Make Up 101: Concealor

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A new series, Make up 101 will focus on all aspects of make up and break them down into a dummy-proof process. Not that you are dummies, but those of you who are new to make up might find it useful.

First Base: Concealor


What:
A concealer or corrector is a type of cosmetic used to hide pimples, dark circles, scars, blackheads and other small blemishes visible on the skin. Concealers blend the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone.

How is concealer different from foundation? 
Both concealer and foundation are typically used to make skin appear more uniform & perfect in color.

These two types of cosmetics differ in that concealers tend to be more heavily pigmented. Also, foundation is usually applied to larger areas than concealer is.

Why:
Because even you have perfect skin, certain areas on our face like under & on the corners of our eyes as well as the sides of the nostrils tend to be darker.

Using a concealor helps lighten and even out these areas.Concealer also helps to serve as a good base for eye-make.

Where: 
A concealer is applied only on top of the problem area.

Types: 
Concealers come in a multitude of formulations, from moisturizing to acne-fighting.

Concealers are produced from lightest coverage all the way to the heaviest coverage. Let's use a scale system to show you the coverage level of a concealer (1-lightest to 7-heaviest).

1-loose powder concealer,
2-pressed powder concealer,
3-matte mousse concealer,
4-pencil concealer,
5-liquid concelar,
6- Cream concealer,
7- Paste concealer (available in stick form)

Depending on what type of imperfection you are trying to cover, will determine what form of concealer you will need.

For example, hiding enlarged pores or mildly discolored spots may require a light concealer (1-3).

For hiding something like acne, dark circles, or eye bags, 3-6 would be ideal.

But for hiding/blurring medical scars or moles you will need the heaviest product (6+).

Personally I prefer the heavier ones & use liquid, cream or paste concealors. 

Certain concealers may be used by itself, or in conjunction with foundation.

How:

Use a concealer that is a little lighter than your natural skin color. Your foundation will work to even it out and cover it up

1. Take some concealer on the back of the hand & rub using fingers. This will warm it up so that there is no caked/patchy look
2. Dab concealer on area. Just pat it on using fingers. Don't rub it.
3. Blend the edges of the concealer patch into the skin
4. Apply foundation on top of the concealer very gently. Don't wipe it off.
5. Finish with a dusting of untinted face powder (if needed) for a polished, seamless look.

P.S. Some people prefer to apply the foundation first & then the concealer. Do whatever you're comfortable with. 

Edit (17th February 2010): Ok, it seems that I forgot to mention any product recommendations in this post. I am adding them below: 

1. Colorbar concealor
2. Colorbar Illuminating Pen
3. Maybelline concealor
4. Revlon Colorstay concealer