Spots, dark circles, and pigmentation – be gone! We’re exploring what concealer is used for and how to use your makeup products to create a radiant, flawless complexion with less mess, fuss, and time.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the correct ways to conceal pigmentation, blemishes, and breakouts using makeup. This way, your skincare routine will help you manage skin imperfections in the long run, while your makeup routine will keep you looking and feeling your best every day.

Choosing your concealer

When choosing a concealer, you’ll need to consider your skin type, tone, and skin concern. A blemish concealer, for instance, will be different from the type of concealer you use to reduce dark circles under your eyes. The best concealer for blemishes will be rich and pasty so that it stays in place. However, because the skin under the eye is thin and delicate, you’ll need a concealer that doesn't settle into fine lines – one that is less dry and thick compared to the others. Something light, fluid, and buildable works best for pigmentation and discoloration.

When concealing a blemish, match your concealer to your skin tone or current foundation. To conceal dark purple under-eye circles or acne marks, choose a shade that has a warm undertone to naturally color correctly. If you’re using your concealer to subtly highlight areas of your face, select a shade one to two shades lighter than your foundation.

With all the different uses your concealer will need to address, we consider Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer the best stick concealer for everyday use. The double-ended dispenser provides you with a full-coverage matte concealer stick on one end and a lightweight illuminating liquid on the other – so that you have everything you need in one travel-friendly stick. It provides long-lasting coverage and is enriched with soothing, hydrating plant extracts.<product>1</product>

Tips for achieving complexion perfection

1. Prep skin: Before even opening your makeup bag, make sure that your skin is clean and hydrated. Next, you’ll want to apply primer, which can be especially helpful for those who have uneven skin tone or texture, large pores, as well as oily or dry skin, as it helps create a smooth canvas for makeup application. Not only will this give you a Photoshop finish, but it’ll also protect your skin from moisture loss and environmental stressors. For this purpose, we recommend including Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40 in your skincare routine.<product>2</product>
2. Order matters: Makeup experts agree that, in most cases, it's best to apply foundation before applying concealer. This will create an even base to reduce overall discoloration, redness, and minor blemishes. You can then apply concealer to any areas that need more coverage. This will stop you from wasting product by wiping much of the concealer off when applying foundation and stop you from applying more product than necessary, which will result in a heavy, cakey look. For seamless application, use a makeup sponge such as the Wander Cushion, or a foundation brush such as Round Trip Dual Foundation Brush, to blend your foundation. Pat your concealer onto areas of concern using your finger or a smaller brush such as Round Trip Dual Eyeshadow Brush, then buff using the cushion applicator or foundation brush for a perfectly blended finish.<product>3,4,5</product>
3. Finish with setting powder: To ensure your makeup stays put and keeps you looking flawless throughout the day or night, set your makeup with a light dusting of powder. Choose a lightweight, buildable powder, such as Wanderlust Powder Foundation, to achieve your desired level of coverage.<product>6</product>

How to apply concealer to combat specific concerns

Under-eye circles

To hide dark under-eye circles, apply a liquid foundation, such as Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation, to your face and neck, then blend using a cushion applicator or foundation brush. Next, dot the illuminating doe-foot of your Dualist Concealer under the eye, and blend using your cushion applicator or dedicated concealer brush in a gentle patting motion. Avoid smearing or dragging. Finish off with a dusting of powder.<product>7</product>

Redness and blotchy spots

After blending your liquid foundation, dot the illuminating doe-foot of your Dualist Concealer on areas of redness or discoloration. Depending on the area size, use a cushion applicator, foundation brush, or concealer brush to blend. Layer as necessary. Because makeup tends to rub off around the nose area more quickly, be sure to use a setting powder when applying concealer here.

Breakouts

Breakouts are a common concern, and covering them can be challenging. As mentioned in the section above, primer is incredibly helpful when it comes to this, as it prepares the skin by giving it a velvet texture so that the concealer has something to stick to. The Dualist Concealer matte end is undoubtedly one of the best concealer sticks for acne, as it provides a perfectly formulated texture. Simply swipe the stick directly onto any spots and imperfections (or onto your dedicated concealer brush) and gently blend in a patting motion, keeping close to the areas you want to cover. Allow this to set for a few minutes, then blend into the face using a larger applicator.

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