How to Buy a Concealer

Choosing the best concealer for you

Much like foundation, concealer helps to hide flaws and imperfections on the face. Concealer, however, is more pigmented in order to cover noticeable marks and discolorations. Thick concealers typically provide full coverage for severe discolorations but they also have a tendency to cake and settle into fine lines and wrinkles, especially under the eyes. Lightweight concealers with a more fluid consistency are less likely to magnify fine lines and other flaws, and are ideal as an undereye concealer, where there is typically a lot of movement. Liquid concealers may not provide strong enough coverage, however, for severe discolorations.

Experts also say the following about concealers:

• The right shade makes all the difference. Most experts agree that the best concealer shade should be one to two shades lighter than your foundation. If you don't use foundation, look for a product that is one to two shades lighter than your skin.

• For dark circles, test on the back of your wrist. If a concealer can cover up the veins on the back of your wrist, it's probably opaque enough to cover dark undereye circles.

• Try using a brush. Most experts agree that a concealer brush is best for applying just the right amount of product. If you're more comfortable using your fingers, consider applying with a brush and blending the concealer in with your fingertips.

• Pat, don't rub. Use your ring or middle finger to gently pat concealer until it blends into skin. Never rub it in -- that can damage the skin and remove makeup from its intended location.

• Build up gradually. For the most natural look, always apply the least amount of product needed to provide adequate coverage. This works best by layering the concealer in small and gradual amounts.

• Set with powder. A dusting of fine, loose powder helps your makeup to last longer and ensures that it will stay in place, especially in humid or damp weather.

Choosing the best concealer for you

Much like foundation, concealer helps to hide flaws and imperfections on the face. Concealer, however, is more pigmented in order to cover noticeable marks and discolorations. Thick concealers typically provide full coverage for severe discolorations but they also have a tendency to cake and settle into fine lines and wrinkles, especially under the eyes. Lightweight concealers with a more fluid consistency are less likely to magnify fine lines and other flaws, and are ideal as an undereye concealer, where there is typically a lot of movement. Liquid concealers may not provide strong enough coverage, however, for severe discolorations.

Experts also say the following about concealers:

• The right shade makes all the difference. Most experts agree that the best concealer shade should be one to two shades lighter than your foundation. If you don't use foundation, look for a product that is one to two shades lighter than your skin.

• For dark circles, test on the back of your wrist. If a concealer can cover up the veins on the back of your wrist, it's probably opaque enough to cover dark undereye circles.

• Try using a brush. Most experts agree that a concealer brush is best for applying just the right amount of product. If you're more comfortable using your fingers, consider applying with a brush and blending the concealer in with your fingertips.

• Pat, don't rub. Use your ring or middle finger to gently pat concealer until it blends into skin. Never rub it in -- that can damage the skin and remove makeup from its intended location.

• Build up gradually. For the most natural look, always apply the least amount of product needed to provide adequate coverage. This works best by layering the concealer in small and gradual amounts.

• Set with powder. A dusting of fine, loose powder helps your makeup to last longer and ensures that it will stay in place, especially in humid or damp weather.