Applying Concealer Strategically for a More Elevated, Vibrant Appearance
Reimagining Concealer:
Embrace the transformative power of concealer - it's more than just a makeup tool, it's your secret weapon to banish sleepless nights, camouflage unwelcome blemishes, and conceal unwanted discoloration. With a dash of expertise, you can strategically apply concealer for a refreshed, lifted look that instantly lifts your spirits and enhance your face's overall appearance.
We tapped three professional makeup artists to reveal their insider tips on applying concealer – they've got the secrets to busting those dark circles under your eyes and achieving a sculpted, radiant appearance that lasts all day.
Elevating Under Eye Concealer
When it comes to applying concealer under your eyes for a youthful look, there are various approaches, but they all share a common thread – less is always more. Use a light hand, a lightweight formula, and zero in on the dark or shady spots instead of wide-open territory.
"Focus on the inner and outer corners of the eye, and apply concealer in an upward, lifting motion," advises T. Cooper, a professional makeup artist based in New York City. "Instead of coating the entire under-eye area, place small dabs where discoloration is most visible, then blend outward." Keep in mind that you can always layer up if needed, so build coverage slowly to avoid cakiness and creasing.
Concealer Beyond The Eyes
Don't keep concealer confined to your under-eyes - take it out for a spin across your entire face. Think of it as the ultimate accent to your contouring game, where you create subtle highlights that draw attention to the high points, lifting your face and creating a more sculpted appearance.
Mouth Corners
The area on either side of your mouth where your lips meet is often overlooked, but a small bit of shadow can drag down your face. "A touch of concealer on these areas brings a lift and brightness," notes Lex Smith, professional makeup artist for Tarte Cosmetics.
Below Cheekbones
Add a dab of concealer just below your blush to showcase a lifted look. "Placing concealer just under the cheekbone subtly lifts the face and sculpts your cheeks," Cooper states. This trick adds a chiseled effect without needing heavy contour products.
On The Eyelids
You'd be surprised to learn that eyelid skin tends to thin with age, making veins and discoloration stand out. Drita Paljevic, head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, suggests using concealer as a primer or base to brighten and even out color. The choice is yours – use it with or without eyeshadow.
Along Your Nose
Paljevic recommends applying concealer "right down the center of the nose as a form of 'reverse contour' to brighten this high point." You can also use a tiny bit on either side of your nostrils if needed.
Under Your Brows
Smith is a proponent of using a touch of concealer under the outer edge of your eyebrows. "This instantly lifts and defines the eyes for a more alert look," she says. Remember, less is more, and blend it out effortlessly.
On Your Ears
You won't regret giving this tip a try. "If redness or discoloration is present, applying a small amount of concealer to the ears can create a cohesive look," Cooper advises. "Especially when rocking short hairstyles or updos."
The Art of Natural-Looking Concealer Application
When applying concealer, work the makeup artist trick of "priming the brush." Before applying concealer directly to your skin, dab it onto the back of your hand. This infuses warmth into the formula, producing a more natural effect. Paljevic also suggests using a small fluffy brush (think eyeshadow brush) for application.
"Dip it into the concealer and ensure the product is evenly coated on all bristles," Paljevic explains. "Swirl and buff around in small circles in the area of concern. This creates the most natural, skin-like effect and the tiny bristles help the product settle perfectly into fine lines or the texture of a blemish without any caking."
Set with a powder or setting spray for long-lasting results.
By mastering these expert techniques, you'll be well on your way to strategically applying concealer to achieve a more lifted, youthful appearance. Happy transforming!
Insight Enhancement:
- Preparation
- Apply an eye cream or moisturizer to ensure a smooth base and prevent creasing.
- Concealer Placement for a Lifted Look
- Under Eyes: Apply concealer in an upward, lifting motion, concentrating on the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
- Nose & top Lip: Draw a diagonal line from under the nose to the cheek, then bring the concealer down around the nose to create a smooth transition.
- Corners of Mouth: Apply concealer diagonally from under the nose to the mouth to lift and brighten the area.
- Blending Techniques
- Small Brush: Use a small brush to blend concealer around the nose, under the eyebrows, and in the inner corners of the eyes.
- Wide Brush: Employ a wide brush with a “patting and pressing” technique for areas like the cheeks, outer corners of the eyes, around the mouth, and above the eyebrows.
- Choosing the Right Concealer
- Opt for a concealer that matches your skin tone. For under the eyes, choose a shade one tone lighter than your foundation to create a brighter look.
- Select a concealer with medium to buildable coverage to avoid a heavy, caked-on appearance.
- Setting the Concealer
- Apply translucent powder to set the concealer and prolong its wear.
Sources:[1] Leah Gomez-Cutting (2022, May 4). How to Apply Under-Eye Concealer for a Youthful Look. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-apply-under-eye-concealer[2] Jessica Misener (2019, November 14). The 8 Best Makeup Tips for Aging Skin. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/192463-the-8-best-makeup-tips-for-aging-skin[3] Francesca Dunn (2018, October 16). The Secret to Applying Concealer That Won't Make You Look Older. Elle. https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/news/b27091/how-to-apply-concealer-for-aging-skin/
- T. Cooper, a professional makeup artist, advises focusing on the inner and outer corners of the eye when applying concealer, and suggests an upward, lifting motion for a more youthful look.
- Lex Smith, a professional makeup artist for Tarte Cosmetics, notes that a touch of concealer on the areas where the lips meet brings lift and brightness to the face.
- Drita Paljevic, head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, suggests using concealer as a primer or base on the eyelids to brighten and even out color.
- Cooper also recommends applying concealer just below the cheekbone to subtly lift the face and sculpt the cheeks.
- To set the concealer and prolong its wear, Paljevic advises applying translucent powder.
