It is possible to completely hide birthmarks and other skin imperfections with innovative concealing makeup.
If you have a birthmark or other natural blemish that you'd like to cover, it may end up looking unnatural if you use heavy foundation on it. Instead, use a cosmetic concealer, which is easier and faster to apply and yields better results.
Your local drugstore sells many brands of cover makeup in different forms. Department stores sell more upscale cosmetics, many of which originate from Europe or Japan, and offer concealers of higher quality than those found in drugstores. There are also some nationwide cosmetic chains that carry high quality professional makeup and specialty products.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF CONCEALER
Makeup concealers generally come in four different forms:
1) In a tube, which contains a liquid cream that can vary in moisture content. These types of concealers are usually dewy and sheer, appropriate for lighter skin shades that tend towards dryness. The downside is that too much will easily settle into fine lines.
2) In a stick, which contains a solid dry cream that can vary in moisture content. These are ideal for those with darker skin tones or those who need more opaque coverage.
3) In a pot, which contains a solid, more opaque cream, usually on the dry side. These are ideal for those with darker skin or those who need maximum opaque coverage.
4) In a pencil, which contains a solid dry cream that can vary in moisture content. These can be used on most skin types and are best suited to very small areas, lip lines or touch-ups.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIND OF CONCEALER FOR YOU
It's best to choose a concealer based on your skin type, whether it is dry, normal, oily or combination. One way you can test the coverage of the concealer is to put a small amount on a vein located on your inner wrist. If the coverage is satisfactory to you, then it will probably work great on your face.
Select the right shade concealer for your skin tone by matching the color of your jawbone to the closest of the available shades. Or you could test the color of the concealer over your foundation. If the shades match, you have chosen the correct shade of concealer. Consider buying two of the same products in different shades if necessary, in order to blend them and achieve a match for your skin color. Some women prefer to mix their concealer with their foundation in order to ensure a flawless blend of colors.
If possible, try to get a matching color without any undertones of pink, peach or orange since these often do not look natural. A true concealer should never be noticed.
APPLYING CONCEALER
Depending upon the product consistency and your preference, you may find yourself applying the concealer first and then your makeup foundation. Or you may put foundation and eye makeup on, and then apply concealer. Use the technique that works best for you. Just make sure that the concealer is not wiped away as you are applying other makeup.
Skillful application of concealer is the key to a good look. The warmth from your finger will likely dilute and spread the concealer, and the size of the area you cover cannot be any smaller or differently shaped than your fingertips. For those who prefer to apply concealer with their fingers, the best method is to pat the concealer into your skin so it gets blended evenly. Rubbing will only smear or shift the concealer and it won't remain on the spot you wanted to cover.
Using a small, slightly pointed or square concealer brush will help you to get much more control on very small areas such as a pimple. Choose a nylon brush, as natural brushes will usually soak up the concealer and will not work as well. With a brush, you'll be able to apply the product in the exact size and shape necessary for expert coverage.
Gently dab on a very small amount of concealer with the brush, the minimum required to cover the area, without rubbing or pressure. With small circular motions of the brush, you'll be able to blend evenly without smearing until the spot is unnoticeable. To help the concealer adhere better, put a little concealer on the brush and then dip it into colorless powder and apply. Another trick you can use is to apply concealer to a finger or your hand and wait a bit for it to dry. This greatly reduces a moist concealer's ability to remove foundation as it is applied.
Let the spot set and then evaluate the appearance. If you need to apply another layer, dust with powder first. The purpose of the powder is to prevent the concealer from migrating from the applied area. Apply another minimal layer of concealer and then apply foundation and blend it beyond the area to camouflage it with the rest of your skin. Finish with one more layer of powder.
COLOR CORRECTION CONCEALERS
If you prefer, you may use a concealer that comes in correction shades, such as green or violet, which are used to neutralize an unwanted color on the face. For example, blue neutralizes orange, green neutralizes red, violet neutralizes yellow, etc. These colors are opposites on the color wheel, which is why they are associated in this fashion.
The reason why colors are used is because sometimes an undesired color can be seen through an application of regular skin-toned concealer. You would first neutralize the flawed color with the opposite color found on the color wheel, and then apply skin-tone concealer over the colored concealer.
Typically, you can buy a color concealer in green, yellow and lavender.
o Green is used to neutralize red tones on the skin and is useful for acne, red scars, red blotchiness on cheeks or nose, rosacea, port wine birthmarks or bluish-red bruises. A green color corrector that is sheer is easiest to work with.
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