Concealer is one of the most popular products used in a makeup routine. It’s used for various purposes, not only concealing. It can be used to highlight specific features of the face and mattify or moisturise the skin. It’s up to you to decide what you’d like to use it for. Let’s go into detail and start with the basics.
Makeup is something that has been used for ages. Trends come and go – colour combinations have always been changing and will continue to change. Products are typically used for similar purposes, though. There are so many different categories of makeup products that come in various shapes, formulas and sizes. The trends and colour combinations have changed throughout the years and continue to change as time goes on, but for the most part, most products are used the same way and for similar purposes. There are so many different types of products to choose from, and they all come in various shapes, sizes and formulas. These are the most popular makeup groups:
Foundation– usually the first step to most makeup routines. This product creates a base for the rest of your makeup products. Foundation comes in different finishes depending on your skin’s needs. Dry skin needs something more moisturising and luminizing while people with oily skin prefer something more matte. Sensitive skin requires foundations with no chemicals as possible and mostly natural formulas that won’t irritate the skin. Foundation gives the face an even finish and provides a smooth canvas for other products.
Concealer– concealer has many different formulas and purposes. The main goal is to conceal dark under eye circles and imperfections. It gives the face a brighter look and makes you look more awake. It also covers redness or discoloration.
Powder- powder is used to set multiple products: foundation, concealer or any liquid blushes/bronzers. It’s commonly used to mattify the skin and give it a “blurred”, smooth finish. Powder keeps makeup in place and blurs out larger pores.
Bronzer- a product that adds colour, shape and dimension to the face. Bronzers can either be used to contour the face or to darken your complexion.
Blush- blush is used to give the face some colour and a nice glow to make your skin look more youthful. Most blushes come in pink and peach shades, but can be found in other more unique shades.
Highlighter– highlighter is used to enhance the high points of the face. It makes the skin look more youthful, smooth and glowy. The product comes in champagne or gold colours and is typically applied to the tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow.
Eyeshadow– these come in hundreds of colours, formulas and finishes. Eyeshadow is used to give the eye colour and shape. It also defines the natural shape of the lids. Different colours enhance different eye shades and make them pop. The most used formulas are matte, shimmer or pearl. Glitter eyeshadow is also quite popular and looks amazing.
Eyeliner– eyeliners come in dark shades like black or brown. They define the eye shape or are used to create a completely different shape such as a cat eye. Black eyeliner enhances the eyes’ colour as well. It can be a great detail to any eye look.
Mascara– a popular product used on the eyelashes. It curls, volumises and darkens the lashes. Mascaras can come with different brush shapes and formulas. It all depends on the effect you’d like. Tiny fibres in mascara attach to lashes and elongate them.
Lipstick– lipstick or lipgloss are applied at the end of makeup looks and complete the whole look. A cult classic is a red lip that is popular amongst women and is a very bold element.
Concealer 101
Concealer, also called colour corrector, is a type of cosmetic that is used mainly to hide sun spots, discolouration, dark circles, larger pores, age spots, acne, redness and other kinds of visible imperfections on the skin. It can be compared to foundation since it’s basically used for the same purpose, but it is more focused on heavy duty blemishes. Concealer is typically thicker in its consistency and comes in smaller packaging. It can actually be used alone without foundation since it also makes the skin tone appear more even. The formula also varies – it can be either liquid or powder. The choice should depend on your skin type and the level of opacity you prefer.
Types of concealer:
Light coverage liquid concealer: used for small blemishes, imperfections or light under eye circles. This formula is definitely not as heavy as other concealers and feels very light on the skin. It also typically has moisturising properties.
Under-eye concealer: it comes in lighter formulas and brightens the eye area. This is the most popular type of concealer many people struggle with under eye bags and circles.
Camouflage concealer: this formula is heavily pigmented and used to cover bigger and more noticeable imperfections. Acne, scars, tattoos, birthmarks or rosacea can all be covered with this type of concealer. It has a creamier, thicker formula, but can also be more liquid.
Stick concealers: this type is great for when you are on the go. It’s easy to use anywhere and is best for quick touch ups. Most blemishes can be covered with it, especially acne or dark spots.
Green and blue concealers: these are used mainly for colour correcting red patches on the skin such as those caused by broken veins or rosacea. This concealer is applied before foundation or other concealers which cover the green and blue pigments.
