Concealers are used for covering blemishes, scars, uneven skin tone, under eye circles etc. Choosing the right concealer is the secret behind flawless looking skin. Read on to find out how you can achieve the perfect looking skin by just considering some important points while buying your concealers.

Shade and Consistency

The most important step to perfect concealing is choosing the right concealer shade. Consistency and color should be considered while choosing a shade. Consistency can be checked by dabbing some of the concealer on the blue veins on the inside of your wrist. Shade of the concealer can be tested by applying on the area of your neck below the ear. Don't test the shade on your hands.

Types

There are different types of concealers available. Decide which type is best suited for your requirement.

1. Liquid Concealers: They are more effective on dry skin.They are effective in hiding scars, acne and bruises. They do not offer as much coverage as stick concealers.

2. Solid Compact Concealers: They are the right choice for oily skin.

3. Concealer Sticks: These are used for full coverage. They are less messy than liquid concealers.

4. Pencil Concealers: Pencil concealers are used for small touch ups, lip lines and very tiny blemishes. They can be used by all skin types,

Concealer Tones

Before applying a concealer that matches your skin tone, it is important to first conceal blemishes. Such concealers (also known as color correctors) are available in different color tones which can be selected according to the color and nature of the blemish to be concealed. Characteristics of different tone concealers are given below:

Green: Green tone concealers are used for neutralizing the redness of a blemish resulting from pimples. It is effective in concealing spots, acne, rosacea, and blotches. Apply a little amount of a green concealer to the spot and blend it gently. Then again cover with a concealer that matches your skin tone.

Yellow: Yellow toned concealers can be used by anyone as it can neutralize both redness and blueness.They are effective in concealing mild redness on the face, bluish bruises, pregnancy marks, under eye circles or sun damaged skin.

Beige: Beige concealers are used for concealing flaws and shadows. They are also used for brightening the under eye area.

Blue: Blue concealers make flushed complexions look paler. If your complexion is more towards an orange hue you can tone down your shade by using blue concealer.

Peach: Peach tone concealers help in covering up dark bluish under eye circles and improve dullness.

Mauve: Mauve concealers give a over yellowish complexion a healthier glow.

After applying these color correctors, apply a concealer that matches your skin tone. This will give you a natural look. Concealer can be applied before or after applying foundation but the best results are obtained by applying the concealer after applying foundation.

Concealer Tips

Concealer should never be rubbed under the eyes. Always dab the concealer with the finger or brush. Excessive or harsh rubbing can cause swelling under the eyes. Start by dabbing a few dots of concealer under the eyes and blend with your ring finger as it exerts less pressure. For a smooth touch remember to apply concealer in the inside of the nose bridge and the outer corners of the eye. Smile in front of the mirror and check that it does not get into the fine lines around eyes. The extra concealer can be blotted with a tissue. After blending the concealer,dust a little powder to set it on the skin.

To conceal wrinkles and fine lines apply a light creamy concealer. Use a pencil concealer to precisely conceal pimples or red spots.

Do not apply a white or too pink concealer as it will only draw more attention to the blemish. Avoid applying more than one coat of the concealer at a time.

Concealers can be used for covering bags under the eye. The trick is to apply concealer below the eye bag. Never apply it on the bag otherwise they will be highlighted.