Oct 05, 2024

How to Apply Concealer for Beginners

How to Apply Concealer for Beginners: A Complete Guide by Karyna Yevsieieva

Karyna Yevsieieva is a professional makeup artist with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and a leading expert at KARYSHA Cosmetics. Over the years, Karyna has trained many beginner makeup artists, and today she shares her best tips on how to apply concealer correctly to achieve flawless makeup.

What is Concealer, and Why Do You Need It?

Concealer is a multifunctional product that helps hide skin imperfections, giving the face a fresh and well-groomed appearance. It is used to cover dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, pigmentation, and redness. It's important to choose a product that suits your skin type, whether it’s a concealer for oily skin, concealer for dry skin, oil-free concealer, or even more specialized products like clean concealer and cruelty-free concealer. If you have tattoos, try tattoo cover-up makeup for reliable and dense coverage. Regardless of its purpose, the correct application of concealer is key to achieving perfect makeup.

Different Types of Concealers

Before choosing a concealer, it's important to determine which type is right for you. Concealers vary in texture, density, and coverage, allowing you to find the optimal option for different skin types and problem areas.

Liquid Concealer

Liquid concealer is a versatile product with a lightweight texture, perfect for masking dark circles under the eyes. For oily skin, choose an oil-free concealer or a concealer for oily skin to control shine and hide enlarged pores. These products create a natural finish and are easy to apply using an applicator. Liquid concealer can also be used to correct pigmentation spots and skin irregularities, providing smooth coverage.

Cream Concealer

Cream concealer is a highly pigmented product that provides medium to full coverage. It effectively conceals blemishes, redness, and other imperfections. The creamy texture is best suited for normal to dry skin, as it retains moisture. However, to avoid creasing, it is necessary to set it with powder. If you prefer products without harsh ingredients, choose a paraben-free concealer.

Concealer Stick

A concealer stick is an excellent option for spot application and touch-ups throughout the day. Its dense texture and compact format provide full coverage and easily fit into a makeup bag. Suitable for masking both dark circles and blemishes, you can use a damp sponge, like the KARYSHA Cosmetics Sponge, to achieve a smooth finish without streaks.

Powder Concealer

Powder concealer is the perfect solution for those with oily skin. It provides a matte finish, controls shine, and sets makeup throughout the day. With a low coverage level, dry concealer is best used as a setting layer over other concealers, especially a concealer for oily skin.

Color Correcting Concealer

Choose a color-correcting concealer to match your specific needs:

Lavender: Eliminates dull and yellowish skin tones.
Yellow: Hides dark circles and minor bruises.
Green: Neutralizes redness and acne.
Pink: Refreshes pale skin and neutralizes blue tones.
Orange: Masks dark purple and gray tones.

Choosing the Right Shade and Type of Concealer

To achieve perfect makeup, it's important to choose the right product for your skin type and specific concern.

For Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, choose a concealer for oily skin or an oil-free concealer with a lightweight texture and mattifying effect. These products control oil production and conceal enlarged pores. To avoid clogging pores, use a silicone-free concealer, which does not create a heavy feeling on the skin.

For Dry Skin

Dry skin requires extra hydration. A concealer for dry skin contains nourishing ingredients that provide comfortable application and prevent tightness. Such concealers offer a natural finish without emphasizing dryness or flaking.

For Covering Imperfections

To cover blemishes, dark spots, and other noticeable flaws, use the best concealer for acne and the best concealer for dark spots. Highly pigmented products provide long-lasting coverage and conceal imperfections throughout the day. For an ethical choice, select a cruelty-free concealer or vegan concealer to care for both your skin and the environment.

How to Choose the Right Shade?

For Dark Circles: Choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.
For Blemishes: Pick a product that matches your foundation exactly.
For Contouring: Use a concealer that is a couple of shades lighter than your natural skin tone to create a glowing effect and give your face a more refreshed look.

