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.
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 serum and eye cream 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.
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.
For dry or normal skin, try No7 Airbrush Away Primer. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to help minimize the appearance of pores and create an airbrushed base.
For mature skin, try No7 Lift & Luminate Primer. Enriched with age-defying sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide, it helps skin look firmer and more lifted, while reducing the appearance of fine lines over time.
Concealer can be applied directly onto the skin to correct imperfections, including dark spots, blemishes and fine lines. It can also be applied in a triangle shape below the eye to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
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 and not 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.
Makeup sponges provide seamless, high coverage that lasts all day.
Dampen the makeup sponge with water and squeeze out any excess
Dot the concealer directly onto pigmentation, blemishes or the under-eye area
Gently blend the concealer outwards with a dabbing motion until seamless
How to apply concealer with fingers
Fingers are best for lighter coverage, as the heat from your touch creates a smooth-looking finish.
Wash your hands
Dot the concealer directly onto pigmentation, blemishes and under eye area
Use circular patting motions to blend concealer outwards until seamless
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 Powder is the ideal finishing powder for setting concealer and creating a complexion that appears perfected all day long. Available in a range of shades, it’s designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly smoother-looking skin.
Now that you know how to apply concealer, it’s time to find your perfect shade.
