Generally speaking, it is best to match your concealer to your foundation color. However, for areas of the face such as dark circles or other blemishes, you may want to choose a concealer that is up to two shades lighter than your foundation.
This will help to lighten and brighten those areas, while still providing coverage. On the other hand, if you are looking to contour and darken areas of the face and add dimension, you can choose a concealer up to two shades darker than your foundation.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the look that you’re trying to achieve, but it is important to remember that the goal is to create a seamless and blended finish.
How many shades lighter should concealer be than foundation?
When choosing a concealer that is lighter than your foundation you should select one that is two or three shades lighter. You want to be careful not to select a concealer that is too light or it may appear cakey or obvious.
You want your foundation and concealer to be complimentary without being obvious, so selecting a shade that is two or three shades lighter will add the most subtle lift and cover imperfections. Additionally, when selecting a concealer always consider your undertones.
If you have a cool undertone, look for a concealer with a rosy, pink tone; and if you have a warm undertone, select one with a yellow or golden hue.
How do I choose the right shade of concealer?
Choosing the right shade of concealer for your skin tone is an important part of achieving a flawless look. To do it correctly, start by finding your undertone. Your undertone is whether your veins look more green or blue, which will help determine if you’re cool, warm or neutral.
If you have a cool undertone, opt for a pink- or peach-based shade, while warm skin tones should opt for yellow- or gold-based shades. Neutral tones can take either option. When testing shades, the concealer should blend in nicely and be no more than one shade lighter than your foundation.
When applying, go for a pea-sized dot of product and blend it with a damp beauty sponge or a foundation brush, working outward from the under-eye area. Finally, set the concealer with a light dusting of powder to lock it in.
Why do you need two shades of concealer?
Using two shades of concealer provides you with the ability to create a good base for your make up while allowing you to contour and highlight your features in a way that accentuates your natural beauty.
By using two shades, a lighter color to highlight, and a darker color to contour, you can effectively reduce the appearance of imperfections, such as dark circles or spots. The darker color helps to create depth, while the lighter color provides illumination.
Additionally, two shades of concealer give you the power to customize makeup for special occasions. For example, if you’re attending a formal event, you can choose a concealer that will provide a more natural look, whereas for a night out you can go for a bolder look.
Two shades of concealer allow you to experiment and create makeup looks tailored to your individual needs.
What shade of concealer for under eyes?
The best shade of concealer for under the eyes depends on your skin tone. If you have a fair complexion, look for concealers with yellow or peach tones for a warm, natural look. For medium complexions, a salmon-toned concealer works best.
Those with deep complexions should choose a concealer with a tinge of orange to offset dark undereye circles. If you’re looking for extra coverage, consider a double concealer approach. Using two shades—a lighter and a darker shade—will allow you to hide any dark circles more effectively.
Simply apply a lighter concealer directly on top of the dark circles and blend it outward. Then, apply a shade that’s closer to your skin tone, and blend both concealers together. Whichever concealer you decide to use, make sure to blend it well so it looks natural and doesn’t settle into any fine lines.
What to do if my concealer is too dark?
If your concealer is too dark, the best thing to do is to either blend a lighter shade of concealer on top or mix it with your moisturizer prior to application. Additionally, you can use a sponge to help blend the concealer for a more natural look.
If you have very fair skin, opt for a pink-toned concealer – this can help to cancel out overly yellow or orange undertones. Alternatively, you can opt for a colour correcting concealer or primer; look for products that are green, lavender or peach-pink for a luminous effect.
Another option is to mix a small amount of concealer with your foundation on the back of your hand. This will help you to match the two shades perfectly, while still providing good coverage. Additionally, you can use a setting powder to help blend the concealer so it doesn’t look cakey or settle in fine lines.
Lastly, consider choosing a concealer shade that’s a bit lighter than your natural skin tone so you don’t need to adjust the colour as you apply. This will help ensure you have good coverage without having to go through the extra hassle of adjusting the shade.
