Now that you've used your under eye moisturizer, you may still be anxious about that under eye darkness. The right concealor will cover them as well as other small discolorations. To see and feel the different consistencies, go to your favorite beauty counter and ask to see what's available; first find the right color, then concentrate on the thickness.
There are many different types offered by the different cosmetic companies, some concealors are thin, others are thick and either might be resistant to water. Today's concealors come in many different skin colors and several different types of application. The oldest and most popular kind of applicator is the lipstick type of tube. A modernized version is the fat little pencil with the creamy "lead", another type is a mascara type tube with a sponge wand or brush applicator, or you may like the soft bodied squeeze tube.
For those with pale discolorations, a thin concealor will be fine. However, those with darker under eye color will need a thicker product with more intense color (heavier pigment), which should be water resistant, for best results. Unfortunately, the average woman uses concealors that are too thin or too light for them. If your outcome is a lighter version of what you're trying to conceal, check the thickness or color of your product then take a second look at your how it's applied.
What do they do?
Concealors are designed to cover discolorations. Much like foundations, they even out skin tone, however concealors have more intense color (pigment) and may be more dense than a foundation, and a camouflager has more intense color and is more dense than a concealor. The more pigment, the thicker the product.
How do I use Concealors?
Pick up a pearl size dot of concealor with a small brush, apply and lightly tap the concealor under and around the area. Tap and blend about an inch beyond the dark under eye, thinning as you go toward your nose, hairline and cheekbone. Finish with a thin application of liquid foundation or a very light dusting of powder.
The stick type of concealor should not be used from the tube, directly onto the skin. Its best applied by rubbing it on a finger, then dotting it onto the skin. The other types may also be applied with a finger; the applicator that comes with it, or with a brush. Personally, I apply concealor after all facial makeup except the finishing powder; this way if you have an under eye shadow or mascara smudge, you won't have to redo that area.
What is a camouflager?
A camouflager is a thicker version of a concealor. The general use is to cover large area like varicose veins, birthmarks, tan lines and facial or body discolorations that may be lighter or darker than usual. When applied properly, with the right texture and color, almost any discoloration can be covered with a camouflager.
How do I use a camouflager?
For use under your eyes, a camouflager can be used in two ways: you can use it alone, like a concealor or if the density is too thick you can dilute it with a little facial moisturizer or liquid foundation. Tap to thoroughly blend and erase any lines or streaks. A light swiping of skin toned powder will finish the look.
Often cosmetic companies refer to their concealor as a camouflager, it's not done to confuse you, but because their concealor has more pigment than the average product. Ask for samples to see which covers your concerns. After you've tried different types, if you're still not happy with the coverage, then the next alternative is a color corrector. Visit www.andibradshaw.com and look for additional information in an age specific book titled "Foundations, Powders & Blushes". - 15266
There are many different types offered by the different cosmetic companies, some concealors are thin, others are thick and either might be resistant to water. Today's concealors come in many different skin colors and several different types of application. The oldest and most popular kind of applicator is the lipstick type of tube. A modernized version is the fat little pencil with the creamy "lead", another type is a mascara type tube with a sponge wand or brush applicator, or you may like the soft bodied squeeze tube.
For those with pale discolorations, a thin concealor will be fine. However, those with darker under eye color will need a thicker product with more intense color (heavier pigment), which should be water resistant, for best results. Unfortunately, the average woman uses concealors that are too thin or too light for them. If your outcome is a lighter version of what you're trying to conceal, check the thickness or color of your product then take a second look at your how it's applied.
What do they do?
Concealors are designed to cover discolorations. Much like foundations, they even out skin tone, however concealors have more intense color (pigment) and may be more dense than a foundation, and a camouflager has more intense color and is more dense than a concealor. The more pigment, the thicker the product.
How do I use Concealors?
Pick up a pearl size dot of concealor with a small brush, apply and lightly tap the concealor under and around the area. Tap and blend about an inch beyond the dark under eye, thinning as you go toward your nose, hairline and cheekbone. Finish with a thin application of liquid foundation or a very light dusting of powder.
The stick type of concealor should not be used from the tube, directly onto the skin. Its best applied by rubbing it on a finger, then dotting it onto the skin. The other types may also be applied with a finger; the applicator that comes with it, or with a brush. Personally, I apply concealor after all facial makeup except the finishing powder; this way if you have an under eye shadow or mascara smudge, you won't have to redo that area.
What is a camouflager?
A camouflager is a thicker version of a concealor. The general use is to cover large area like varicose veins, birthmarks, tan lines and facial or body discolorations that may be lighter or darker than usual. When applied properly, with the right texture and color, almost any discoloration can be covered with a camouflager.
How do I use a camouflager?
For use under your eyes, a camouflager can be used in two ways: you can use it alone, like a concealor or if the density is too thick you can dilute it with a little facial moisturizer or liquid foundation. Tap to thoroughly blend and erase any lines or streaks. A light swiping of skin toned powder will finish the look.
Often cosmetic companies refer to their concealor as a camouflager, it's not done to confuse you, but because their concealor has more pigment than the average product. Ask for samples to see which covers your concerns. After you've tried different types, if you're still not happy with the coverage, then the next alternative is a color corrector. Visit www.andibradshaw.com and look for additional information in an age specific book titled "Foundations, Powders & Blushes". - 15266
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is licensed as an esthetician and as a makeup artist in the state of Maryland. She has worked to enhance the faces of more than 15,000 women. If you want the latest in makeup or skin care, then you'll love Andi's books. They explain "what does it do and how do I use it" of every subject in each of her 17 books. Get a FREE recipe booklet for Lip Glosses, Balms & Butters with the purchase of any 2 books. Affordable Skin Care Books
