FAQs: Everything you need to know about concealers
How to choose the right concealer shade:
This depends on where you’re applying it – it can be a good idea to have a couple of different shades to tackle a range of issue. For under eyes, “choose a concealer shade that’s one shade brighter than your skin tone,” advises Amy. “If you go too light, it will appear grey and ashy and if you use the same as your foundation, it won’t give enough brightness to lift the eye.” But if you’re looking to cover up puffiness or blemishes, “opt for a concealer that is exactly the same colour as your skin,” she says. “This will ensure it will look smoother and seamless against the rest of the skin,” says Amy.
What is the best way to apply concealer?
“It’s best to apply concealer only where you need it,” says Amy. Apply a dot of it in the inner corner of the under eye (close to your nose, which often has shadows). “Then using your finger blend that out to the outer corner of the eye for a sheerer finish. This will give the most lift without applying it too heavily where you don’t need it,” she says. Elsewhere, make a judgement call. It often helps to add a touch around your nostrils (an area that often gets missed) and dot a small amount over blemishes and breakouts as and when they crop up.
Should you apply concealer or foundation first?
“We often turn to foundation first to even out the skin, but in actual fact if you start with the concealer first you’ll find yourself using half as much foundation everywhere else,” says Amy. “For all skin tones, our main area of darkness and unevenness is the under eye so when you brighten with a concealer it instantly evens out the rest of the skin before foundation.” Then if you need a little extra on top, you can always add some more later.
When it comes to blotchiness or blemishes, “layering is key,” adds Zara, “especially if you don’t want to look cakey.” The secret is to use a lightweight base and only add concealer in the areas that need some extra help. “This will give you the look of all over natural skin, but with the finish of full coverage just where you need it,” says Zara.
Which concealer is best for blemishes?
A matte concealer offers the best camouflage (you don’t want to make them look shiny). Pots like NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer work particularly well versus tubes of liquid concealer. As for how to apply? “Don’t sweep over a blemish,” says Zara. Too much blending defeats the point. “Instead, press the concealer in using your fingers, it will mimic the skin and help build coverage vs sweeping it away,” she says. Blend gently just around the edges to merge it with your skin while keeping the coverage in place over the spot itself.
What’s the best concealer for dark circles under eyes?
A hydrating concealer works well especially since our under-eyes tend to be where more lines form. Keeping the area hydrated and plump will help to minimise creasing. And avoid anything too thick as this will also settle in lines. There’s plenty of eye concealers with impressive pigment pay-off which can disguise bags and discolouration without weighing skin down, such as the Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader Concealer Pen.
Can you wear concealer by itself?
“Concealer by itself is a great way to lighten the eye, and this is perfect for everyday natural makeup,” advises Amy. “For the ultimate brightness, opt for a corrector underneath to banish any darkness first, as this will give a flawless under-eye lift.” Browse these concealer brushes for the best application.
Looking to up your makeup game with more beauty products loved by GLAMOUR beauty editors? Read our guides on the best foundation, best bronzer, best highlighter, best blush, best tinted moisturisers and the best vitamin c serums to discover our favourite picks. And if you’re after skincare, here’s our recommendations for the best eye cream and cleansers.