How To Apply Concealer To Cover Any Blemish

Concealer is a makeup miracle, and if you’re not too sure how to use it then you have come to the right place!

I know so many ladies who don’t use concealer, and then wonder why their bb cream or light weight foundation just isn’t covering up their blemishes or dark circles. A sheer base is great if you’ve got perfect skin, but for the rest of us a little bit of properly applied concealer goes a long way to achieving a perfect complexion.

There is a lot of confusion over whether you should apply concealer or foundation first. While I generally think most makeup rules are made to be broken, liquid foundation goes on first. Always. Foundation, then concealer, and then continue with the rest of your makeup.

Why? Because if you apply concealer and then liquid foundation over the top, you are essentially rubbing away the concealer. It will move from whichever area you have carefully applied it to and blend in with the rest of your makeup. The only exception is if you are using powder foundation. In that case you will apply your concealer first, and then buff your powder on top.

These two methods will work on blemishes, dark circles, veins, dark spots or any other area you’d like to cover. They will also work for all types of concealer, whether you are using a tube, stick, liquid, or any other formula.

Method 1: Use Your Finger

After applying foundation, put a small amount of concealer on the tip of your finger. Lightly tap the concealer onto the area you want to target. The idea here is to blend it in with just the warmth of your finger tip. Don’t rub, as this will spread the concealer over a larger area and won’t provide as much coverage. Just keep tapping and pressing with your finger until the concealer has blended in with your foundation.

Method 2: Use A Brush

We’ll be using a small, flat concealer brush. You can easily pick one up from a chemist, as I don’t think you need to spend a huge amount of money on a concealer brush. I generally put a little bit of concealer on the back of my hand, and then dip the brush in that. Dab a little bit of concealer onto the area you are targeting with the brush. Use a stippling motion to blend the concealer in. This is almost like tapping your skin with the brush. You can use both the flat side of the brush and the tip to achieve this. You may want to use a more typical brushing method around the edges of your concealer to make sure it is properly blended with your foundation.

I always apply a translucent powder or light mineral powder on top to set my foundation and concealer and prevent shine throughout the day.

My Favourite Concealers

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

This is my absolute go to concealer. I use it for dark circles, veins and blemishes. As the name says, it is a creamy formula, and I find it blends in beautifully. It never looks cakey, and there is a huge range of colours with something to suit everyone. Available at Mecca.

YSL Touche Eclat

A total cult product, and for a reason. This is actually more of a highlighter than concealer, and that's why it is perfect for under your eyes. It has very light coverage, and will help you look fresher and more awake. Available at YSL counters at Myer and David Jones.

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer

A budget option that really works. This comes in a tube and has a soft applicator brush. It’s thick enough that it can cover any blemish, but doesn’t look heavy and obvious on your skin. Available from Priceline.

Savoir Faire Concealer

This is such a winner in my book. It has two different shades that you can blend for the perfect colour, and comes with a translucent setting powder. It has a lightweight and creamy texture. And it’s available in the bellabox store!

What’s your concealer of choice? What method do you use to apply it? Let me know in the comments - Julia

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