Hiding the Concealer
Foundation provides a great base for your makeup, but it won't necessarily cover blemishes or under eye dark circles. This is where concealer comes in.
So, let's look at concealers in more detail...
Colour - before choosing the right colour you need to decide what you want to use your concealer for. To cover any blemishes on the skin, the concealer needs to closely match the foundation colour. However, if you want to reduce dark circles under eyes a lighter shade, and particularly something light reflecting, is best.
Type - whilst there are different types, the most popular is a cream consistency with a sponge wand applicator. If you have an oily skin you might like a more matte consistency like NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, but I recommend a cream formula to most of my ladies.
Foundation or concealer first - apply your foundation and then your concealer. Don't put too much concealer on. Start with a little and build it up to get the desired coverage.
If your skin has good even skin tone, and you want to just brighten around your eye area, you can use concealer without foundation. Just be sure to blend thoroughly so that the concealer fades into your natural skin colour. You may need a different colour for use without foundation than you would if you are applying on top.
Application - for blemishes use a criss cross technique - side to side then up and down, to blend the concealer into the foundation. Use a brush designed specifically for concealer, and remember to wash it regularly.
For eyes, apply a small amount to the inner corner of the eye - dark areas tend to show up between the bridge of the nose and the eye, and this area can be forgotten. Apply a further small amount on the outer corner of the eye. Blend gently but thoroughly with either a brush or your ring finger. You can also try a sponge here, but remember my comments from last month - it can soak up a lot of product.
Creasing - concealer can crease around the eye area, which is difficult to avoid. To reduce this, make sure you use an eye cream before applying foundation and concealer. You can also try a setting powder but only use a very small amount. Sadly, my previous recommendation from Becca is no longer available, as Becca Cosmetics have closed, but do experiment with a light powder, if you feel you need to set your concealer.
Recommendations - as always, this is personal preference. You will need to experiment to find the right colour, consistency and type for you, that achieves the results you are happy with. However, here are a few favourites for you to try:
Il Makiage - I'm Flawless - this is a slightly more matte finish, so doesn't need powder, but is not too drying for those of us with dry skin. Il Makiage also sell very nice concealer brushes.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer - this is a lighter coverage concealer, but does last all day.
Armani Luminous Silk Concealer - easy to blend, doesn't crease and is great at making you look like you have had a good sleep!
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye - you only need the smallest amount and it blurs and reduces the appearance of under eye fine lines.