Concealers help to camouflage dark spots or patches, acne scars, even dark under-eye circles and other such blemishes. They help in making the skin texture appear smooth. Concealers come in stick, cream or cake form. The stick-type concealers are easy to use. Foundations can also be used to conceal blemishes and thus perform the function of a concealer. Pansticks or cake type foundation may also be quite suitable. These are different from liquid or creamy foundations and water has to be used to apply them. They provide a smooth, matte finish. Concealers should be applied before applying foundation. First cleanse the skin. During dry weather, apply a liquid moisturiser all over the face. Wait for a few minutes to allow the skin to absorb it. Then conceal blemishes.
Cover blemishes
If you have small pits or spots on the skin, use a cotton bud or a fine brush and apply cream or cake-type concealer on the scars. You can also use a foundation the same way to conceal blemishes. It should be one shade lighter than your skin colour. Foundation can only be used to cover up pimples. The best way to do this is to take a little bit of creamy foundation and apply it directly on the pimple. Avoid rubbing. Instead, pat it into the skin and then apply loose powder on top.
What you must bear in mind is that the concealer or foundation, which you use to conceal acne scars can be two or three shades lighter than your skin colour. But, for concealing dark under-eye circles or larger pigmented (dark) patches, it should be one shade lighter than your skin colour. If the foundation is too creamy, add a drop of water to give a light coverage, while concealing under-eye dark circles. Heavy foundations can get into fine lines and you will end up looking as if you are wearing a mask. Avoid choosing a concealer which is too pink. A yellowish tone would be good.
After applying the concealer, apply foundation on the entire face and then set your foundation with powder. A sheer transparent powder should be used. If the skin is oily, try pressed powder. This means that the concealed blemish has three layers-first the concealer, then foundation and lastly, the powder. Remember that blending is of utmost important.
Cover dark circle
To conceal dark under-eye circles, first apply a light eye cream or moisturiser under the eyes. Using a finger tip, pat it on lightly. Avoid rubbing. Use a thin brush to apply the concealer, making sure that you apply it evenly, paying attention to areas like the inner corner of the eyes. Do not apply concealers on the upper eye lids, as the crease will show. Pat well to blend it. Next, apply the foundation over the concealer. This should be the same foundation that you will use for the rest of the face. Lastly, apply powder, as you will apply for the rest of the face. The entire effort is to give an even look to the skin colour. Follow the same procedure for larger pigmented (dark) patches on the face.
For natural look
While applying foundation, the main aim is to achieve a natural look. The colour tone should be even. Apply it on the face, on forehead, nose and cheeks. Using a moist sponge, spread it evenly, going outwards. Apply foundation on the eyelids too. Then, apply on the lower part of the face, on the chin, and on either side, along the jawline. Remember the neck too. Apply and spread evenly from the chin downwards. The entire effect should be natural and should not have a mask-like look. Then, apply loose powder with cotton wool or a puff. This helps to set the foundation.
