Concealing face cream (English)

Beauty and a well-groomed appearance are the calling card of any woman. A fresh and radiant complexion and youthful look always attract the gaze of men. To make your skin perfect and hide all imperfections in makeup, it is not enough to use only foundation and powder. To achieve the best effect and hide all the defects and blemishes of the skin, a woman simply cannot do without a high-quality special concealer.

Concealers are available in the form of creams, gels, pencils, concealers, and correctors, which vary in consistency, texture, color, shape, degree of coverage, and price. Their main task is to hide unwanted skin imperfections. The corrective product must also be selected according to your skin type. For example, for dry and sensitive skin, liquid corrective products available in bottles and tubes are best suited. The method of applying them is noticeably different from other corrective products: a small amount of liquid is squeezed onto your finger and gently rubbed into the skin. When they dry, they look like a velvety powder like powder.

Concealing creams have an oily, thick texture and are usually sold with a special applicator for application. The covering power of these products is lower than that of pencils, and the coating is not as thick and dense. However, the face looks natural, which allows the use of such products on fairly large problem areas of the skin (skin unevenness, red and age spots, roughness, acne).

Corrective products in loose and stick form are suitable for combination and oily skin types.

The easiest to use corrective products are in the form of pencils or sticks (correctors, concealers) and do not require the use of additional accessories; they are applied directly to the problem area. These corrective products are designed to “disguise” small problem areas of the skin (moles, pimples, scars, spider veins). When choosing a concealer, you need to remember your natural skin tone, which should be one or two shades darker than the concealer. Before using masking pencils, it is necessary to test its effect on a small area of the skin, since the composition of such products is highly concentrated, so their excessive application can create a mask effect on the face.

Concealers are available in a variety of shades, each of which is specially designed to camouflage various facial skin imperfections.

The green product is intended to hide various redness and rashes on the skin of the face, as well as the appearance of spider veins, since the green color has the property of neutralizing redness. In addition, green concealer helps to brighten the complexion.

Blue (purple) concealer is used to hide age spots, yellow bruises, and circles under the eyes.

White corrector helps lighten dark areas on the face.

Yellow concealer neutralizes lilac circles under the eyes and camouflages dark spots. Yellow color helps hide bruises and hematomas.

The pink concealer brightens the complexion for a more natural, fresh look.

To hide any skin imperfection, you need to apply a small amount of the corrective product to the problem area of the skin with patting movements, and apply foundation and powder on top. For example, small wrinkles can be hidden with a camouflage pencil, for which the camouflage composition of the pencil is applied to a very thin brush and brushed over all wrinkles. Makeup is applied over the corrective product in the usual way. Any concealer must be applied to the skin of the face before applying foundation or powder, which will make problem areas of the skin completely invisible. After applying the concealer, apply the foundation using gentle movements so as not to damage the applied layer of the corrective agent. In addition, the foundation should not be too greasy, since under the influence of body temperature, all makeup will “blur”.

In cases where you need to hide bruises or bruises under the eyes that are the result of an injury, it is better to use an orange concealer, which perfectly neutralizes blue. However, such a corrective agent must be used very carefully, masking the problem; it is also necessary to correct the transition from the “damaged” area to normal skin color. When choosing an orange concealer, you must proceed from the intensity of the bruise. The darker it is, the brighter the concealer should be.

Rules for using concealers.
The use of any concealer has several application rules. Concealers must be applied to cleansed skin of the face or body using a sponge or fingers. After applying the required amount to the problem area of the skin, it is necessary to remove excess product by blotting the surface of application of the product with a napkin.

Since at different times of the year our skin has a different shade (lighter in winter, darker in summer), it is therefore necessary to have at least two concealers in stock: very light and dark. This is necessary to obtain, when mixing these products, the desired shade that suits the skin at a given time of the year.

Concealers allow women to always be attractive, young, beautiful and flawless.

Few women can boast of perfect skin, but not a single one can say that her skin is always perfect. Stress, winter cold, sleepless nights and much more leave their mark on a woman’s face in the form of spots, dark circles and other blemishes.

What are the types of camouflage products?

Today there are quite a lot of means that can act as a magic wand. The most basic are correctors and concealers. Not everyone knows what the difference is between them.

