Game Changer: Using concealer for Makeup Magic

Hello everyone! For those of you who don't know, every once in a while I share a Game Changer Makeup secret. These tips and tricks are those techniques or products that really make a BIG Difference in your overall makeup look! If you missed the first five or so, make sure you go back and read them, because there are some great tips on how to improve your makeup skills!

 Ok! So this one has been much requested. When I first posted my foundation routine and did a quick picture of how I use my concealer, apparently a lot of people were like "what on earth is she doing!" Hehe. I am going to teach you what I use concealer for, and exactly how I use it! It is one of those things that can be used very wrong.

I would say concealer is one of the most important steps in my makeup look, and not for the reason you might think when you hear the word 'concealer'!

VERY IMPORTANT: I know it is called concealer... but we will actually be using it as a highlight. Now there are two kinds of highlight, the highlight that gives you a dewy glow and the highlight that brings forth and lights up certain parts of your face. Concealer is the kind of highlight that brings forth and lights up certain parts of your face. (Remember highlight brings forth and lights up and contour deepens and creates shadow)

A Bit About Concealer:

• Colour: Go much lighter than your skin. One to two shades lighter. I get the lightest one possible. 
• Brand: Danger, there are a lot of bad concealers out there. A LOT. 
•  Form: Stick, tube, powder....? The one I will be using is a Tube with a built in applicator. 
• Tone: too yellow, too pink, too orange. I try to go with the most toneless if that makes sense?! 
• Consistency: too thick, too thin. I will be using a nice thin creamy one :) 
• Staying power: Concealer should NOT be settling into your eye lines. Many brands will do this no matter what. I will show you how to prevent that with the right products and techniques. 
• Covering acne: THIS Concealer is not your skin color and therefor will only bring attention to problem spots. 
•  Where: This is the one that I will really be focusing on today because it is the MOST IMPORTANT! :)

(p.s I may seem like I'm being a bit of a concealer B in this post, but it is because I care and want you to get it right! I'm all tense and serious as I type this out hahaha.  When I type in caps lock, read it like I am yelling at you, because in my mind, I am. But I care,so it is OK?)

Concealer Process

Step 1: Apply your primer, making sure you smooth it all over, focusing on your T-Zone. Make sure you smooth it under your eyes. Use your finger tips. This will help prevent your foundation and your concealer from settling into any lines around your eyes.... I squint a lot, so this used to be a problem for me, but with the two methods I use (see step 4), this is no longer a problem at all!

 Step 2: Apply your foundation as usual. Take a look at my foundation routine if you like! I make sure to not put too much foundation under my eyes. I use my beauty blender to really sheer it out under my eyes.





Step 3:Get out your concealer! OK! My current FAVORITE concealer is Maybelline Age Rewind. This is my first choice concealer, it is the perfect colour for me, and it is the perfect consistency. Also, it has a great applicator that delivers a healthy amount (no one has time for those little nail polish wands!) I will be repurchasing!

 Step 4: If you are just wearing a quick makeup look. Apply the concealer as seen below. DO NOT APPLY UNDER THE ENTIRE EYE. If you apply it under your entire eye it will get cakey and fall into lines.

Do not put concealer where the red Xs are.

Sheer it out with your beauty blender along your cheek bones.

If you are doing more of a full face look, apply the concealer like so! :)

Step 5: Use your beauty blender to to sheer out and blend your concealer.


IMPORTANT TIPS! The concealer should blend into your foundation, but not so much that it is the same colour (we want to keep some contrast). Try not to move the concealer too far from where you put it (for example do not connect the concealer on the ridge of your nose to the concealer along the base of your nose) (another example, do not move the concealer in the center of your forehead all the way out to your hair line). Concealer is not meant to be a second layer of foundation. Remember, when using your beauty blender do not smear or wipe... pat, press, or dab.


Step 6: In these pictures I used my ELF HD translucent powder ($5 on eyeslipsface.com) to set my concealer. I just dusted it over top. This allows me to keep the full effect of the highlight I have created.  On a regular bases I use my stay Matte powder, but I wanted to really show off the contrast and highlight for you guys! :)






Step 6: Finish up with bronzer, blush, glow-dew highlight, eye makeup, lip product, and TADA!

****If you have any questions about the look, don't hesitate to ask in the comments! :)*******

 

 

Stay Posted this week, because I will be posting more about this look and the products and techniques I used to get it! :)