For many of us, concealer is the one must-have makeup product that we feel naked without. That’s for good reason: concealer can tackle so many issues we have with our skin — from dark circles to dark spots to redness caused by zits and inflammation. Even if you skip eyeshadow or blush, a few dabs of concealer can even out your skin tone and make you look more polished and put together in seconds.
But getting the right application technique is important when it comes to concealer — this isn’t exactly an intuitive product to apply. And when you apply it incorrectly, concealer lets itself be heard loud and clear: what’s more frustrating than spending time on your makeup only to see streaks of concealer beneath your eyes and places where the product has clumped and settled?
Bridal Makeup Artist Pooja Mehta, owner of Makiaj who stars on Bravo TV’s Dancing Queens, and Jill Turnbull, a 47-year Veteran Makeup Artist, are sharing a few of their best hacks, tips, and tricks for flawless concealer application, including this gem: the life-changing hack that hides dark spots fast.
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Hack: Use Two Different Concealer Shades
If you’re like most makeup wearers, you have one (hopefully) perfect shade of concealer in your bag that blends seamlessly into your skin. That’s great — that one is definitely a keeper! But now it’s time to consider adding one more concealer in a different shade to really help tackle the task that is concealing stubborn dark spots on the skin.
“The key to achieving excellent dark-spot coverage is using two different concealer shades,” Mehta reveals. “One shade that is darker than your skin tone (at least 2 shades deeper) and one that is your perfect match.”
Application Technique
Mehta, who says she is a fan of the original Shape Tape Concealer by Tarte, shares her application technique when using two shades of concealer.
“To accomplish the look, first, apply the darker concealer shade on your dark spot or dark under eyes and let it dry down,” Mehta says. “Then, go in with the second layer of concealer with the shade closest to your skin tone. You will see the dark spot completely camouflage. I like to use a makeup sponge for this, but you can also use a concealer brush, if you prefer.”
First Mistake To Avoid: Not Letting Concealer Dry
The biggest mistake Mehta admits she sees is not giving your concealer enough dry down time before applying the second layer. “This method can lead to a cakey look. Always make sure to pat the layers to build up coverage; don't swipe or drag the concealer — you won't get any coverage that way.”
Second Mistake: Choosing Too-Light Concealer Shades
Another big tactical error when covering dark spots is using a concealer that’s too light for your skin, Turnbull says, which she adds can draw more attention to dark spots rather than concealing them.
“The secret is to pick a color slightly lighter than your skin tone for a natural, flawless blend,” Turnbull says. “If the dark spots are stubborn, consider layering a color-correcting concealer under your regular one.”
Remember: Good Skincare First
The best concealer hacks and application are only as good as your skincare routine and the order in which you apply your products, Turnbull reminds us.
“Start with moisturized and primed skin, then apply a thin layer of the No Sweat Foundation,” Turnbull says. “Use a color-correcting concealer (peach-toned ones work best for dark spots). Seal everything with a light layer of translucent setting powder; my favorite is my No Colour Powder for long-lasting coverage. Lastly, as a strong advocate for comprehensive beauty care, I can't stress enough the importance of a skincare prep first approach. By focusing on the health of your skin and choosing clean, cruelty-free products, you set the stage for a naturally vibrant and radiant complexion.”
