The secret to a refreshed and radiant appearance that gives the illusion of 8 hours of sleep? Understanding how to use concealer correctly.
Like a foundation, but thicker in consistency, concealer blurs the appearance of fine lines, hides imperfections and brightens the look of dark circles.
Getting the perfect, seamless look relies on finding the right skincare, makeup and tools that complement your desired finish. Read on to discover how and where to apply concealer for radiant-looking skin.
Step 1: Cleanse the skin
For a smooth and even application of concealer, a cleansed and toned face is essential. Cleansers help to remove impurities while also making pores appear tighter, creating the ideal canvas.
Try No7 Foaming Cleanser. Infused with No7’s Tri-Vit Complex and Meadowsweet, skin is left refreshed, clearer, and shine-free.
Step 2: Hydrate the face and undereye area
While concealer can create a refreshed and radiant appearance, it can also emphasize dry patches and fine lines. Maintaining skin hydration will ensure a more flawless application for your concealer.
A daily facial moisturizer helps to lock in vital hydration that’s essential for a smooth and protected base, while eye serums and eye creams help to nourish and plump the appearance of the delicate eye area, preventing makeup from creasing and sitting in fine lines.
Find the best eye cream for your skin concern below.
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Step 3: Prime the skin
Primer helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines and creases, creating an adhesive-like barrier over the skin that increases the longevity of all makeup products. It’s especially important for concealer, as concealer can often fade and appear cakey.
• Suitable for all skin types, No7 Airbrush Away Primer helps to create the perfect base for makeup application. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it works to instantly soften the appearance of pores and fine lines
• Ideal for lighter skin tones, No7 Airbrush Away Radiance Boosting Primer leaves skin looking smooth and prepped for makeup. Infused with citric acid, skin is left looking brighter and more radiant
• For oily skin, No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimising Primer blurs pores and mattifies for a flawless finish. The lightweight and oil-free formulation helps to keep makeup in place for up to 12 hours
Step 4: Assess where to put concealer
Concealer can be applied directly onto the skin to correct imperfections, including dark spots, blemishes and fine lines.
Applying a triangle shape below the eye can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Alternatively, adding it to just below the inner and outer corners of the eye helps to give the eye area a lifted look.
Concealer or foundation first?
Concealer can also be applied after foundation to areas that need additional blurring or brightening. As concealer needs to be pushed into the skin rather than heavily blended, we recommend applying with a sponge or fingers.
• Makeup tip: To correct imperfections, choose a shade of concealer that matches your skin tone. To create a lifting and brightening effect under the eyes, choose a shade that is one or two shades lighter.
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Step 5: Apply concealer
How to apply concealer with a sponge
Makeup sponges provide a seamless, high-coverage that lasts all day. The best way to apply concealer with a sponge is:
1. Dampen the makeup sponge with water and squeeze out any excess 2. Dot the concealer directly onto pigmentation, blemishes or the under-eye area 3. Gently blend the concealer outwards with a dabbing motion until seamlessly blended
How to apply concealer with fingers
Fingers are best for lighter coverage, as the heat from your touch creates a smooth-looking finish. The best way to apply concealer with your fingers is:
1. Wash your hands 2. Dot the concealer directly onto desired area 3. Use circular patting motions to blend concealer outwards until blended
Both of these methods are effective when applying No7 HydraLuminous Dark Circle Concealer. Formulated to blend seamlessly onto the skin, this full-coverage concealer brightens and revitalizes the eye area for a radiant finish.
Step 6: Set with powder
To improve your makeup’s longevity and lock the concealer in, apply a light layer of setting powder onto the skin using a powder brush and a pressing motion. For a mattified look, apply to the areas most prone to oiliness and shine, including the forehead, nose and chin.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Pressed Powder is the ideal finishing powder for setting concealer. With light-diffusing properties, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced and skin texture looks more smooth. Formulated with Skin Expert technology™ for seamless blending, this powder is available in four shades to suit a range of skin tones, offering a flawless and illuminated complexion.
Now that you know how to apply concealer, it’s time to find your perfect shade.
