Concealer is great for using when your skin tone isn’t perfect or trying to cover up blemishes. It’s also good for hiding dark circles under the eyes plus any other problem areas on your face that is too noticeable for your normal makeup routine. But what makes concealing such an effective tool is its ability to blend seamlessly into our natural look. We’ve got some tips to help you get started blending concealer into your daily look.
Can you use concealer without foundation?
It turns out we have been doing this all wrong! We should be using a light touch of concealer over our entire face every day – even if we’re going bare-faced. This will give us a flawless finish. The best part about this approach is that everyone else has precisely the same technique, so there won’t be any awkward moments at work wondering why you seem to glow today…and it’ll save you money as well since most foundations cost upwards of $50 each (not including packaging).
If you want to try something new, here’s how to do it right. First off, apply your regular moisturizer because it helps ensure your skin stays hydrated throughout the process. Next, find a shade close to where you fall on the color spectrum. You may already own several different shades, but they could vary from very fair to olive/peach tones. Don’t worry, and these lighter colors are still perfectly wearable. If you aren’t sure which ones suit you best, consult a professional makeup counter first. They know their products inside and out and can recommend the best match for you. Then once you’ve found the right one, take a small amount onto your fingertip. Use your ring finger to lightly pat concealer around your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Be careful not to go overboard, though. Lightly tap off excess product onto tissue paper. Now, starting with your T zone (the sides of your nose down), gradually build up coverage across your face by gently pressing your fingers against your cheekbone and applying more concealer towards the center of your face. Once you reach your jawline, repeat slightly higher than before. Lastly, add additional layers to your original application to create dimension and depth. Repeat similar steps around your lips. Finish with another layer of moisture cream or lotion.
This method works wonders for creating a clean canvas for your next outfit. Whether you choose powdery nude looks or bold statement pieces, anything goes with this easy trick.
Is it safe to wear concealer without foundation?
In theory, yes. However, you may experience some side effects, namely staining, irritation, dryness, redness, flakiness, clogged pores, etc. To mitigate risks, start slow and take preventive measures. Consider consulting a dermatologist if you notice unusual reactions happening.
Keep in mind that some cosmetics companies market “light” versions of their foundation formulas. While many claims to include SPF protection, read ingredient lists closely to determine actual sunblock content. Some lightweight formulations lack key ingredients needed to protect the skin effectively.
No foundation guide is complete without mentioning mineral vs. organic powders. Organic powders generally consist of plant-derived silica and clay minerals. Mineral powders are made from ground mica and talc. Both types perform similarly, although organics typically have a smoother consistency. That said, organics are much gentler on sensitive skin and can safely be used year-round. So, err on the side of caution whenever you’re in doubt and select the organic version.
Can I use concealer and foundation only?
Yes! There’s no reason to avoid combining them. Many people think foundation needs to stay put between facial contours while concealer covers imperfections, but that isn’t true. Foundation creates texture, whereas concealer adds highlights. Therefore, you can combine both and achieve the overall effect of a fully finished look. Apply your primer first and then your base, followed by your concealer. Finally, dust your finishing powder on last. Voila! Your skin will appear fresh, healthy, and glowing. A little bit of oiliness might occur after a few hours due to increased perspiration levels, but nothing major.
Another option would be to place your foundation first and then your concealer. For example, if you prefer to stick with neutral-toned clothing, you could opt for a sheer white shirt. To hide that you haven’t applied your foundation yet, sweep your brush underneath the fabric, and voilà! When choosing fabrics to mask oily complexions, remember to keep things simple and neutral. Stick to solids, neutrals, taupes, and nudes. Avoid plaids, stripes, bright colors, or patterns that draw attention away from your face. Also, consider layering rather than mixing highlighter with darker bronzer. Try adding shimmery gold or rose instead. Or, skip the bronzer altogether and highlight the apples of your cheeks with blush.
Finally, check labels carefully to see if your favorite brands contain any fragrance oils. Fragrance-free options tend to be less drying, greasier, and have better-staying power.
How to use a concealer without foundation
Apply your moisturizer beforehand. Using a liquid foundation requires proper hydration, especially during hot weather months. Before applying, massage moisturizing oil onto dampened fingertips. Gently swipe through your foundation until it blends smoothly with your skin tone.
Use a soft sponge applicator brush to spread the product along your jawline and temples evenly. Remember, the foundation doesn’t need to come to your hairline. Just enough to soften edges and provide extra soothing effects. Follow with a quick misting of water to set everything in place.
Begin at your temple area and slowly move toward the middle of your forehead, eyebrows, and lashes. Make sure to feather outward. Otherwise, you risk drawing unwanted attention to yourself. Blend upward toward your brow bone and downwards toward your ear lobes. Start with a tiny dabbing motion and gradually increase density along your upper lash lines. Keep strokes parallel to the outer corner of your eye. This will prevent smudging, streaking, and caking of shadows later on.
For those who enjoy playing with different textures, experiment with various brushes to achieve unique results. Large flat bristle brushes allow for a smooth blend and precise control. Medium angled bristles produce softer finishes. Small round-shaped brushes are ideal for highlighting and precision lining. And finally, fans of long thin meetings can use them for precision shading. Each brush offers a unique advantage depending upon your preference and skill level.
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