Concealer FAQs Answered

With the launch of our recent Sculpted Concealer Collection we truly believe our selection has you covered. However, we totally get that you may have questions that need answering so take a look at Aimee's responses to your FAQ on concealers.

What type of concealer should you wear in different areas of the face?

We believe there are two different types of concealers that you need for two different reasons. You want to give your skin the best coverage it needs in areas it wants it but also to not highlight any areas you don't want to! In that case we suggest to use a liquid based concealer under the eyes. The skin here is finer and more delicate so using something more hydrating and fluid will give a more natural coverage and finish. Our Brighten Up has been designed to be used here.

For areas like redness, breakouts, scarring etc where you might want more coverage we would suggest a thicker based cream to powder concealer. This is so it sets a little better - you’re typically only using it in small areas where you want that coverage and then it'll last better also.

Our Complete Cover Up is your go-to for this one!

How do you pick a color concealer?

For under the eyes its very common for people to want to brighten this space as much as possible and so going a shade lighter or 2 is complimentary. Be mindful of what foundation color you're wearing as this is how you base how light to go with concealer, typically 1/2 shades lighter is enough. If you’re pale don't panic about going 1/2 shades paler as in some instances this would mean applying a white under eye concealer which isn't complimentary! If in the instance you have a fresh colour or lots of tan on be mindful not to have your concealer too much brighter or else it will look too obvious.

For cream concealer we would suggest matching to your foundation shade so that it totally camouflages in. For example if you like to top up your concealer on a breakout throughout the day but the concealer is much lighter in color than your foundation then it will only highlight the area you’re trying to conceal. Whereas if you match it to your foundation color it just seamlessly blend in and conceal the breakout you're trying to.

Should you put concealer on before or after foundation?

This is usually a personal preference so we suggest to stick to what you’re used to. When it comes to liquid it doesn't matter what goes first but our biggest advice is to avoid putting foundation and concealer under the eyes it doesn't need that double layer! I.e apply your foundation up to the cheekbone and under eye concealer under the eyes and let the two meet.

In terms of a fuller coverage concealer like our Complete Cover Up if you like to apply before foundation you might want to top up after the foundation is applied if it has removed some of the coverage and so in that case we would suggest that you choose a shade to match your foundation color.

Applying concealer before foundation can help you to ease up on the coverage as you’ll see its covered or else if you apply after foundation then it just means you might get a quicker finish without having to go back in.

We have a shade matching blog on our concealers to help here!

Should I not apply concealer under my eyes over foundation?

The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate enough so we would always suggest to only apply your concealer here. We know this can be really hard not to do if you're in a habit of always putting foundation on top but it could end up only clogging up that area and potentially giving you lines in places you don't want them - oh no!

Apply your foundation up to the tip of the cheekbone and then your concealer under the eyes - the two will meet and should blend nicely without there being a double layer of either.

How do I stop my concealer from creasing? 

Some common ways that can cause your concealer to crease would be applying too much - if you have loads of concealer on it has no where to go and so ends up gathering which we dont want. This will only highlight fine lines or even worse create lines that aren't meant to be there! 

It can also help to be mindful that its well blended in - using the heat of your hand to tap and pat after your brush has blended or ensuring you use a correct size brush for that area can really help for a seamless finish. We love using the concealer end of our new Beauty Buffer Complexion Brush here.

Its only natural as our skin gets older to have slight lines so that can be inevitable but actual creasing can also be avoided with a little powder on top sometimes. If you know your under eye is quite oily a small layer of a translucent powder on top of your concealer as you finish your makeup can go a long way andddd its also a winner sometimes for stopping mascara excess from creating panda eyes you.

Powders we recommend would be Laura Mercier translucent, MAC Prep & Prime or Hourglass Veil translucent powder 

Should I apply with brush or finger or beauty blender

We always say you do you! Apply whatever way feels natural to you - our preferences would be a brush or your finger however the main thing to watch out for would be that its well blended and not too much product applied regardless of what way it goes on :)

Top Tips on Applying concealer on a mature skin?

Although lots of people feel a mature skin needs to be catered for very differently we don't agree. A lot of our same advice and tips apply here, namely don't over do with the concealer. The skin is finer so less is more (like with everything in makeup!) and again make sure that you don't go too light or bright with your under eye concealer but that is something we would advise to all ages :) 

Should I be color correcting with choosing a concealer

Discoloration under the eyes is one of the most common issues for people and most under eye concealer have a color correcting method in them. For example some will be warmer - more pinky to counteract blue under tones, some will be peachy for deep discoloration or blue / green undertones and some will be yellow for blue-er undertones. 90% of the time I would say that a concealer will do the job for you however if you know yourself that you have very very dark areas then you may want to use a peach color corrector in conjunction with your concealer this would mean applying the color corrector first and then liquid concealer on top.