YOUR GO-TO CONCEALER HACKS

Concealer is the one makeup item you can trust we will gush about every time! Its extreme versatility makes it an absolute must-have for all those wanting to instantly brighten a tired face, cover imperfections and fix any makeup errors.

This all-in-one product can be extremely daunting to use, but we have complied our top 8 concealer tips and tricks that will ensure your makeup is applied seamlessly and looks nothing short of flawless…

1. Hydrate the skin to prep.

Prepping your skin prior to applying makeup is the ultimate hack to achieve flawless makeup every time. Ensuring the skin is properly hydrated with a face serum or moisturiser will make liquid products (even the matte and ultra-pigmented) a dream to blend. We recommend applying VANI-T’s Luxe Elixir Face Oil approximately 15-20 minutes before diving into your makeup routine to allow your skin to absorb all the nourishing properties it has to offer!

2. Use the right concealer on the right imperfections…

Concealer is a life saver for anyone looking to cover imperfections like dark circles, pimples and hyper pigmentation. It is extremely important to use the right concealer on the right areas, so we have laid out the most universal imperfections to make finding your perfect concealer shade that much easier…

Dark under eye circles: select a shade of concealer that's no more than 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

Pimples and redness: use a shade that matches your foundation to avoid drawing any attention to these trouble areas.

To brighten and highlight: use a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

To contour and define: use a concealer 3-4 shades darker than your foundation.

3. Concealer placement changes everything!

Concealer placement has the ability to drastically transform your face. It can stimulate the appearance of a smaller forehead, higher cheekbones, a chiselled nose, defined jawline and fuller lips – just to name a few!

To define and contour: apply a small amount of a darker shade of concealer to the perimeter of the forehead, along the jawline, along the sides of the nasal bridge and just below your cheekbone.

To highlight and brighten: apply a lighter shade of concealer to the inner eye area, below the outer lower lash line, the centre of the forehead, along the bridge of the nose and chin. To give the illusion of fuller lips, apply concealer to the area either side of the mouth.

Tip: To clean up and sharpen the cheek contour, apply a small amount of concealer that matches your foundation below the hollow of your cheeks. This will ensure your contour is snatched!

4. Blend with a finger or damp sponge.

There are many techniques you can use to blend your concealer, but there are two we just can’t overlook. The first technique is to simply use the warmth of your finger. Not only will it melt the product into the skin, but it will also give you a seamless, full coverage finish. Another technique we absolutely love is to use a damp beauty sponge. The dampness from the sponge will help the concealer blend evenly and flawlessly with your complexion. The VANI-T Beauty Sponge Makeup Applicator provides an airbrushed finish and absorbs minimal product, so your favourite products stay on your skin, not your sponge.

5. Apply layers of the product to build coverage!

Most liquid products have the ability to be layered, giving you complete control over the level of coverage. Achieve a natural look by applying 1 layer of concealer or full coverage with 2-3 layers. Customise your finish every time – you’re in control!

6. Set to minimise creasing...

To minimise creasing and movement, set the concealer in place with a translucent powder or powder foundation. We recommend applying the powder with a fluffy, tapered brush or beauty sponge. Setting your concealer gives your skin a matte finish, soaking up any excess oil for a truly long-lasting result. For those who love a fully concealed under eye, use a powder foundation to set your concealer! Apply it sparingly to avoid a dry and cakey under eye.

Tip: Apply concealer (or any liquid/cream foundation) before any powder products to avoid the two textures mixing into a thick, unmovable paste.

7. Doubles as an eyeshadow primer. 

Believe it or not, your average concealer can double as an effective eyeshadow primer – no need to spend your hard-earned cash when you have this multi-use wonder! Simply apply a small amount of concealer to your eyelids to hide any imperfections and set with a translucent powder. This will remove any moisture so your eyeshadow blends perfectly.

8. How to: DIY face tint!

If heavy makeup isn’t your thing or you’re just in need of a quick fix, try mixing your favourite moisturiser with a concealer that matches your skin tone. Again, this multi-tasking beauty comes to the rescue to create your own BB cream, a quick & affordable skin tint that will give a dull complexion the touch of life it’s been craving!

VANI-T's Instant Blur HD Concealer imparts airbrushed coverage that lasts all day without creasing or settling into fine lines or pores. This creamy, sweat-resistant formula will work its magic to instantly erase the appearance of dark circles, blemishes and redness. It's the holy grail of concealers that acts like a second skin to blur imperfections for a flawless complexion.