You want concealer to be lighter (1-2 shades) for brightening under eyes and highlighting, but the same shade as your foundation for covering blemishes, ensuring they blend seamlessly without standing out, though some use a slightly darker shade for contouring. Different areas need different shades: lighter for lift, same for camouflage, darker for contouring.
Concealer does not need to be lighter than your foundation. IMO, it actually should be the same tone as your foundation, even for under the eyes. (If you want to brighten under the eyes that's where powder can come in.) You can apply foundation and concealer in whatever order you like.
Foundation acts as a base for your face. It must match your skin tone and give the illusion of a 'flawless' finish. Concealer is applied to conceal dark under eyes and blemishes. This can sometimes be applied 2 skintones lighter, depending on the individual.
Using the Wrong Shade
If your concealer looks too obvious or off in photos, your shade might not be quite right. Under-eye circles usually need something just a touch lighter than your skin tone, while blemishes or redness are better matched exactly.
Dark circles can be a challenge, as they sometimes need colour correcting or a special formulation that works for the delicate under eye area without sitting in creases. Your best bet is to try a lighter shade of foundation to cover any under eye circles, or or use your foundation along with a colour corrector.
To choose a concealer shade, match your purpose: use a shade matching your foundation for blemishes, one to two shades lighter for brightening under eyes, and a slightly darker one for contouring, always testing on your jawline or neck in natural light for the best blend. Determine your skin's undertone (cool, warm, neutral) to find the right color family.
Your concealer doesn't look good because you are using either too much OR the wrong color. Too light means your creases will look dark and enhance wrinkles. Too much and you look cakey. Wrong color and it will still look dark.
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
The rule of thumb for picking your concealer shade is based on your foundation shade. Beauty experts advise that everyone should have two shades of concealer in their arsenal, one lighter and one darker since daily sun exposure means your skin tone shifts slightly all the time.
The "1 rule" in skincare often refers to the "1% line" on ingredient lists, meaning anything listed after it is used at 1% or less (like preservatives or fragrances). However, the most crucial skincare practice is daily sunscreen, while the best routine principle is applying products from thinnest to thickest consistency (like cleanser > serum > moisturizer > SPF) for proper absorption, with consistency and a simple, solid base being more important than complex products.
Here's a quick overview of the correct makeup routine order you should follow:
Most people use a peach color corrector for dark circles in your eye area or a green color corrector neutralize redness, as well as hyper-pigmentation. First, you need to choose the right color correcting formula.
Yes, opting for concealer as your only base works well for minimal coverage needs. This approach targets and corrects imperfections without the heavier feel of full coverage makeup.
The best concealers for mature skin are hydrating, lightweight formulas with skincare benefits (like hyaluronic acid) that won't settle into fine lines, with top-rated options including RMS Revitalize Hydra Concealer, Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer, Kosas Revealer Concealer, and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind for budget-friendly coverage. For more coverage, the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye or Dior Forever Skin Correct are excellent choices, while NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer offers versatility. Look for radiant or satin finishes to keep skin looking fresh.
Top Concealer Mistakes (And how to fix them!)
To choose a concealer shade, match your purpose: use a shade matching your foundation for blemishes, one to two shades lighter for brightening under eyes, and a slightly darker one for contouring, always testing on your jawline or neck in natural light for the best blend. Determine your skin's undertone (cool, warm, neutral) to find the right color family.
Your concealer and foundation should both match your skin tone. But this doesn't mean they always need to be the same shade. In fact, for concealers,it's best to pick a shade lighter than your foundation if you're applying it under your eyes. Concealers cancel out hyperpigmentation, dark shadows, and discolouration.
We'll break down each makeup step and explain what order to put on makeup ahead.
Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup
Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.
Sun Exposure Test: Observe how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If your skin burns easily and doesn't tan, you have a fair skin tone. If your skin burns as well as tans a little, you have a light tone. If your skin tans easily but rarely burns, you have a medium tone.
MYTH: You should always use a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. Truth: If your goal is to brighten dark circles, then yes, choose a lighter concealer. But for blemishes or scars, you need a yellow-based shade as close as possible to that of your foundation.