Kick dark circles to the curb
Like your iPhone, wallet, keys and KeepCup, one thing we never leave the house without is a concealer. Perfect for spot covering small blemishes and of course, tackling dark circles, these small, unsuspecting tubes are the ultimate makeup must-have. In addition to finding the perfect shade for you (remember, it’s not always the same shade as your foundation) and the formula to suit your skin type, application is key to ensure a smooth, natural-looking finish. The aim? To look like you’re not wearing any makeup at all.
DO YOUR PREP WORK: Of course, there’s more to it than just smoothing it on, says Global Senior Artist Carol Mackie. “Hydration and moisturiser are the key to perfect concealer,” she explains. “Apply Prep + Prime Fix + over your whole face then press it into the skin with a sponge, paying particular attention to the areas that need concealing. Then, add Fast Response Eye Cream below the eye to smooth and add moisture the eye area to reduce any puffiness.”
FIND THE RIGHT FORMULA: Just like your foundation, you need to find a concealer formula that is suitable for your skin type. For oily skin, Mackie recommends Pro Longwear Concealer, which she says offers a medium to full coverage with a matte finish that really lasts. If you have dry skin? “Mineralize Concealer,” says Mackie. “Enriched with minerals and botanical extracts, it’s long-wearing, ideal for drier skin types and has an amazing, non-cakey formula.”
APPLY IT CORRECTLY: If you’re unsure whether to apply concealer before or after foundation, it’s totally up to you, explains Mackie. “I prefer to apply foundation first to even out the skin tone and then decide where else need to be concealed. Apply it using a #217S Blending Brush, then use your finger to warm and press it into the skin so it doesn’t remain sitting the surface.” If you need to touch up your concealer throughout the day, Mackie says to re-hydrate the skin using Prep + Prime Fix + and a makeup sponge, and then go in with the concealer.
COVER DARK CIRCLES: “The biggest mistake in concealing the under-eye area is to apply a shade that is too light, believing that this will correct the darkness – your skin will then appear really ashy,” says Mackie. Instead, Mackie recommends trying a warm, deeper shade first to counteract the green darkness below the surface of the under-eye area. “You can then tap a lighter shade [of concealer] that matches and complements your skin tone on top.”
ADD POWDER TO PREVENT CREASING: Yes, you can, but make it the right one. Mackie recommends a very fine, invisible jet-milled powder like Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder: “It sets your foundation and concealer invisibly as it’s so sheer, keeps the concealer in place and prevents it from creasing.”