Ever feel like your concealer is highlighting your blemishes instead of hiding them? You’re not alone. Choosing the right concealer shade can be tricky, but it’s crucial for achieving a flawless and natural-looking complexion. A shade that’s too light can make you look ashy, while one that’s too dark can emphasize imperfections. Mastering the art of concealer selection can brighten your under-eyes, neutralize redness, and create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup.
The right concealer shade is essential for tackling a range of concerns. From concealing dark circles and blemishes to highlighting specific areas of your face, it’s a versatile tool in any makeup bag. When you get the shade right, you’ll notice a significant difference in your overall makeup application. Your skin will appear more even-toned, brighter, and healthier. But with so many shades and formulas available, how do you navigate the world of concealers and find the perfect match for your skin?
What should I consider when choosing a concealer shade?
How do I choose the right concealer shade for under my eyes?
To choose the right concealer shade for under your eyes, select a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This will help brighten the under-eye area and counteract dark circles. Consider your undertones as well: peachy or salmon-toned concealers work best for blue or purple under-eye circles, while yellow-toned concealers are better for covering brown discoloration.
Choosing the right concealer involves more than just picking a lighter shade. It’s crucial to consider your skin’s undertone and the specific color of your under-eye circles. Undertones are generally warm (yellow, golden), cool (pink, blue), or neutral. Determine your undertone by looking at the veins on your wrist; blue or purple veins suggest cool undertones, green veins indicate warm undertones, and a mix suggests neutral undertones. If you have prominent blue or purple under-eye circles, a concealer with a peachy or salmon undertone will neutralize the discoloration more effectively than a purely yellow-toned concealer. Testing the concealer shade is also vital. Avoid testing on the back of your hand, as the skin there often differs in color from your face. Instead, apply a small amount of the concealer directly under your eye, blending it slightly. Check how it looks in natural light to ensure it brightens the area without appearing ashy or too stark. If possible, get samples of a couple of shades to test at home over a few days to see which one works best in different lighting conditions and with your usual makeup routine. Don’t forget to factor in the texture of the concealer. For mature skin or those with fine lines, opt for a hydrating, lightweight formula that won’t settle into creases. Thicker, more matte concealers can sometimes accentuate wrinkles.
What’s the best way to match concealer to my skin tone online?
The best way to match concealer online is to first determine your undertone (warm, cool, or neutral), then identify your foundation shade in a well-known brand and use online shade-matching tools or consult shade charts to find a corresponding concealer shade, aiming for one shade lighter than your skin for highlighting or the same shade for concealing blemishes.
When shopping for concealer online, relying solely on website swatches can be misleading due to varying screen calibrations and lighting conditions. Instead, leverage existing knowledge of your foundation shade. Most major beauty brands offer shade finders on their websites that suggest corresponding concealer shades based on your foundation choice within their product lines. Alternatively, websites like Findation.com allow you to input multiple foundation shades you know match you, and it will recommend similar concealer shades across various brands. Consider the purpose of your concealer. If you are using it primarily for highlighting under the eyes, choose a shade that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. For covering blemishes or redness, select a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly. A slightly too-light concealer used on blemishes can actually accentuate them. Remember to check product reviews, specifically looking for feedback on the shade accuracy and color undertones. Reviews can often provide valuable insights into how a particular shade appears in real life. To further refine your online shade matching, pay close attention to undertones. Examine your veins in natural light: bluish/purple veins suggest cool undertones, greenish veins indicate warm undertones, and if you can’t tell, you likely have neutral undertones. Look for concealers described as having matching undertones. A warm-toned concealer on cool-toned skin can look ashy or orange, and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to purchase two shades if you are unsure—one for highlighting and one for concealing—or opt for a travel size to test before committing to a full-size product.
Should I choose a concealer lighter or darker than my foundation?
Generally, you should choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation, particularly for highlighting areas like under the eyes. However, the best shade depends on the specific purpose of the concealer.
For concealing blemishes, you want a concealer that matches your skin tone as closely as possible or is only *slightly* lighter. This prevents drawing unnecessary attention to the imperfection. Using a concealer that’s too light on a blemish will actually highlight it, defeating the purpose. The goal here is to neutralize the discoloration and blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin. When it comes to brightening the under-eye area or highlighting the center of your face (forehead, bridge of nose, cupid’s bow), a lighter shade works wonders. The lighter shade reflects light, creating the illusion of lift and brightness, thus minimizing the appearance of dark circles and adding dimension to your face. However, avoid going *too* light, as this can result in an unnatural, ashy appearance, especially on deeper skin tones. Finding the right balance is key.
