Your Step-By-Step Method For Concealing Dark Spots
First thing's first: Boccia reminds us that the sun is a major culprit when it comes to worsening dark spots, so you should always apply sunscreen before diving into your makeup routine. "The sun will make dark spots darker and make them harder to conceal over time," she notes.
Once you've completed this crucial first step, it's time to start your makeup. If you wear foundation, you can begin by applying it all over. Your go-to tool here, though, will be a great concealer. Boccia recommends using your finger or a small brush to apply the product and "blend out the color with a dabbing motion." She explains that "the idea is to keep the product as concentrated as possible in that area," so you should be careful not to wipe at it at all.
You can then build your concealer up to your preferred amount of coverage with a second layer if you see fit—but don't start out too heavy-handed. "It always works better to work in lighter layers of product," Boccia states.
Finally, don't forget the setting powder. Applying this finishing touch will ensure that your makeup lasts all day and your dark spots stay undetectable. Perfect!
Finding The Right Product
Now that you know how to apply concealer in order to cover dark spots, you may be curious as to which shades or colors will work best for this technique. For example, some people choose a concealer that's a shade or two lighter than their natural skin tone when it comes to their under-eyes. For dark spots, though, Boccia says your closest skin tone match is your best option. "Sticking as close to your natural skin tone is usually the best to get an even blend," she shares, adding that "you could go half a shade lighter but not much more than that" because "you don't want to go from a dark spot to a light spot." Got it!
Alternatively, you may want to go the color-correcting route by choosing an orange concealer. Boccia confirms that "something with a slightly orange undertone will balance [dark spots] out," but warns that color correcting products should be used "sparingly" in order to avoid a look that's a bit too orange.
Boccia offers one more tip for choosing a great, dark-spot-hiding concealer: reach for a full coverage product. "Even if you generally prefer more light to medium coverage all over, full coverage in specific spots will get the job done faster and with less product," she explains.
While you may typically abide by a "less is more" philosophy when it comes to your makeup routine, a sheer concealer can be counterproductive if you want to properly cover hyperpigmentation; you'll likely have to use more product in the long-run. "If you try and use a more sheer concealer you'll end up needing more product and it can start to feel heavy without getting the coverage you want," Boccia points out.
So there you have it: at the end of the day, concealing dark spots is generally about using a top-notch, buildable product and nailing your application technique. If you follow Boccia's advice, you should be all set! And remember: if you want to stop the problem at the source, never forget sunscreen.