How to conceal zits, under-eye circles, tattoos and skim blemishes

Applying concealer can be a tricky thing. It can be your saving grace from blemishes your face might be going through at the moment and give you a temporary flawless face. On the other hand, if applied the wrong way, or if the wrong shade is used, concealers can very well highlight everything you are trying to hide.

Here’s how to make sure you get it right for every skin issue.

For dark, under-eye circles
You need a color corrector for dark under-eye circles, which are usually purplish or bluish. As opposed to a concealer, color correctors are thinner in consistency and will not look mask-like when applied.  Those colorful things in bottles you see in make-up counters are going to be your best friends for under-eye problem areas. Use a yellow color corrector if your under-eye circles are purple, and peach if they’re blue. They will neutralize the dark colors. The best way to apply a color corrector is either with your fingers or with a small, flat concealer brush.

For a fresh, red pimple
Leave it be until it subsides. It’s probably the most unsightly type of blemish—red and shiny and such a distraction from an otherwise pretty face. Using a regular concealer may further infect your pimple. If going out make-up free is not an option, then use a medicated concealer to hide that monster zit. Pat on with your fingers and set with pressed powder.

For a zit that’s drying up
If your pimples start to dry up around the edges, apply a bit of moisturizer around them before you use your concealer. This ensures the world won’t see the flaky skin surrounding your zits. Apply your concealer the same way you would for a fresh zit. But don’t forget the moisturizer as your base.

For discolored or uneven skin tone
For red or yellowish areas on the face, your friend is, once again, color correctors. Blotchy, red areas can be neutralized with green. A yellow discoloration can be corrected with lavender or mauve. Sallow, gray areas can be brought to life with pink. And an orangey tone can be cancelled out with blue. Apply sparingly.

For scars, tattoos or other blemishes
These need more opaque concealing and camouflage cream may be the answer. A concealer that is ten times stronger than its consumer product alternative, a camouflage cream is so heavy duty that it is capable of completely covering up tattoos and scars, and is oftentimes waterproof.

 
Have a fashion or beauty question for Erica? Drop her a line at ericaparedes1@yahoo.com
 

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Erica Paredes has been working in the publishing industry for almost a decade as a fashion and beauty editor, newspaper columnist, stylist and make-up artist. Nowadays she juggles her time between food and fashion, beauty and travel plus mommy duties to her 8 year old daughter.