Complexion conundrum: Why your concealer is not working
How to achieve a flawless, natural-looking complexion
Concealer might seem straightforward—simply hide unwanted hues. But are you using it correctly? Questions arise: Should it go under foundation? Which type is best? Should it match your skin tone or be lighter? Are you using the right undertone?
In this article, we’ll uncover why your concealer might cake, look dull, or seem ineffective. We’ll address common questions about this simple yet nuanced routine.
Find the Right Shade Match
Understanding your shade is crucial for a seamless complexion. Professionals or online apps can help, but comparing with friends who know their undertones can also be effective. Most product labels use C for cool, N for neutral, and W for warm. If it’s more complex, mixing shades might be the answer.
Natural Lighting
Buying concealers online can be tricky, so we suggest purchasing in-store and testing shades on your face in natural lighting. Store lighting can be harsh and misleading, so step outside or find a window before buying.
Application
Natural lighting also aids in correct application, allowing you to see if you’ve overdone it or need more. Often, facial hues aren’t even, so a concealer that works for your cheeks or undereyes might not match your jawline or forehead, which are usually darker. Warm the concealer on the back of your hand before applying to control the amount used.
Undereye Coverage
For a natural look, avoid light shades on dark circles; this can highlight unevenness and appear gray. When using with foundation, apply foundation first to gauge how much concealer is needed.
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Spot Concealing
For small areas, use spot concealing with a small brush for precise coverage. The shade should match your skin tone for a seamless look.
Choosing the Right Products
Cream, liquid, and stick—each type suits different skin types. For a skin-like finish, try a serum concealer like the Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer, a perfect complement to the viral foundation version. It’s buildable, long-lasting, waterproof, and crease-proof, covering acne, post-acne marks, sun spots, and age spots. Available in over 20 shades, it includes skin-loving ingredients to hydrate the skin. Additionally, this formula boasts the brand’s High Resolution Pigments and 3D Smoothing Powders for perfecting, cake-free coverage, and color laydown without layering too much product.
Featured image source: Laura Mercier
