Tricks To Perfecting Your Concealer, Straight From Makeup Artists

By Anupriya Jamuar

Getting your concealer should be easy right? Whether it looks patchy, doesn’t match your skin tone or fails to give you enough coverage, there’s an easy fix for it to all your questions says Bollywood’s favourite makeup artist Sandhya Shekar.

Q. What’s the right technique to find your concealer shade? 

“Look at your t-zone and the apples of your cheeks to match the concealer to your skin tone. Unlike the rest of your face, these areas don’t get tanned, and your t-zone is closer to your concealing areas. And you’ll be able to blend your under-eye, nose, and the apples of your cheeks into one skin tone for an even finish,” says Sandhya. Also, match your undertones along with your skin tone to find your perfect shade match.

Q. Using two different concealers: Is it necessary? 

Some people are blessed with perfect under eyes and flawless skin, for them one shade of concealer should do the job. However, like the rest of us mortals, if you have hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone then it would be better to use two different concealers to cover your blemishes.

Q. What are some common concealing mistakes you’ve seen? 

“A lot of Indian women skip using a colour corrector. It is always better to use a colour corrector to even out your blemishes rather than using multiple concealers,” advises Sandhya.  

“I like to use thin layers of all three (colour corrector, foundation, and concealer) for a perfect base.” 

Another one would be caking on the product. “You can’t cover an active pimple by layering concealer. Instead, use a corrector to neutralise the area and apply a thin layer of concealer on top of that,” she suggests.

Q. Do you need to keep the colour wheel in mind while concealing? 
“The colour wheel is often used by professionals. The purple and green that you see in the colour wheel is not something that you would use in everyday life,” she says.  

However, if you do want to colour correct your hyperpigmentation and dark spots, the brick colour works quite well for Indian skin tone. “You can use orange or peach correctors as well but between the three, you’re good to go.”

Q. Why do concealers often give a patchy finish?  

Your skin should be hydrated before you apply your concealers. “Most concealers tend to have a mattifying formula. So, when you don’t moisturise your skin before applying concealer, it tends to look patchy or like there is a separate layer of colour,” she explains.

Excessive powdering can also make your concealer patchy. When you apply too much powder, it further dries the under-eye area, creasing it. “Its about seamlessly concealing the blemishes or the under eyes without making it look like you’ve put any product.”

Q. How do you use a concealer for your signature ‘no-makeup’ makeup look? 

“The key is to not use too much product. Start with hydrated skin, then use a thin or lipstick brush to colour correct the necessary areas. Next, apply a sheer layer of foundation on top of that so your skin has an even-looking, natural base. Then if needed, only then apply concealer to spot correct and use your fingertips to blend it well into your skin,” explains Sandhya.

“I also like to avoid concealing the eyelids as it weights down your face, giving it a mature look. Instead, use nude eyeshadows if you have naturally pigmented eyelids,” suggests Sandhya.