Choosing the proper type of concealer for your skin is the first consideration. According to ibeautytips.com, various concealers differ in texture, and a product’s texture will tell you how dry the concealer is. For drier skin, try using a cover-up that has more oil, like a wand or liquid. For oilier skin, pick a drier concealer, such as a stick. Cream compacts usually fall somewhere in the middle, varying from a creamy, dry texture to a powder.
SticksSticks are popular because they are portable, won’t leak, and they stay on. They are good for spot-touching problem areas and they are the best product for acne-prone skin because they are the driest. But if you do have problem skin, don’t put the concealer stick directly on your face since it will contaminate the product. Use a sponge or brush instead.
Wands and LiquidsWands and liquids, like sticks, are good for spot-touching because they have a finer point. But buyer beware: wands and liquids can leak, and they’re more prone to melting because they’re already in liquid form. They also have a tendency to get goopy very easily.
Cream CompactsCompacts are good for blending your entire face or larger areas, and not so great for targeting a specific area. Try using a brush to apply the concealer onto the areas you need more intense coverage. Cream compact concealers are not to be confused with foundation compacts, which are applied with a sponge or puff and are blended onto the whole face.
Choosing the Proper Shade
Use the strip test to help you determine the perfect shade. Try three or four different concealers and draw strips on your cheek to see which one ‘disappears’ into the skin.
Concealers have a green, yellow or mauve-blue tint to them, so you’ll want to choose the proper one for your skin colour. The Elle Canada site suggests staying away from greens since they are more difficult to blend. Best bet: stick with a yellow stick for a quick fix.
Getting What you Pay For
You may spend more for a concealer if you buy from a specialty cosmetics counter but it could be worth it. Many drugstore products have less pigment in them, and therefore are cheaper, but the colours will not match your skin tone as well.
Before settling on anything, try a few products and wear it for a day or two before making a final decision on any concealer choices.