Corrector. This word is translated as correct. Designed to create a sculptural contour of the face using the play of shadow and light. Apply specifically to the desired area;
Concealer. Translated from English it means to hide. It has a dense opaque base. The tone is selected to match the skin tone (a difference of only 1 tone is allowed);
Auxiliary. Powder, bronzers, and blush are used as a finishing touch (less often as an independent product).

Release forms

Each masking composition has several forms that are used in different situations. For correctors, the basic consistencies are:

Dry. Requires joint use with powder. Perfectly hides acne and irritation;
Liquid. Designed to correct circles under the eyes. You need to apply it pointwise with a small brush. Shade by lightly tapping your fingertips;
Cream. Outwardly they resemble shadows (not only in shape, but also in the breadth of the palette). Apply using a sponge or applicator (all over the face or spot-on);
Antibacterial. It is often produced in the form of a pencil, which contains substances that have a therapeutic effect (they dry out pustules).

Concealers have more options:

Pencil. Used for spot masking (for example, a pimple or residual inflammation after it);
Stick. Very thick consistency, more like lipstick. It is an effective way to hide small stars (small burst blood vessels) and freckles. Excellent matte finish. Not for use on the skin around the eyes;
Liquid. It is very reminiscent of a regular foundation, but significantly exceeds it in terms of masking power. Designed to correctly disguise bags and circles under the eyes. It also masks large areas of damage (rosacea, vitiligo) well. You need to apply it with an applicator (included). Quite often the tube is equipped with a special brush;
Creamy. A dense cream that is a universal base for any problems. A great option if you need a highlighter;
Powdery. A good alternative to regular loose powder (applies smoother and denser).

Using a color palette

To create visual relief, use the contrast method (light/dark). The basic colors of the palette are:

Lilac spectrum. It is successfully used to hide excessive yellowness of the skin (old bruises, freckles, uneven tanning). Lilacs soften aging and too strong tans. It hides signs of fatigue quite well (visually refreshes). The spectrum includes cool pink, lilac, lilac, eggplant, blueberry (order from light to dark);
Green. This shade perfectly hides all imperfections associated with redness (areas with rosacea, acne, rosacea). It is this color (delicate mint) that is recommended for women whose skin is naturally prone to excessive redness. In addition to mint (pastel), the main range includes light green, classic green, grass, and velvet (dark). Be careful, too much green tones will have the exact opposite effect from the desired one;
Blue. These colors are contrasted with red and brown (excessive pigmentation or large moles, old redness, rosacea, darkening under the eyes). For yellowish skin of this color, it is better to choose a crumbly toner (like powder). Spectrum: pale blue, azure, blue, dark blue, velvet;
Pink. The shades are contrasted with green. Helps rejuvenate and refresh poor complexion (gray or greenish). Great for mature women (hides age-related skin changes). The palette includes pale pink, pink, red, burgundy, rich wine;
Ginger. Suitable for hiding bluish skin on the eyelids. They can refresh gray tired skin. The colors include pastel, peach, orange, rust, brick (brown with a brown tint);
Yellow. Cool shades do a great job with rosacea and bags under the eyes. The range consists of cold yellow, light, yellow, olive, khaki.

In addition to those listed, each color spectrum contains white and 1 tone called white pastel (very pale).

Making your own corrector

The easiest way is to mix the cream base and dry mineral powder in the required proportions. You can choose any cream, and the shade of powder will match your skin tone. The color intensity is determined experimentally (a drop is enough).

Here is a more exotic, but 100% natural composition:

Shea butter (2 tsp);
Witch hazel (2 tsp);
Argan oil (4 tsp);
Aloe vera gel (2 tbsp);
Vegetable wax (1 tsp);
Kaolin (1 tsp), another name is white clay;
Zinc oxide (4 tbsp);
Cocoa powder (0.5 - 1 tsp).

Oils and wax are heated in a water bath. Aloe and witch hazel are mixed into the warm mass. Stir until smooth, warming slightly. Remove from the water bath. Mix clay and zinc. Add cocoa in minimal portions until desired shade is achieved (test on skin). Cool and transfer to a jar with a lid. If a lighter base is needed, the amount of zinc oxide can be reduced.

And here is the recipe for green corrector:

6 g shea butter;
2 g each of watermelon seed and laurel oils;
6.5 g zinc oxide (can be replaced with titanium dioxide);
Mineral coloring pigments (green, yellow and beige). Their weight should be the same as oils (together with dioxide).

