Techniques for blending Concealer

Regardless of the type of concealer you use, the application remains basically the same. Dab the color on with your fingertips, the wand applicator, or the tube concealer itself in a half-inch crescent from the inside corner of the eye out to approximately one-third of the way under the eye. Apply the concealer only where the eye area is dark. If it’s dark all the way out under the eye, then that’s where the concealer should go. You can apply concealer to the eyelid too if that area is also dark and could use some lightening. Unless you are using a matte finish concealer, set the concealer with a light dusting of loose or pressed powder. This will ensure a smooth finish and longer wear—but be careful not to overdo powdering under the eye area because this, too, can make lines look more pronounced.

If you want a more elaborate makeup application, you can apply the concealer along the flat bridge of the nose, along the laugh lines, out along the entire under-eye area, on the top of the cheekbone, and in the center of the forehead and chin for accent and enhance­ment. These options tend to be complicated and time-consuming, even for women adept at applying their makeup, and you can get almost the same results by applying the rest of your makeup correctly. If you do choose to highlight these areas, place your highlighter in dots over or under your foundation in these areas and blend well, controlling the color so it does not spread all over your face. Keeping the color contained is the goal if you wish to try this extra step.

Concealer mistakes to avoid

1. If you have noticeable lines around the eyes, do not wear a concealer that goes on too thickly or is too dry; it can cake under the eye and exaggerate wrinkles.

2. Consider my recommendations on www. Beautypedia. com for specific concealers that don’t crease into the lines around eyes and have impressive wearability.

3. If the concealer is obvious, you’ve chosen the wrong shade, applied it too heavily, or didn’t overlap as you blended it with your foundation.

4. Do not wear a peach, orange, green, rose, or ash shade of concealer.

5. Do not forget to blend the foundation and concealer together so there are no edges where one stops and the other starts. This is best done with a makeup sponge.

Updated: October 6, 2015 — 10:04 am