One product makeup artistes really can’t do without is concealer! I mean, after foundation, the next common word is concealer. Concealers do the heavy duties that foundations alone can’t do. They help to cover up blemish, cover dark spots and circles, they are used for highlighting and contouring, heck, they even come in different colours for colour correcting and covering up pimples.

Basically, their job is to conceal – duh! The name. They also have some features similar to foundation. Concealers would pass as a foundation only that concealers are thicker. Some brands use the same formula for their foundations and concelaer, the only difference would be the thicker consistency of concealer.  Also, just like foundations, concealers come in various forms. Powder, liquid, compact /cream even.

Let’s look more into yet another wonder in the cosmetic world, shall we?

Uses Of Concealers

Like foundations, concealers have the job of unifying skin colour. They’re also used to mask a lot. From, dark circles to age spots, large pores to small and smaller blemishes, as long as it’s visible on the skin and you don’t like it, concealers have the job of making sure it goes away – not entirely away but at least for the meantime and such that it doesn’t affect how your makeup looks. Whatever imperfection there is, concealers blend them into the surrounding skin tone. For certain concealers, they can be used without the later application of foundation. 

READ: How To Cover Dark Circles And Under Eye Bags – With & Without Makeup

For more prominent skin flaws such as vitiligo, birthmarks, scars and general discolouration, there is even heavier pigmented concealer. 

This type is called camouflage makeup. In addition to this, when people don’t use camouflage makeup but still want to hide major flaws, they typically go for concealer shades that are one or two times lighter than their actual skin tone. 

There are also concealers specially made in certain colours and having certain undertones. These are the ones mostly called colour correctors. Concealers with yellow undertones are used to hide dark circles while those with blue and/or green undertones cancel out red patches on the skin – for instance, those caused by pimples, broken veins and *wink wink* hickeys. There are also purple-tinted containers that make complexions that are sallow look brighter. 

RELATED: All You Need To Know About Colour Correcting In Makeup

Typically, because of how heavy these concealers are, it’s best if they are used for ’spot’ concealing. If not, they can make makeup cakey.

Recently, a new job for concealers has also been found. Many makeup artists now use concealers to highlight. This is done by using a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to draw a ’V’ under the eyes. It can also be used in other areas where you wish to draw more light. They also work for contouring but this time, you use a concealer that is two shades darker. 

Types Of Concealers 

As said earlier, concealers come in different forms just like foundations. When you know this, you’d know how to choose the best concealer. Also, just like foundations, these forms have instances where they are more preferred. Most times, these instances include skin type, blemish to be concealed, setting among others. 

1. Liquid Concealers

This type of concealer is the most popularly used. Whether you want a natural makeup look or you’re going for a full-blown extravagant makeup look, liquid concealers happen to be necessary for highlighting and contouring. It’s also everybody’s choice because it comes in different formula; normal to full coverage, matte to hydrating formula; which makes it suitable for any skin type.

The downside of choosing this concealer, however, is its need for setting with powder. This is because it has a tendency to crease into the skin’s fine lines and cause cakiness when not done the right way. These concealers are still a favourite though because they can also have buildable coverage. This is a feature that makes them suit every need. 

Quick Read: How To Fix Cakey Makeup | Why Your Concealer Gets Cakey

2. Stick Concealers

These, unlike the liquid ones, are stick type, more like lipsticks. It is thicker compared to liquid concealer and contains more coverage. Despite this, people find it very convenient because of the roll-up packaging. It can also easily be used for touch-ups. It works best for blemishes and discolouration – although in small areas. It also needs to be properly blended whichever tool is your favourite, between brushes and beauty sponge.

Check this post: Which Is Better: Beauty Blender Or Makeup Brush?

3. Cream Concealers

Just like Stick concealers, they have heavy coverage. A lot of its characteristics are like that of the stick concealer. The only difference, however, is the need for a brush in application because it tends to look heavy and needs to be very well blended. This is owing to the fact that it has intense pigmentation they usually have.

4. Pen Concealers

Barely ever used but, yes, they exist. It can be used to cover small blemishes but its effectiveness is questionable. Despite this, it actually works great in certain situations. It can be very useful to highlight the eyebrows. Speaking of eyebrows, if you still have ‘how to draw natural eyebrows’ problem, this video tutorial might help. 

I know this post was titled all you need to know about concealers, this is really the basics every makeup beginner should know about concealers.  In an upcoming post, I’ll give a list of my top favourite concealers, best concealers for oily skin, best concealer for dry and normal skin and so much more.

Any questions or anything unclear, you could leave a comment. I’d be very pleased to answer.