often referred to as camouflage palettes, are multi toned very opaque, concealer that is a lot less creamy, than a concealer stick.   Starting with well hydrated skin will be very helpful in the application of these products.

Also, the nature of your own skin's needs will determine the type of concealer product you use. I would strongly encourage you to choose specialized concealer product for each type of skin issue. You will be amazed at the results you can achieve.

Five formats that you will typically find concealer makeup products in.

clinique line smoothing concealer at Beso.com

1.  Concealer Makeup In A TUBE

Consistency?
- liquid - cream

Ideal for?
-eye area or on dry skin zone

Tool?
- dot direct from tube with wand, apply to clean finger or use concealer brush (synthetic bristles, small flat head)

Application Tip?
- gently dab with pad of ring finger or consider a concealer brush for clean, effective blending

Good Product Choice?
Prestige Brand-try Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer
OR
Drugstore brand Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes, SPF 20.

Shiseido The Makeup Stick Concealer at Beso.com

2.  Concealer Makeup In A STICK

Consistency?
-solid-dry  but creamy

Ideal for?
-eye area , around nostrils, and
other medium coverage needs

Tool?
- dot direct from stick, apply to clean finger or use concealer brush (synthetic bristles, small flat head)

Application Tip?
- gently dab with pad of ring finger or consider a concealer brush for clean, effective blending

Good Product Choice?
Prestige Brand try Shiseido The Makeup Concealer Stick
OR
Drugstore brand suggestion Maybelline Cover Stick

Laura Mercier Undercover Concealer Pot at Beso.com

3.  Concealer Makeup In A POT

Consistency?
-solid-creamy more opaque

Ideal for?
-heavier coverage needs, blemishes, dark spots

Tool?
- dab,and blend with concealer brush (synthetic bristles, small flat head)

Application Tip?
-consider concealer brush for precise, clean, effective blending

Good Product Choice?
Prestige Brand try Laura Mercier Undercover Concealer Pot
OR
Sephora Buildable Cover Concealer

Shiseido The Makeup Corrector Pencil at Beso.com

4.  Concealer Makeup In A PENCIL

Consistency?
solid-cream to dry

Ideal for?
-spots/blemishes or lines

Tool?
- pencil

Application Tip?

- consider concealer brush for precise, clean, effective blending

Good Product Choice?
Prestige Brand Shiseido The Makeup Corrector Pencil
OR
Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil

Sephora Collection Concealer at Beso.com

5.  Concealer Makeup Camouflage Palette NEW

Consistency?
- solid, opaque

Ideal for?
-exact skin tone match (multi shades allow for custom blending)

Tool?
- use concealer brush (synthetic bristles, small flat head, blending well

Application Tip?
-ensure eye zone is well hydrated prior to application

Good Product Choice?
Prestige Brand Paula Dorf Total Camouflage
OR budget friendly,
Sephora Collection Concealer Palette.

What Is Camouflage?

CAMOUFLAGE, in beauty terms, most accurately refers to makeup products that counter overly dominant tones in a complexion like red, or yellow, or blue.  For these issues camouflage acts to counter those dominant tones, using there compliment and ultimately neutralizing their overwhelming presence. Green camouflage for dominant ruddy red complexions, peach/ orange camouflage for blue purple dominant tones, and purple camouflage for extremely yellow tones to a complexion.

There are also products that are in a concealer format, but called camouflage.  These are often multi shade concealers for custom blending a skin tone match.  With the above Sephora Collection Concealer Palette, there are camouflage tones incorporated as well (yellow and lilac).

Here is another great product that is sure to bring satisfying results if you struggle with overly dominant skin tone issues in your complexion.  EASY TO USE WITH AMAZING RESULTS Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer.

Brought to you by Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer at Beso.com

Some simple steps for concealer makeup application...

Step #1 Choosing the right concealer for you...

Consider these things when choosing the best concealer makeup for you:

1. Skin Type Assess your needs i.e.. acne prone, genetic disposition to dark under eye circles, broken capillaries in skin etc. and then choose concealer makeup formulations that meet your needs (you may need two or more depending on the type of coverage you need).

2. Color - Match as close to skin tone as possible, especially important if you don't wear foundation. If you are stuck between two shades, a touch lighter should work.  Also, for the eye area, a slightly more yellow undertone in the concealer shade, to address dark under eye, blue/ purple tones, is more effective. 

To address a variety of tone issues with your skin,  try something like Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage which comes in two tones which can be mixed to address the range of coloration you are dealing with.  Or an even more extensive camouflage palette, like Sephora's.

Step #2 How to apply concealer makeup...

Concealer Makeup Tip: 1.  Use appropriate tool and gently dot the area to be covered.

ie. eye area- dot slightly below dark circle in an arc along bone and blend with dabs by clean 'ring' finger pad (see above photo) OR use concealer brush. nostril- brush with concealer brush around side of nostril over broken capillaries blemish/ spot- conservatively dot spot and then use brush to blend.

2.  Use sparingly with enough to effectively cover area and blend into skin.

Step #3 Make sure you set the concealer...

Concealer Makeup Tip: Powder follows the completion of all the moist applications.

i.e. foundation, concealer, cream blush/ bronzer etc. and acts to 'set' those makeup applications giving them staying power, as well as providing a base to dry applications to follow i.e. powder blush/ bronzer, eye shadow and liner etc.

Concealer makeup is an incredibley beneficial element to any personal beauty regimen from minimalist to diva. It is amazing how  quick you see results you like with just that makeup measure alone. 

Brought to you by concealer makeup brush at Beso.com

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