For many women – and a growing number of men – concealer is the most valued cosmetic in the bag. Aptly named for what it has the power to do, concealer hides the imperfections, breakouts and evidence of a sleepless night. So when we need it the most, how do we make it work its best?

When do I Use a Concealer?

Concealers are designed to provide maximum coverage to a specific area. Instead of caking foundation over a scar, blemish or on under-eye circles, concealers are lightweight and opaque so a little goes a long, effective way.

How do I Choose the Right Shade?

Concealers come in a variety of shades similar to liquid foundation shades. Choosing the concealer closest to your natural skin tone will serve most cover-up needs. It’s important to sample your concealer with your foundation and powder as each product (even from the same cosmetic line) will differ in shade and therefore affect the coloration. You might just as easily find that a brighter, more ivory-based shade than you normally use will best cover your dark circles when combined with a beige-based foundation. Or, you may need the additional yellow undertones of multiple beige-based products to achieve the desired cover up.

Although a good concealer in your skin’s shade is normally all you need, there are concealers in single colors designed to serve a particular purpose. Green concealers are specifically designed to minimize red tones in the skin like blemishes, rashes and scars. Yellow also covers red and brown.

Waterproof concealers stay put through tears, rain and even a swim. While this means you have to pay special attention to properly remove it, once applied it will serve it purpose throughout the day and night. This staying power makes touchups a breeze. While your powder may have disappeared, your cover-up has not. Simply dab a bit more to the desired area, blend and dust with fresh powder.

How do I Properly Apply?

Concealers are heat sensitive and begin to break down almost immediately when they come in contact with anything above room temperature – including your skin. When applying with your finger tip, run your fingers under cool water and then dab small amounts of concealer directly on the desired area. Or, apply concealer with a small, soft brush. This allows you to cover the area in the exact size and shape needed.

Be sure to moisturize your skin before applying. Concealers can accentuate dry skin and fine lines. Be sure to blend well and use as little as possible on all areas.

When concealing dark under-eye circles, be sure to blend up to the bottom lashline and into both the inner and outer corner where dark lines and shadows make eyes look tired and pinched.

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