Mix the pigments with dioxide until smooth. Melt the shea butter (water bath), add the remaining oils, and stir. Add the pigments bit by bit (carefully) and stir (they disperse well). If the color is too bright, then you should add a little oil and dioxide. The intensity is determined on the skin.

Facial correction. Adviсe

Start your makeup by applying a base (colorless primer). This product should not be confused with foundation, although primers can also be tinted. If you see the word primer, then the tube contains a base; if there is a foundation mark, then this is a tone. The base perfectly smooths out small wrinkles and large pores. In addition, tinting products lie on the base much smoother and more natural. If there are no obvious defects, then the primer is an excellent replacement for the tone.

Don't go overboard with disguises. An excessively thick layer will look like makeup. This does not make women attractive. The lighter and more invisible the makeup, the better. Don't lose your sense of proportion. Make sure there is no difference in color between the neck and face. From the outside it looks terrible.

For daytime makeup, you should not use toners with reflective particles or powder with glitter. These are options exclusively for evening makeup. In daylight, they will reveal everything you want to hide.

It is not advisable to use blush that is too rich and bright (it looks unnatural). In general, you should be more careful with this element. Too dense and rough strokes can ruin even the most high-quality makeup. With a light stroke of the brush, only minimally shade the desired area (cheekbones or top of the cheek). They must fit into the main tone. For example, if light beige is used as a basis, then immediately exclude the red spectrum of blush, giving preference to brownish ones.

For extremely oily skin, dry mineral powder is ideal. Ingredients are often added to its composition that prevent the growth of bacteria in a fatty environment, dry it out, or treat existing irritations and rashes. For dry skin, creamy options that have a softening effect are better suited.

Shape correction

A round face can be visually narrowed by darkening the sides. The forehead is highlighted. Those with a perfect oval shape can experiment with all types of makeup. The square face is darkened at the temples and the edges of the jaws. The central part of the face is highlighted. The triangular face is darkened in the upper part (temples, forehead). The lower jaw and eye area are brightened.

Today, few people do not know what a facial concealer is. The name is constantly heard by makeup artists and cosmetologists. The substance is available in the lines of all popular brands, from expensive to budget. Many women actively use the miracle drug to emphasize facial features, hide defects, and visually even out the surface. But not everyone knows how to use the product correctly. Most people simply apply it pointwise to the problem area, without thinking about the selection of shade, method of rubbing, or suitable texture. Often the result is the opposite of the desired one. We propose to analyze the nuances of using a masking composition, learn how to choose the appropriate tone, and also highlight popular brands from different price segments.

Content

What it is

This is a cosmetic product that can visually hide major imperfections. By skillfully using different halftones, you can correct the oval: straighten the nose, emphasize the cheekbones, make the lips and eyes more expressive.

In the first third of the last century, a similar product to the current product was used to disguise unsightly birthmarks in open areas, burns, and scars. The thickly applied texture perfectly hides freckles, which was also actively used during periods of fashion for smooth and clean skin.

The founder of the production of the drug specifically for decorative and cosmetic purposes was the Max Factor company in 1954. Her creamy paste created a sensation at one time and instantly became a regular fixture in the makeup bag of any Hollywood or society lady.

Learning to distinguish from brothers

Have you ever watched video tutorials on makeup techniques? First, she takes a jar of base (before that there was a foam cleanser to cleanse the pores, then a gentle gommage to even out the texture).

So, let's go back to the base. After that it’s the turn of the proofreader. Then, it seems, foundation: a couple of tubes. Next it is powdered. Concealer. Powder again for a radiant effect. Then again a substance that makes certain areas flicker mysteriously. And this is all before, in fact, decorative cosmetics.

Secret! Before purchasing, you should know that long-lasting specimens have a matte texture. But if you have a problem with dark circles under the lower eyelids, choose formulations with a radiant formula.

Everything together looks confusing and complicated. Jars and tubes seem the same. Understanding the science of choosing the right palette seems unrealistic. But first of all, it is important to learn how to determine how all masking components differ. And what functions are assigned specifically to the concealer?

