How To Conceal Like A Pro

Be Strategic With The Placement

“Concealer is designed to cover, brighten and even out skin tone. Most of us can agree it’s our secret beauty weapon and can deliver instant results. The best way to use it is to have a look at your face and decide which areas you’d like to correct and perfect before you apply anything.” – Cher Webb

“Be strategic with your application – less is always more and it can always be built up if needed. Start with a small amount of product, blending it around a specific area. If you need more, just keep layering up lightly and gradually – doing too much at once will only result in caking.” – Scarlett Golding

Pick The Right Texture 

“There are so many concealers out there, but each formula works differently for different skin types. For instance, if you have dry skin, always opt for a creamy liquid concealer that’s more hydrating and light in texture. If you’re prone to oiliness, try a matte texture, or an oil-free formula that won’t crease on your skin. If dullness is your bugbear, a radiant, light-reflecting concealer is best. Mature skin types should stay away from matte textures altogether. Often, they are heavier in texture and can sink into fine lines – something you really want to avoid – so instead, look for lighter, creamier formulas that provide a bit of luminosity. It’s worth taking the time to shop around and get it right, because concealer can be one of the best, most versatile, make-up items you own.” – Scarlett

Know The Key Areas

“The nose and chin are both areas which usually need a bit more coverage. This is because we touch them the most with our hands. The BareMinerals Bare Pro 16-Hour Stick Concealer is great for seamlessly covering all areas of the face. It’s especially effective on red or blemished areas, and the staying power is second to none. The calming ingredients also help to take down redness and minimise the appearance of pores.” – Cher

Use Your Fingers 

“Don’t be scared of using your fingertips to apply concealer. As long as your hands are clean, they’re the ideal tool for blending – especially around the under-eye area as they help to melt the product for a more seamless finish. Brushes can be just as effective if that’s your preference. Different ones do different things – a fluffier, dense, small brush will create a smooth finish, while flat, small brushes give more defined application. My application advice? Begin with a small brush like MAC’s 195 Concealer Brush or the Real Techniques Expert Brush. Use either to apply the product where you need it, then once you’ve let it set for a minute or so, use your fingers to tap over that area for a smooth, even finish.” – Scarlett

Make It Multi-Task

“The under eye sometimes requires a little boost as the skin here is very thin and delicate, so naturally gets quite shadowy. But there are other areas that require attention, too. Try targeting the inner part of the eye which holds a lot of shadow. Using a small amount can make the world of difference, instantly opening the eye for a fresher and more awake look. Apply a small amount on your eyelids, as well. This not only protects the lids, but evens out skin tone, creating a smooth base for any eyeshadow that follows. Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Corrector is a must-try. It’s silky, lightweight and sits beautifully around the eye without ever cracking or flaking.” – Cher

Always Lock It In

“Concealer and translucent powder go hand in hand. The latter can be swept on top with a big brush or pressed on with a BeautyBlender to help lock everything into place. By Terry’s Hyaluronic Hydra Powder is so good and is available in both loose and pressed form. It’s also very light and feathery, and doesn’t leave a ghostly trail. When setting your under-eye area, make sure your powder is so sheer it feels like a soft veil on the skin. Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder is brilliant, too – it sets and brightens for a believable luminosity.” – Cher

Choose Your Shades Wisely 

“Picking the wrong shade of concealer can sometimes draw more attention to the area, especially under your eyes. Try and go for a shade that is as identical as possible to your skin tone. This will help you cover spots, blemishes and even out skin tone seamlessly. If you want to brighten an area, go no more than one shade lighter – this will help to illuminate areas like underneath your eye. The NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer is a firm favourite of mine. It’s lightweight, creamy and has a great shade range that offers medium to full coverage. Another must-try is the iT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer. Extremely pigmented, it a little goes a very long way, and when applied right, you can get beautiful, natural coverage, just be sure you layer it up lightly. Finally, look out for MAC’s Studio Fix Conceal + Correct Palette which is a great all-rounder. With six shades inside, it’s ideal for colour correcting the skin as well as concealing uneven tone.” – Scarlett

Don’t Neglect Certain Areas

“As mentioned already, concealer can be a great multi-tasker. Aside from covering blemishes and spots, it can also help you colour correct and clean up things like a bold, red lip. To do this, just use a tiny amount around the edges to sharpen everything. Likewise, never forget to apply a little to the inner part of your eyes, and the inner bridge of your nose – everyone forgets the latter but it helps to add definition and smooth everything out. Finally, to cover a blemish or spot, tone it down with a green concealer first – just a small amount. Then take your concealer and apply a little with a brush before tapping it out carefully with your ring finger. This will give the best results and keep any inflammation hidden for longer.” – Scarlett