Step-by-Step Concealer Application Guide

Apply Concealer to Dark Areas: Start with the areas where problems are most pronounced, such as under the eyes or around the nose. Use light tapping motions to evenly distribute the product. If you need to cover tattoos, use tattoo cover-up makeup for dense and long-lasting coverage.
Use a Synthetic Brush or Sponge: For applying concealer, use a synthetic brush or a damp sponge, such as the KARYSHA Cosmetics Sponge. This sponge is perfect for evenly applying and blending the concealer. Its soft texture allows you to create a smooth, natural finish without leaving streaks. You can also use the sponge to remove excess product, avoiding a "mask" effect.
Blend Outwards: Gently blend the concealer from the inner corner of the eye outwards, extending it towards the brow. This creates a more lifted appearance and helps avoid harsh lines. Cream concealer provides a smooth finish and blends easily.
Stretch Downwards: Create a triangle from the inner corner of the eye to the wing of the nose. This technique brightens the under-eye area, creating a fresh and radiant effect. If you have problematic skin, use the best concealer for acne for dense and natural coverage.
Cover the Lash Line: With the remaining product, lightly touch the area under the lash line. This will help prevent creasing and maintain light coverage. Finish by using a powder concealer to set the result and control shine.

The Importance of Tools: Makeup Sponges

To apply foundation, a large sponge in a teardrop or egg shape is ideal. Use the wider, flat side to distribute the product evenly. This helps you control the amount of product applied and ensures even coverage.

The same sponge shape works for applying concealer, but in this case, use the pointed tip. For pressed powder and makeup removal, a flat sponge works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Use a Makeup Sponge:

For smoother application, wet the sponge before use.
Don’t pick up too much foundation at once — it’s better to build up the coverage gradually for a flawless finish.
Distribute the product evenly across the face with gentle, circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent skin irritation.
If you need to cover specific areas, such as under-eye circles or blemishes, use the pointed tip of the sponge to press the product into the skin.
After use, thoroughly clean the sponge, squeeze out all the water, and leave it to dry on a towel.

KARYSHA COSMETICS Luxury Mint Makeup Sponge + Free Silicone Case

This professional-grade sponge is crafted by a makeup educator with over 10 years of experience, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Flawless Look: With this sponge, your face will always look like it’s straight off the cover of a glossy magazine!
Free Silicone Case: Every purchase includes a free silicone case for convenient and hygienic storage. This durable case keeps your sponge protected and ready for use at all times.
Super Soft and Porous, Convenient Shape: Made from the finest materials, our sponge is exceptionally soft and porous, allowing for flawless application. Its ergonomic shape ensures precise application in hard-to-reach areas and even distribution across the entire face.
Versatility: This sponge is perfect for applying foundation, cream contour, cream blush, concealer, or baking.
Perfect Application: Whether you want a natural look or full coverage, this sponge gives you complete control over the amount and density of foundation applied. Use a sheer layer for a natural glow or build up layers for a polished, full-coverage finish.
Easy to Clean: Maintaining hygiene is effortless with this sponge, as it is easy to wash and thoroughly cleans without retaining makeup residues.

Setting Concealer for Long-Lasting Wear

After application, check if an additional layer is needed. To set the concealer, use a long-lasting concealer to ensure the makeup lasts all day. To prevent creasing, gently press your ring finger under the eye to remove excess product. Then set the concealer with powder. A powder concealer is ideal for this purpose, especially if your skin tends to be oily. Apply the powder with light tapping motions using the KARYSHA Cosmetics Sponge for a perfect matte finish.

How to Avoid Common Problems with Concealer

Creasing: If the concealer creases, it may be due to excessive application or insufficient setting with powder. Use a concealer for oily skin and set it with a powder concealer.
Emphasizing Dryness: If the product highlights dryness or fine lines, opt for a concealer for dry skin with hydrating components. Choose a paraben-free concealer to avoid irritation.

When and How to Apply Concealer

Apply concealer after foundation to prevent it from shifting. Use a brush or fingertips to carefully blend the product onto the skin. For a smoother and more natural application, use the KARYSHA Cosmetics Sponge – it helps create seamless coverage while absorbing excess product.

Additional Tips for Perfect Concealer Application

Inverted Triangle: Draw an inverted triangle under the eyes to create a fresh, bright-eyed effect.
Spot Application: Use a concealer stick to conceal blemishes and pigmentation.
Final Setting: Set your makeup with a translucent powder or setting spray. Use the KARYSHA Cosmetics Sponge or even powder application and to prevent shine.

By following these steps and choosing the right products, you’ll achieve a flawless makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.

Right now you know how to use concealer

Choosing the right foundation, best foundation for oily skin, and high-quality tools for its application is the key to achieving flawless makeup. Whether you're aiming for a light, natural look or a perfectly polished evening style, it’s essential to consider your skin type, the conditions in which you'll wear your makeup, and use trusted products.