What happens if you buy the wrong shade of concealer?
If you buy the wrong shade of concealer, it can be a bit tricky to make sure that you get the coverage you are looking for without creating obvious lines or patches on your complexion. Depending on the issue you are using the concealer for, it can be quite difficult to blend the wrong shade in and result in a cakey, streaky, or patchy-looking finish.
If the concealer you’ve bought is too light, it can make your skin look ghostly and can create a reverse raccoon eye effect. If it’s too dark, it can make an area of the face appear orange or muddy. Additionally, if you’ve purchased a wrong shade of concealer, it can easily draw attention to the area you’re trying to cover instead of blending into the natural skin tones.
The best way to avoid buying the wrong shade of concealer is to swatch and test it in store. Try to choose a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone, as you can always build for extra coverage and will have fewer chances of the concealer being too dark.
However, the most important thing to remember is to always make sure that the concealer you choose is well blended with your natural skin tone so you don’t have to worry about any visible lines or patches.
Does concealer and foundation have to be the same color?
No, concealer and foundation do not have to be the same color. In fact, for optimal coverage, it’s usually best to use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your foundation. The goal of using concealer is to help target certain specific areas of discoloration like dark circles, redness, or blemishes that may not be able to be covered with foundation alone.
It’s best to use a concealer specifically formulated for these issues, instead of using one that matches your foundation shade. It’s worth noting that if you do decide to use a concealer that’s a different color than your foundation, you should always blend them together to make sure they look seamless.
Additionally, some skin tones may need a combination of different shades to achieve the desired look. In this case, you may even want to mix together your concealer and foundation to create a unique hue that works for your skin tone.
What shade should your concealer be?
When choosing a concealer shade, it’s important to find one that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Make sure you try different shades to find the perfect one – your concealer should be either the same or one shade lighter than your natural skin tone.
If you’ve found a shade that’s too light or too dark, adjust it accordingly with a lighter or darker foundation. Always pick the shade that disappears into the skin without leaving any visible even lines.
Additionally, test the concealer in natural light to make sure it blends into your skin and that it won’t oxidize or streak during the day. Avoid buying concealer just based on the color given on the product packaging, as it can be misleading.
If you’re still unsure, ask for a sample or look up swatches online to ensure that you find the right shade.
Do you apply foundation before or after concealer?
The order you apply foundation and concealer is important for achieving the desired results. Generally speaking, it is best to apply concealer before foundation, so that the concealer can provide a layer of coverage and target any specific areas you want to conceal.
The consistency and texture of the concealer is also important; it should be relatively matte (or just slightly dewy) to avoid a greasy look and to ensure that it doesn’t come off when you apply your foundation.
After you have applied your concealer, you can then blend in foundation all over your face with a brush or a makeup sponge. Foundation helps to even out skin tones and will provide a smooth and even base for the rest of your makeup.
The type of foundation you use should be tailored to your skin type and will help you to achieve the look and finish you desire.
How do you apply concealer for beginners?
Applying concealer as a beginner can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these simple steps to learn how to apply concealer like a pro.
First, make sure you have the right product. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone, and if you have any dark circles or areas that need coverage, pick a concealer that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone.
Second, prep your skin. Before applying your concealer, use moisturizer to hydrate and a primer to help the concealer stay on all day.
Third, apply your concealer. With a small concealer brush, lightly dab the product onto the area you want to cover and blend it in using a brush or your fingers. Start light and slowly build your coverage until you achieve your desired look.
Fourth, set your concealer. Once your concealer has been blended in, apply a light dusting of setting powder to help it stay in place.
Finally, blend. If you’re feeling like your concealer still looks a bit patchy, use a damp beauty blender to lightly buff the edges of your concealer and ensure everything is blended together nicely.
By following these steps, you’ll be sure to have a flawless finish that will last all day. With a bit of practice, applying concealer will become second nature and you’ll be an expert in no time!
