I am back after a long, long time. I took some time off blogging to make some fundamental decisions about my blog. I am in the process of re-designing it (which will take some time) and I am ready to dedicate more time , energy and effort into creating good-quality, relevant and interesting content so stay tuned!!
Today, I thought we would talk about concealers. More specifically, my concealer choices and application advice for your summertime concealing needs.
After a lot of trial and error I have found some products that I think make the process of concealing easier and others which make it heat-proof and natural-looking.
Let's start with some tips on how to choose the correct shade and finish.
- Choose a shade lighter that your skin-tone for an under-eye concealer (maximum two shades lighter though, you don't want the reverse-panda effect).
- Choose a creamy and blend-able concealer for your under-eyes so that the process of blending won't require you to tug on the extra-sensitive skin under your eyes.
- If you want to conceal pimples then use the "Eldridge Technique" (Lisa Eldridge's concealing technique) which involves a tiny brush and spot-concealing with a heavy-duty concealer.
- Concealers that are used to cover-up scarring, pimples etc should match your skin tone since lighter concealers will draw attention to the area you are trying to cover up.
- If you have very dark circles or a lot of discolouration then a corrector , followed by concealer will work wonders. However ,using a colour corrector such as lavender, green or pink, requires a deeper understanding of how colours neutralise each other, so I would delve into that extensively before attempting to use such a product.
Now, onto the products I have been using for the past couple of months and how I like to apply them.
Left to right: Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector Light to Medium Bisque), Maybelline Age-Rewind concealer (Light), NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Vanilla) and Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil (DEA)
The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is my most used concealer and also one of the most expensive concealing products I own, and for good reason. I use it under the eyes(mostly) in a triangular shape to bring light to the area and conceal any dark circles. Other than the fact that you have to work quickly to blend it in, it is absolutely phenomenal. You can find a review HERE.
The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is my most used concealer and also one of the most expensive concealing products I own, and for good reason. I use it under the eyes(mostly) in a triangular shape to bring light to the area and conceal any dark circles. Other than the fact that you have to work quickly to blend it in, it is absolutely phenomenal. You can find a review HERE.
Application tools:
For a heavier application/coverage I use a concealer or foundation brush. My current favourites are the Sigma P45 and the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face. If I want the application to be flawless and natural-looking I always use a damp Beauty Blender (I use Pro Black but any good sponge will do the trick).
For a heavier application/coverage I use a concealer or foundation brush. My current favourites are the Sigma P45 and the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face. If I want the application to be flawless and natural-looking I always use a damp Beauty Blender (I use Pro Black but any good sponge will do the trick).
For spot-concealing I use a Sephora 12 Eye-liner brush.
Taking it to the next level......
The next level is setting the concealer with the correct powder for longevity and a creaseless/ sweat-proof look. Here are some of my powder picks.
Taking it to the next level......
The next level is setting the concealer with the correct powder for longevity and a creaseless/ sweat-proof look. Here are some of my powder picks.
On the left: Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot
In the centre: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light
On the right: Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent
I use Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot and Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent in rotation, focusing more on my under-eye area (using a dense brush and a lightly pressing technique), as well as on my T-zone.
And the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, I use to set my concealer on and around my nose because of its blurring properties(I use a fluffy powder brush to apply this product).
I hope all this has been helpful and interesting and I would like to hear from you guys in the comments, letting me know your tips for using and setting concealers.
Athina
P.S. I have included a link to a super-useful article from "Into the Gloss" if you guys are looking for info on a wider range of fabulous concealers. :D
In the centre: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light
On the right: Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent
I use Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot and Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent in rotation, focusing more on my under-eye area (using a dense brush and a lightly pressing technique), as well as on my T-zone.
And the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, I use to set my concealer on and around my nose because of its blurring properties(I use a fluffy powder brush to apply this product).
I hope all this has been helpful and interesting and I would like to hear from you guys in the comments, letting me know your tips for using and setting concealers.
Athina
P.S. I have included a link to a super-useful article from "Into the Gloss" if you guys are looking for info on a wider range of fabulous concealers. :D