Pink concealer: this is another type of colour correcting concealer that is mainly used under the eyes. The pink, orange or salmon tones are great at hiding blue or green under-eye hues on lighter skin tones.
Purple concealer: this can brighten sallow complexions and help make the skin appear more glowy.
Toxic ingredients
Many people overlook the fact that makeup contains a lot of dangerous and harmful ingredients. The first thing you should check before buying a product is the list of ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. Here’s a list of very harmful ingredients typically found in many makeup products:
- Fragrances – the law doesn’t require brands to list on product labels any of the chemicals in the fragrance formula. It was actually proven that 14 chemicals in 17 name-brand fragrance products weren’t listed in the ingredients. Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top five allergens in the world. They also cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
- Parabens – commonly found in many makeup products including concealer. They are also linked to breast cancer, skin cancer and reproductive disorders.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate – this contributes to skin irritation, sores and disrupts the skin’s pH and oil balance. It also can cause cystic acne and swelling.
Switch to organic!
Organic concealers are the best option for when you want to use something safe and gentle on the skin, but also something that gets the job done. These type of products are typically cruelty-free and conceal blemishes just like non-organic concealers. They are best for those with sensitive skin that’s prone to allergic reactions – you won’t have to worry about checking each individual ingredient with trusted brands. Forget about exposing your skin to toxins and terrible chemicals. Organic concealers only can benefit the skin and improve its condition. They are mostly made up of natural ingredients.
Products you need to try:
Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist Concealer – this brand uses only 100% natural ingredients in their products: 70% organic ingredients and 30% minerals and essential oils, such as frankincense, tulsi and lotus. Its free of any toxic chemicals and is also biodegradable. The concealer comes in a wide range of colours and is amazing at brightening the skin. It’s recommended for all skin types!
Alima Pure Cream Concealer – this product can be applied with a sponge, brush or even your fingers. It’s perfect at hiding blemishes and making the skin appear perfectly smooth. It’s also formulated with moisturising avocado oil and shea butter which nourish and smoothen the skin.
Mineral Fusion Compact Concealer Duo – a unique duo-shade concealer that helps you create the best colour for your skin tone. It offers full coverage that is very buildable. The formula is gluten, fragrance, cruelty, paraben and talc-free. It’s also extremely safe and gentle on the skin which is why it’s perfect for those with sensitive faces. Another advantage is the fact that the formula is non-comedogenic and delicate for those with oilier skin as well. A huge plus are the vitamins (C and E) included in the formula.
Juicy Beauty Perfecting Concealer – this concealer glides on for extra-buildable and blendable results. It does a great job at covering up zits and redness around the nose. It also has moisturising properties provides thanks to the coconut and jojoba oils it contains. It’s important to set it with powder, so it doesn’t crease under the eyes.
BaeBlu Flawless – their organic concealer is made with certified natural ingredients. It contains zero artificial colours or preservatives and is 100% vegan. You don’t have to worry about it containing harsh chemicals, parabens or pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is very smooth and gives non-greasy coverage. It contains anti-aging properties as well.
Ecco Bella FlowerColor Cover Up All Natural Concealer for Superb Coverage – a natural and easy to apply concealer for amazing coverage that lasts all day. The formula is super smooth and non-greasy. It covers most blemishes and is also chemical and fragrance-free. Sensitive skin will really enjoy this one. This product is very eco-friendly and let’s not forget – cruelty-free!
W3II People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer – this is an awesome option for brightening. It offers full coverage, especially when layered on top of foundation, and brightens as it conceals. It contains ingredients like organic algae, coffee extract, and pomegranate.
Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free Camouflage- this formula is oil-free. It’s a mineral concealer that has great coverage and works well with oily skin. It’s best at covering hyperpigmentation, scarring and acne. It’s ingredients contain many antioxidants that help improve the skin’s texture.
Nu Evolution Camouflage Cream – a great concealer for under-eyes circles and dark spots. The formula applies like velvet, and it’s also incredibly lightweight – you can layer it on for more coverage. It won’t make the skin look cakey or dry – it will still be able to breathe while looking brighter and more awake.
In conclusion, it’s a great idea to try out organic concealers. They are so much better and safer for your skin while providing amazing coverage and adding brightness. Once you switch to this type of product, you’ll never go back.
