If you're specifically looking to cover dark circles, you should instead choose color correctors in shades of red, pink, orange, or yellow, as these will help balance out the blue hue of under-eye circles. “Yellow is a super versatile concealer color that brightens sallowness.
Yellow or orange color correctors are best for fighting dark under-eyes. These shades counteract purple, grey and blue pigmentation that is most common in under-eye darkness. Test out different shades until you find your perfect match.
"Always go a shade lighter than your foundation." The lighter tone will cancel out dark discoloration, but be careful not to go too fair. Concealers that are more than one shade lighter than your skin tone can leave you with a ghostly shadow.
Since dark circles have a bluish hue, shades of peach and orange will be perfect for canceling them out. Use peach if you have a fair to light skin tone, bisque if you have a light to medium skin tone, or orange if you have a deep medium to dark skin tone.
Colors that are opposite of one another on the color wheel cancel each other out. Green concealer cancels out red zits, purple concealer minimizes yellow spots, and orange concealer takes care of blue dark circles. If you apply this theory, then you can make your concealer work better for you.
For acne blemishes, choose a concealer shade that is about one-half shade lighter than your natural skin tone. If you choose a darker shade, you'll end up with a darker spot. Shades that are too light can create a polka-dot effect that doesn't match your skin tone.
Color Correct
If your concealer is still looking ashy, that means you might have very dark circles that are showing through your concealer. To fix this issue, you might need to go for a high coverage concealer or a color corrector. To know more, check the difference between concealer and color corrector.
Our top choice for the best concealer for dark circles is the Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer, which smooths and brightens the under-eyes while simultaneously blurring the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you want a more affordable option, consider the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
When it comes to choosing the best colour of concealer, you should look for one that is “the same shade as your skin tone to cover anything on the face, and then go one or two shades lighter on the under-eye area,” says Urichuk.
The general rule of thumb is that you should always opt for a shade lighter than foundation when choosing your concealer colour. Doing so helps to mask darker discolouration, but be careful not to over-correct! Knowing how to pick the right concealer is essential to ensuring that your look does not appear ghostly.
Instead, you should choose color correctors in shades of red, pink, yellow, or orange, as these will help balance out the bluish-purple color of under-eye circles.
If you are using a shade that is too light, you'll literally be shining a spotlight on your under eye area, wrinkles and all. If you are using a shade that is too dark, it will just look awkward and out of place. The fix: I like to use just 1 shade lighter at most.
Remember, when covering under-eye areas, opt for a concealer colour that is one or two shades lighter. But be careful that you don't get too light! If you are torn when it comes time to pick a concealer shade, always go with the darker of the two concealers, just in case.
Leave The Concealer For at Least 10 to 20 Minutes
You can use this time to line your lips, style your hair, or fill in your eyebrows. Working with dark eyeshadow or doing a smokey eye look is not recommended during this time, since it can cause fallout under the eyes area.
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Sprinkle recommends working with synthetic brushes if you're applying liquid foundations, as they're easier to sanitize, and create a smooth, even finish. "A sponge is great for sheering out creams and liquids," he adds. "However, keep in mind that it can absorb a lot of product."
Orange, red and peach colors can help correct the blue and purple-ish hues that come from under-eye circles, as well as dark spots caused by aging or sun damage.
Opt for Liquid Foundations
This is because powder foundations tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, making them more apparent. Liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers, on the other hand, often feature hydrating ingredients and a dewy finish, which are both flattering for this skin type.
To “bake your makeup” means to let your concealer sit on your face for 10 to 20 minutes before blending it, so that your own body heat enables the makeup to melt into your skin and cause it to change color and texture. This allows for the concealer to be blended more easily for a flawless coverage.
Fingers are best for blending cream products - think concealers, foundations, cream blush, etc. This is because your body heat will blend and disperse better than a brush. The team at BIRCHBOX says it's all about the warmth. The warmth generates slip and movement of the product.