How to: Cover Up Correctly

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:06AM

We’ve all been there. In an attempt to cover a zit, we’ve hitched a sandwich board size of concealer onto it that bleats “Look At Me In All My Hideousness”!

Often, an attempt to conceal flaws results in a big reveal, with smearings of skin-toned, bumpy textured concealer drawing unwanted attention to zits and dark bits.

This is common, so cancel the cussing and take down these tips on how to cover up. Correctly.

• The jury’s out as to whether foundation should be applied before or after concealer, but if you apply concealer first it will move when you apply your foundation, so you may be better off applying a foundation base first and then concealer only where darkness or dots are still visible.
• Choose a creamy textured concealer and warm it lightly between the fingertips before application so that it ‘melts’ into skin, rather than sitting on top of it.
• Don’t overdo it. Less is often more when it comes to hiding flaws. If one pat of concealer over a zit doesn’t cut it – and I do mean, pat, not rub – then apply a light dusting of a warm-toned mineral bronzer on the face. By lifting the warmth of the complexion, you can further diminish the darkness of the actual flaw.
• Always start small and work your way up with concealer. And if you can’t eradicate the beauty bane of your existence today, then grin and bear it. Seriously! It’s a mere blip – and nothing a hat, scarf or paper bag can’t remedy. Right?
• If you are older, the formula and texture of your foundation/concealer combination should be a happy marriage of hydration and pigmentation. Lighter fluid and cream style textures are the best here as the skin becomes dryer and more creased due to expression. And due to many mature skin foundations containing higher levels of skincare concentrations, it is best to choose a concealer from the same range so there is no chemical reaction between the two.
• Choose a concealer in a shade that is 1 – 1 .5 shades lighter than your foundation so that it does actually disappear when pressed into the foundation.
• To correct darkness under the eyes, apply concealer n an upside down triangle shape underneath the eye in the area that recedes, to help bring it ‘forward’ for brighter-looking eyes. Be sure to blend the edges well for a seamless finish. Again, a light dusting of bronzer will even any edges.
• Suspect you may need more coverage on the go? Chuck a concealer pen in your bag, like BYS Concealer Pen, $6.95, 03 9551 4666, or YSL Touché Éclat, $55, from department stores, (depending on how much cash you have rattling around in said bag).

Have you made any serious concealer misdemeanors Primpettes?

Do these tips help?

ecb x

Posted by: ecb

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