How do I pick a concealer shade to cover blemishes and redness?
To effectively conceal blemishes and redness, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. For redness, a concealer with a green or yellow undertone can help neutralize the color. Test the concealer on your jawline in natural light to ensure a seamless blend.
When choosing a concealer for blemishes, avoid going too light, as this can highlight the imperfection rather than conceal it. A shade that is too light can create a “halo” effect around the blemish, drawing even more attention to it. The goal is to seamlessly blend the concealer into your surrounding skin, making the blemish less noticeable. For redness, consider a color-correcting concealer. Green concealer directly neutralizes red tones, making it ideal for covering acne, rosacea, or sunburn. Apply a thin layer of green concealer directly to the red areas, then follow with a concealer that matches your skin tone to even out the color and provide a natural finish. Yellow-toned concealers are also effective at counteracting mild redness and brightening the under-eye area simultaneously.
Does my skin undertone affect my concealer shade choice?
Yes, your skin’s undertone plays a crucial role in selecting the right concealer shade. Choosing a concealer with the wrong undertone can result in an ashy, orange, or generally mismatched appearance, defeating its purpose of seamlessly blending with your skin and concealing imperfections.
To choose the right concealer, you must first identify your skin’s undertone. The three main undertones are warm (yellow, golden, or peachy), cool (pink, red, or blue), and neutral (a mix of warm and cool). Once you know your undertone, select a concealer that complements it. For warm undertones, look for concealers with yellow or golden hues. For cool undertones, choose concealers with pink or peach hues. For neutral undertones, you have more flexibility and can typically wear concealers with either warm or cool undertones, depending on your preference and the specific area you’re concealing.
When concealing blemishes or dark spots, aim for a concealer that closely matches your skin tone to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. However, when highlighting the under-eye area, consider using a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone, but *with the same undertone*, to brighten the area. A lighter concealer with the wrong undertone will highlight the discoloration instead of concealing it. Always test the concealer in natural light before committing to a purchase to ensure a perfect match.
How does concealer shade change with the seasons (tan/pale skin)?
Concealer shades need adjusting with the seasons because your skin tone naturally fluctuates due to sun exposure. In the summer, even those with fair skin will likely tan, requiring a concealer one or two shades deeper than their winter shade. Conversely, during winter months, a lighter concealer shade is needed to match the paler skin tone that results from less sun exposure.
During warmer months, increased sun exposure prompts your skin to produce more melanin, resulting in a darker complexion. Therefore, the concealer shade that perfectly matched your skin in the winter will likely appear too light and create an unnatural, ashy look during the summer. The key is to assess your skin tone periodically, ideally every few months, and adjust your concealer shade accordingly. Testing the concealer on your jawline in natural light is the best way to find a seamless match for your current skin tone. Don’t rely on memory; your skin tone might shift more than you realize. For those with pale skin, the change might be subtle, perhaps only requiring a shift from a very light ivory to a light beige. Those with naturally darker skin tones might see a more significant change, potentially needing to jump a few shades to maintain a natural look. Remember, the goal is for the concealer to blend seamlessly into your skin. You may also consider having two different concealers and mixing them to achieve the perfect shade.
What’s the difference between color correcting and skin tone concealer?
Color correcting concealers neutralize specific discoloration in the skin using complementary colors, while skin tone concealers aim to match your natural skin tone to cover imperfections and create a uniform complexion.
Color correcting concealers address issues like redness (often targeted with green), dark circles (addressed with peach, orange, or yellow depending on skin tone), and dullness (targeted with lavender or purple). They work by applying the principle of color theory: placing a color opposite the unwanted tone on the color wheel cancels it out. These concealers are often applied *underneath* your regular skin tone concealer or foundation. They are typically lightweight and highly pigmented, meant to neutralize, not to add coverage or completely obliterate the problem. Skin tone concealers, on the other hand, are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural skin color. They come in various shades and formulations to provide coverage for blemishes, dark spots, and general imperfections. The goal is to create a flawless, even-toned base for your makeup look. These concealers are usually more opaque than color correctors and are applied on top of any color correction that has been done, or directly onto the skin if only general concealing is required. When selecting a skin tone concealer, the key is to find a shade that matches your skin tone exactly, or is at most, one shade lighter for brightening the under-eye area.