7 Concealer Hacks That Will Save You Hours

Concealer is often touted as a miracle worker, capable of covering everything from blemishes to fine lines. But did you know there’s even more to this versatile product? To unlock its full potential, we’ve gathered seven expert-approved concealer hacks that will transform your makeup routine.

Repair Rosacea

Rosacea’s signature redness stems from dilated blood vessels, resulting in a perpetual blush-like appearance. To provide an instant solution, skin expert Emma Reid of Musq suggests opting for a green-tinted corrector instead of your usual skin-toned concealer. This clever hack helps neutralize the unwanted redness, effectively covering blemishes and diminishing the rosacea-induced flush.

The end result is a more even-toned complexion that’s free from the telltale signs of this common skin condition.

Contour

Concealer, often thought of as just a tool for covering up blemishes, can also be used to create a stunning contour effect. To achieve this look, you’ll need two concealers: one that’s lighter than your skin tone and another that’s darker. According to Shu Umuera’s Kent Vaughan, using these contrasting shades allows you to add depth and dimension to your features. For the best results, apply the lighter shade with a synthetic brush and blend it with a sponge to soften the edges.

This will give you a seamless finish. The Duo Concealer Palette from Shu Umuera is a great option for contouring, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of makeup brushes and sponges to create a customized look.

Hide a Tattoo or Bruise

According to Jane Iredale’s Martina Williams, finding the right palette of concealer can be the key to effectively masking even the darkest discolourations, including tattoos or heavy bruises. The Jane Iredale Corrective Colour Kit, for instance, features a range of four shades designed to neutralise specific tones. These include yellow for red, peach for blue, violet and grey for intense yellows, and lilac for blue-black hues.

Additionally, the kit includes a universal beige shade that can be used as a blending colour to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding skin tone. When it comes to tackling bruises, Williams recommends starting with a peach-toned concealer to cover the discolouration, followed by a layer of foundation or skin-coloured concealer to finish.

Use on the Run

When it comes to applying concealer on-the-go, Alphie Sadsad from Bobbi Brown emphasizes the importance of three key factors: ease of use, portability, and a natural finish. According to Alphie, using a concealer that looks too fake or cakey can actually draw attention away from the area you’re trying to perfect. Instead, opt for a product like the Bobbi Brown Retouching Pencil, which is designed to lightly correct and brighten under-eye circles.

To achieve this look, simply swipe the pencil from the inner corner of your eye out towards where shadows fall, then use your fingertip to gently pat and blend the concealer into place.

Highlight

To effectively use concealer for highlighting, it’s essential to select a product that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. As Jane Iredale’s Martina Williams advises, apply the highlighting concealer to the brow bone, the tops of the cheekbones, and the inner corners of the eyes. Once you’ve applied the product, use a light touch to sculpt a thinner nose by drawing a vertical line down the center of the bridge, blending the edges carefully to avoid any harsh lines.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to achieve a natural-looking highlight that enhances your features without looking too obvious.

Hide Fine Lines

When it comes to minimizing the appearance of fine lines, Estée Lauder’s Nica Marcello advises selecting a formula that delivers on hydration. She recommends opting for a creamy hydrating formula, paired with a serum specifically designed to address fine dry lines. Marcello swears by Estée Lauder’s Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer, which can be used to brighten the under-eye area and target any darkness or discoloration.

Her method involves applying the serum to the outer corners of the eyes before layering on the cream concealer to effectively cover any imperfections.

All Day Coverage

When it comes to finding a concealer that will provide all-day coverage, MAC Cosmetics’ Carol Mackie recommends the M.A.C Studio Finish Concealer Duo as an excellent option for transitioning seamlessly from work to a dinner date. In her expert opinion, a warmer shade is preferred over one that’s too light, as applying a light colour directly over darkness can result in an unflattering, ashen appearance.