A good concealer is only as good as the hand that applies it. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a beauty guru to enjoy flawlessly executed concealer! We’re sharing some of our top tips and expert tricks to help you apply concealer makeup like a pro. Read on to learn how to choose the best concealer for your skin concerns, how to prep your skin to prevent creasing, how much concealer to use, where to apply concealer, and what makeup brushes to use for a flawless finish!
What Is Concealer Used For?
Concealer is a super versatile product that works to cover imperfections related to uneven skin tone: think dark circles under eyes, dark spots, and skin redness. It can also help improve the look of issues related to uneven skin texture including fine lines, wrinkles, and under eye bags.
The most sophisticated concealer formulas out there go beyond just providing instant coverage. With the help of high-performance ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, these concealers actually work to improve the look of your skin over time. Makeup enthusiasts use the term “skincealer” when referring to this category of concealers, which you’ll find in the IT Cosmetics lineup!
What’s the Best Concealer?
Knowing how to choose the best concealer for you really comes down to three things: your unique skin concerns, the look you’re trying to achieve, and the type of coverage you prefer.
At IT Cosmetics, we have two great concealer options that you can use individually or together to achieve your complexion goals.
Our latest offering is Bye Bye Dark Spots Brightening Concealer + Serum, a medium coverage brightening concealer with a lightweight, creamy texture that can be used as a spot concealer or all-over concealer. Available in 18 shades and featuring skin-loving 2% niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and caffeine, this all-in-one concealer + serum provides 24 hours of hydration and is clinically tested to visibly fade dark spots, dark under eye circles, fine lines and uneven skin texture (eye area and forehead) after 12 weeks of daily use.
“Including niacinamide in a formula can help brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots”, says Julia Tzu, a dermatologist and IT Cosmetics advisory board member. “That’s why we developed Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer with a concentration of 2% niacinamide—plus, hyaluronic acid and caffeine—so you’ll see better bare skin over time while instantly covering the dark spots and dark circles you have right now.”
This is the best concealer for you if you prefer a no-makeup makeup look that lets your skin shine through. It pairs perfectly with CC+ Nude Glow, our medium coverage lightweight foundation for that ultimate glowing complexion.
Looking for more full coverage? If you’re a fan of IT Cosmetics, then you’re probably already familiar with our best-selling* Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer. Available in 24 shades, this anti-aging and color-correcting concealer delivers highly pigmented full coverage and has a smooth, cream texture. It’s also waterproof and provides up to 24 hours of wear.
Just like its name suggests, our full-coverage concealer works best to color correct imperfections common to the under eye area, such as dark circles and broken capillaries. And because it delivers full coverage precisely where you need it, Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer can also double as contour makeup. Pair it with CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 50+, which now comes in an extended shade range to suit a wider variety of skin tones.
Now that you know how to choose the right type of concealer, it’s time to learn how to apply it! To help you get started, we’ve asked our expert team to lay out their favorite concealer application tips for a foolproof routine.
Step #1: Choose Your Concealer Shade
The shade you choose will depend on whether you are trying to conceal or brighten.
To Conceal Dark Spots or Skin Redness:
Choose a shade that best matches the skin around the areas that you’re trying to conceal.
To Brighten the High Points of Your Face or Under the Eyes:
Select a shade one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone.
Learn more about finding the perfect shade for your concealer makeup routine, or even better, try it on your face to discover the right match for you. Take a look at our shade charts for Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum to find your shade.
Step #2: Prep Your Skin to Prevent Creasing
If you’ve been rushing straight into applying concealer without prepping your skin, we have some bad news—you’re missing a crucial step! Prepping your face before concealer is the secret to effortless application that glides on smoothly, without any cracks or creases.
The best way to do this is by starting with a clean, moisturized face. So grab your Confidence in a Cleanser and wash your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, makeup or residue. Next, smooth on your favorite IT Cosmetics eye cream and moisturizer, then get ready to apply that concealer like a professional!
Step #3: Follow The Cardinal Rule of How to Use Concealer: Less Is More
Your concealer should work with your skin, not against it. That means avoiding any of the creasing, caking, or dryness that leads many people to give up on their concealer routine too soon. When it comes to deciding how to use concealer and where to apply it, remember one thing: Less is always more. And if you need a bit more coverage, you can always build it up to your liking. Lucky for you, IT Cosmetics concealers are designed to be completely buildable!
Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum features a doe-foot applicator on one end and a kabuki brush on the other to make application easier than ever. Starting with the doe-foot applicator, tap the concealer directly onto the desired areas you want to conceal or brighten. Next, flip to the kabuki concealer brush and tap repeatedly (stipple) to blend effortlessly into the skin. For hard-to-reach areas, consider using the concealer brush end of our Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush #7.
One dot is all you need with Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: Apply a pin-head size amount to the back of your hand, warm it up with your fingers, and voila—our waterproof concealer is ready to work its color-correcting magic! To blend to perfection, we recommend our Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2. This dual-ended, 2-in-1 brush is ideal for use around the sensitive eye area—making it perfect for under eye concealer application.
To make sure you're getting the most out of your concealer brushes, be sure to explore our guide on how to clean your makeup brushes.
Step #4: Complete the Look
Now that you’ve aced how to apply concealer according to your unique skin needs, you’re ready for the finishing touches! A high-quality setting powder—like Bye Bye Pores Pressed Setting Powder—is a must-have when it comes to creating a flawless finish and preventing creasing. Apply your setting powder all over your face and gently remove any excess powder.
Follow up with your favorite blush or bronzer essentials for added color.
And for the ultimate finish, spritz a hydrating makeup setting spray to make sure that gorgeous look stays put all day!
For more pro makeup concealer tips, check out this tutorial on how to do a natural makeup look.
Sources:
*#1 concealer formula for IT Cosmetics brand in the U.S.
