Could some of the greatest cover-ups in history be the ones executed by makeup artists? From on-screen mutation to getting your favourite celebrity ready for the red carpet – the average twenty-something’s Instagram feed is a testament to the transformative powers of makeup. Sorcery is what springs to mind while watching makeup tutorials. Except for the fact that it doesn’t take a wizard to work the mind-blowing magic of makeup. It all comes down to how the canvas is coated before it can be painted on, using a weapon already in your beauty arsenal. And what is that? Your foundation’s lesser-known cousin: the concealer.
Be it covering up acne breakouts, evening out hyperpigmentation, contouring and highlighting your features, or priming your lids and lips for makeup – the concealer wears many hats. Read on for tips on how to apply concealer for beginners, with some recommendations from celebrity makeup artist, Heema Dattani.
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Step 1: Keep the canvas clean
Take every dermatologist’s word for it – clean skin is pivotal to any makeup routine. Well prepped skin requires a gentle face wash, serum and a moisturiser. Under-eye creams can also be game-changers in preventing the concealer from creasing or settling into fine lines. Follow these up with a primer before going in for any makeup. For your look to survive the year-round Indian summer, use a moisturising primer for dry or sensitive skin and an oil-free primer for acne-prone skin.
Step 2: Pick your base
As a base, options include tinted moisturisers, BB or CC creams, or foundations depending on how much coverage and durability you’re seeking. Dot the base across your face and blended with a makeup sponge.
If you choose to go with foundation, the sequence needs to be taken into consideration. If you have baggy under-eyes, do your concealer first, and for blemishes, your foundation comes first.
Step 3: Figure out the concealer formula and shade
The consistency of your concealer is more crucial than you can imagine. “For dry or mature skin, find something that has a creamy texture and for oily skin, something non-comedogenic with a matte finish,” says Dattani. Opt for a hydrating concealer if the skin feels extra dull or dry to keep it from creasing or flaking and staying on longer.
If you’re fair-skinned, hunt for pinker shades. Salmon in case you’re medium-toned and a peach or orange for a duskier complexion.
Step 4: Dab on the concealer
Globbing can do more harm than good, so stick with less product and gently dab it on. “Don’t overdo it. Apply in layers and blend each time with the tip of your middle finger or a sponge,“ says Dattani, who recommends the MA.C. Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer.
Step 5: Set it and forget it
Press setting powder on and leave for 3 to 5 minutes. Your body heat “bakes” the concealer and powder together to make it stay. Just lightly brush off the excess once it’s baked, and voila!
Pro tips
With Dattani’s expert concealer tips for Indian skin, be rest assured that what won’t meet anybody’s eyes are harsh concealer spots and lines.
1. Use an ‘under-eye concealer’ for below your eyes, and a regular, all-coverage concealer for the rest of your face, as they are both uniquely formulated to serve targeted functions.
2. Be sure to colour-correct if you are prone to skin issues such as acne, dark circles, and pigmentation to neutralise these imperfections.
3. Be sure to test the concealer shade in natural light.