So, what is it for:

Hide dark circles under the eyes;
Emphasize the contours of the oval;
Mask light redness, pigmentation spots, freckles, moles;
Smooth out large pores;
Visually distract from small wrinkles;
Tint the capillary mesh on the thin dermis.

Concealer is needed to disguise light redness, pigmentation spots, freckles, moles

Difference with corrector

The corrector has a denser consistency;
It is applied pointwise to problem areas;
Most often it comes after the foundation;
The concealer is more liquid and spreads well over large areas;
Moisturizes the epidermis and promotes good absorption of foundation. Therefore, it is applied before it;
Colored, on the contrary, goes under the foundation.

Note! Contraindications to the use of any masking elements are fresh or open wounds. The exception is formulations with antibacterial components, but again, they are not applied to an open wound.

Difference with foundation

Is in the goal being pursued. Tone is used to give a uniform color. It also masks imperfections, but more related to uneven color of the epidermis. It is applied completely, often including the neck and décolleté. One thin layer is recommended.

The masking component can be applied zonally, pointwise. It hides well the depressions and thickenings on the epidermis. It can be spread in several layers.

Varieties

Manufacturers produce different versions of these cosmetics. It is a big mistake to think that they are all the same. And young ladies choose their goods solely for reasons of convenience. Any form has its advantages.

Manufacturers produce different versions of these cosmetics.

Pencil

Helps hide a pimple or small mole;
If you outline your lips, they will visually appear plumper;
To increase the eye section, the lower eyelid is pulled back and the edge of the mucous membrane is drawn.

This is a convenient option for jobs that require precision. It is sharpened to the desired sharpness with a special sharpener. After the stroke, shade with a sponge or brush after 1 minute.

Has the appropriate consistency. Sticky, pleasant, moist. Absorbs well and blends well. Helps disguise signs of fatigue under the eyes. If you spread it in a thick layer, you can effectively tint freckles and pigmentation.

Important! If you have naturally oily skin, be sure to set the product with dry powder. Moreover, it should be sprayed with a wide, soft brush. This is necessary so that the makeup does not “float” at the most unexpected moment and lasts the whole day without the need for correction.

Liquid

Reminds me of a gel. It applies very thinly, almost weightlessly. Does not clog in pores, folds and wrinkles. On the contrary, it smoothes them out and masks them perfectly. It is boldly smeared completely over the entire face, in order to hide the marks of pimples, pits, irregularities, and small scars.

Not recommended for those with sensitive dry skin. It slightly tightens the surface, which is imperceptible for normal and oily dermis. But for dry skin it is better to buy cream.

It is very dense, so it is not applied to larger areas. Its properties are as close as possible to a corrector. On oily skin, if applied generously, it may clump into clumps. The best substance for removing hematomas, large wounds, deep scars.

Powder

In many ways it is similar to powder; sometimes it is called powder-concealer. Makes the epidermis shine, perfectly evens out the tone, smoothes out the presence of numerous creams and gels. Secures the makeup. They do not treat the area under the eyes because of their ability to get into small folds and emphasize wrinkles.

Why do you need a multi-colored palette?

You've probably come across large palettes with a dozen or even two different colored shades. Moreover, in creating makeup, the makeup artist skillfully uses almost all of them. Let's look at the main nuances of the technique:

The color palette helps to perform today's trendy contouring: highlighting the necessary areas, while simultaneously hiding imperfections and problems.
The main rule when choosing a tone is that opposite shades block each other.

The color palette helps to perform today's trendy contouring: highlight the necessary areas, simultaneously hiding flaws and problems

How it works? To hide red spots, pimple marks, dried wounds, feel free to apply green color to your brush. But when there are blue-green circles under the eyes, on the contrary, a pink or scarlet concealer stick is suitable.

On a note! The lavender range helps hide signs of fatigue, dull coloring, post-acne, and signs of wilting. The drug is sometimes mixed with tonak and generously applied to the entire surface. But the yellow palette is considered universal. It eliminates the signs of blue and redness, which means it is effective against circles and inflammation. It perfectly evens out the overall shade.

Light pink or whitish undertones are most often used as a highlighter during the highlighting stage. They highlight places along the cheekbones, under the eyebrows, the center of the chin, the temporal zones, and the nasal bone.

How to use: step-by-step instructions

Let's take a closer look at how to properly apply facial concealer.

