How to Choose a Concealer

When my skin first began to breakout, the only concealer I had access to was the old, dirty tube in my mum’s bathroom cupboard. What I didn’t realise at the time was that it was out of date and about 3 shades too dark for my skin. It was only this year that I attempted buying and using a concealer once again after doing some research. Here are my best hints:

There are only two reasons to use concealer: to cover breakouts and to disguise dark circles under the eyes. Depending on the issue you have, there are slightly different rules.

To cover breakouts: choose a heavy duty concealer like Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Concealer. It should be the same colour or one shade lighter than your skin tone. 

Some concealers come with a green colour in them. This is for the breakouts that have become inflamed and are therefore red. If you are simply covering blackheads or whiteheads, it is best to use a normal concealer. You can use the NP Concealer Set which comes with five easy-to-blend shades that can be used based on the type of skin problem you are covering.

Concealers come in 3 different forms: solid, liquid or powder. Each of these is available as sticks, tubes, pots, and creams.

To cover dark eye circles: choose a concealer that is a specialised under-eye concealer. Under eye circles are my main need for concealer, and I always use on my dark circles is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Under Eye Concealer Concealers Makeup. Unfortunantely they have discontinued it, but this means it’s a lot cheaper to buy from beauty stores. Not sure what I’ll do when they run out though!

The important thing to know is that concealers specifically made for dark circles is creamier and lighter in tone. The general rules is that you always choose one that is at least one shade lighter than your skin tone. Also remember that the darker your circles, the pinker the concealer should be.

I’d love to hear if you guys use concealers at all, and if so what types and brands? I’ll publish a post on exactly how to apply concealer properly (without highlighting the fact that you have breakouts) very soon.