Beauty News

3 concealer tricks you need to know

We asked Maybelline New York makeup artist Julia O'Neil to share some of her concealer tricks to help make the most of your complexion.

Even with the best diet and plenty of rest, breakouts and dark under-eye circles happen! On those days, foundation just isn’t enough. Enter the beauty wonder-product: concealer.

Concealer is a beauty essential for the days you need to hide unsightly blemishes, brighten a tired face or lighten dark under-eye circles. But using the wrong technique or product can highlight the problems you’re trying to conceal.

We asked Maybelline New York makeup artist Julia O’Neil to share some of her concealer tricks to help you make the most of your complexion.

Maybelline New York’s New Zealand makeup artist, Julia O’Neil.

1. How to disguise dark circles under eyes

Julia says: “Brightening concealer pens are great for the under-eye area. I love using Maybelline New York Dream Lumi Touch Concealer (RRP$19.99) as it has good opaque coverage for dark circles and brightens the area beautifully.  If you feel you have particularly dark under-eye circles dab on a corrector in a yellow or peach shade to counteract the darkness first, before apply the highlighting concealer.”

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer, $19.99.

2. How to conceal pimples and scarring

Julia says: “Try spot concealing pimples by taking a fine concealer brush with a small point to it and applying a little concealer gently and directly on the spot. Next, gently tap and blend the edges of the concealer in to your skin with your fingertip.  Finally press on a light dusting of powder to seal the concealer in place. Use a concealer that is exactly the same shade as your skin tone. Any lighter and it will actually draw attention to the blemish as lighter colours visually bring things forward and highlight them.

Maybelline Cover Stick Waterproof Concealer, $18.99.

“Cover acne scarring by gently tapping a cream or stick concealer on with your fingertips then blending well. Opaque concealers in cream or solid form are a good choice to cover the colour of scars, but some scars are a different texture to the rest of skin which can make them harder to conceal. Try using a smoothing primer over the scar first before applying a waterproof concealer such as Maybelline New York Cover Stick Waterproof Correction Concealer (RRP$18.99).

“If the scar is very red try neutralising it first with a thin layer of green corrector such as Maybelline New York Cover Stick Waterproof Correction Concealer (RRP$18.99). Once the colour is neutralised the concealer will cover more effectively.”

3. How to stop concealer settling in fine lines

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, $19.99.

Julia says: “Find a lightweight, moisturising concealer that isn’t too heavy, as moisturising formulas are less likely to settle in fine lines and cause creasing.  Try Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid Concealer (RRP$19.99) or Maybelline New York Dream Lumi Touch Concealer (RRP$19.99). Start by applying a small amount only where needed, which is usually in the inner corner of the eye and on any darkness directly underneath. Gently blend with a fingertip using a tapping motion and only add more if you really believe it’s needed, as too much concealer can look cakey.

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser, $14.99.

“What I love to use on fine lines is actually a primer that is designed to smooth the look of skin texture, such as Maybelline New York Baby Skin Pore Eraser (RRP$14.99). Next, blend in a very lightweight, dewy foundation.”

For more information, visit Maybelline.co.nz

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