First, we prepare the dermis: wash, tone with tonic, add day cream;
Now comes the turn of the base for makeup - with a very thin level, shade it well;
Take a concealer pencil and carefully draw dots on redness, pimples, and unsightly spots;
Wait a minute and rub with a brush;
Next comes the foundation stage;
After half a minute, take a creamy concealer and draw two concave arcs under the eyes with a brush. Gently rub the product as close to the eyelashes as possible. The skin around the eyes is very thin, dry and vulnerable. It is not stretched with fingers when smearing cosmetics, and it is not rubbed when washing. Concealing cosmetics are gently blended with a smooth brush.
We examine ourselves in the mirror for shortcomings. If red spots are visible, you can use the pencil again;
We fix the result with powder using a brush.

Step-by-step application instructions

Features of use under the eyes

This area is extremely sensitive. She is the very first to surrender to the approaching years and treacherously surrenders to age. It is the very first thing in care for a young girl, and the main one for a mature lady. How to properly hide signs of fatigue in this area? Read below.

Always wet the surface before rubbing in any masking;
It is desirable that the ingredients include reflective elements that optimally highlight this area;
Choose a consistency no thicker than paste;
The product components should not contain oil, which reduces durability;
Always set your work with powder.

Do not smear the mask with your fingers. It is better to take a special sponge or brush

Do not smear the mask with your fingers. It is better to take a special sponge or brush. Fingers will not allow you to evenly distribute cosmetics, and they also contain particles of sebum. As a result, the effect will not be durable and uneven.

How to correct the correct oval

First of all, we define our contour.

Oval features require virtually no correction. Just darken your cheekbones and the center of your chin.
A vertical area with dark colors on the sides from the temple to the wings of the nose will help to elongate a round face. At the same time, we lighten the forehead, chin, sub-brow and under-eye space.
We do the same with square contours. All corners are darkened, the center is lightened.
Triangular contours are highlighted in the sharpest places, and the center is made dark.
To straighten and narrow the nose, draw a light stripe right along its central part, and darken the wings and insteps. Blend the area thoroughly so that the ridge shines and appears perfectly even.

Note to ladies: what else might you need it for?

Modern young ladies have found a lot of other uses for the camouflage pencil:

In lip makeup, it can be a cool base;
If you accidentally draw an uneven arrow, it doesn’t matter. One stroke and nothing is noticeable;
When the eyebrows are too sparse, bald spots can be successfully shaded with a dark specimen;
To give sponges a 3D effect. This makes them appear larger and plumper. When you are done with the color, draw two dots on the upper and lower lip in the center. And then apply transparent glitter to the same places.

Concealer can become a universal soldier in your makeup bag

Important! The shade of your camouflage friend should be 1-2 shades brighter than the color of the tonak. It is advisable to buy a set from one brand. Add base and powder here.

Top 5 best products

An expensive treat from Givenchy – Teint Couture. Protects against ultraviolet radiation. It can completely hide even a tattoo. Price – 2 thousand rubles.

Givenchy Teint Couture

The products are much cheaper, but no less cool: from L'Oreal - Alliance Perfect. The consistency is thick but elastic, so it is quickly absorbed and rubbed. It dries quickly and perfectly masks imperfections. Ideal against signs of fatigue and blue discoloration. Costs about 500 rubles.

L'Oreal Alliance Perfect

Max Factor Mastertouch Concealer is a paste-like substance with light-diffusing properties. Covers the dermis completely and in detail. A convenient mechanism in the form of a pencil with a twist-out paste and a round sponge at the tip. Prepare a sensationally low amount for purchase - about 350–450 rubles.

Max Factor Mastertouch Concealer

Maybelline Affinitone is one of the highly sought after products in its niche. The demand for it is huge, largely due to the budget price - 250-300 rubles.

Maybelline Affinitone

The highlight of the Lancôme brand is Effacernes Long Tenue with sun protection. Very long lasting, perfectly hides pigmentation, light and pleasant. Suitable for vulnerable and sensitive skin. Price – from 3 thousand rubles.

Lancôme Effacernes Long Tenue

Facial concealer is a magic pill for a face with unhealthy color, unsightly redness and other problems. Learn to take it correctly, choose your optimal medicine - and your skin will always glow with happiness.

Watch a video review of popular brands:

Concealing face cream