HOW TO CHOOSE A CONCEALER COLOUR FOR FLAWLESS SKIN

WHAT IS CONCEALER AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

While similar to foundation, concealer formulas are typically thicker. Often described as a product that helps to ‘hide imperfections’, concealers can instead be viewed as a creative tool to shape and brighten any facial area of your choice. The beauty of concealer is that it allows the individual to detract the focus away from anything you desire (such as discolouration or fine lines). Thus, concealer helps to accentuate your natural facial structure in a way that feels empowering.

Lancôme concealers work in tandem with face makeup products (such as foundation and face powders) to illuminate and neutralise the skin tone and lessen the appearance of age spots, dark circles and fine lines, revealing radiant skin. But, before you commit to choosing a concealer shade, there are a few elements to consider.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CONCEALER SHADE

Choosing a concealer shade can be a troublesome task. Not only are there multiple elements to factor in (such as your natural undertone, skin type and skin goals) but concealers also come in various forms to suit different skin types or personal preferences. However, once you know what you’re searching for, choosing a concealer colour is easy. Here are some important things to factor in before you make your decision.

KNOW YOUR UNDERTONES

First, know thy undertone. You will either have a warm, cool or neutral undertone. Start by looking at the veins on your wrists under natural light. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones. If they appear blue or purple, you could have cool undertones. A mix of both? You’re likely part of the neutral undertone family.

Additionally, consider the undertones of the concealer. If you are hoping to cover dark under-eye circles or hyperpigmentation spots that appear somewhat purple, opt for golden or peachy tones which can help to cancel out the dark colours (this shade is usually similar to your foundation shade). On the other hand, concealers with hints of green work well for concealing red spots. If you’re still not certain what your undertone is, apply a hint of concealer on your jaw in natural light to find the best shade for your skin.

CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TYPE

The question remains, ‘how to choose your concealer shade?’ Your skin type will play a large role in guiding your choice of concealer formulas. To help inform your choice, find a brief description of liquid, stick and cream concealers below.

Liquid concealers are suitable for normal, oily and dry skin types. (Non-comedogenic liquid concealers are generally recommended for oily skin types in particular.) Since liquid concealers are relatively thin, you have the option to build it up for fuller coverage.

Stick concealers are comprised of solid formulas and are often hydrating enough for dry skin types. Stick concealers may be preferred by those with dark under eye circles or blemishes.

Cream concealers fare well with foundation for spot concealing or discolouration. Known for their thicker texture, they are best for hydrating normal to dry skin.

FACTOR IN YOUR SKIN GOALS

Some makeup wearers use concealer to neutralise their complexion, while others enlist it to contour or to draw attention to certain areas of the face. Consider how you will be using concealer. For example, is your main goal to tone down blemishes, or to accentuate your cheekbones? The question to ask is, ‘what do I want my concealer to highlight, or conceal?’ From there, you will likely find choosing a concealer shade to be an easier, more practical decision.

TIPS FOR TESTING CONCEALER

If you want to learn how to choose the right colour concealer, the best option is to test out different concealers. Because in the makeup world, there’s nothing worse than opening a new tube or bottle, only to soon realise that you’ve picked the wrong shade. Luckily, you can avoid this beauty blunder by unveiling our helpful concealer tips below.

1. Before you apply concealer on your face, conduct a quick patch test on your neck, right below your ear. In doing so, you will be able to see whether the shade will blend seamlessly.
2. Alternatively, you can conduct a patch test on your cheek and jawline, or your wrist.
3. Test your concealer under natural lighting if possible, as artificial lighting can change the concealer’s appearance.
4. For under-eye concealer, opt for a shade lighter than your natural colouring. This will help to cover up under-eye circles and can create a brightening effect.
5. When considering your skin type, factor in the season and your level of sun exposure. If your skin tone is typically darker in the summer, opt for a darker concealer shade for these months and a lighter one for the cooler months.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER PROPERLY

Now that you know how to choose a concealer shade, you can apply your concealer. There is no one universal method, however there are certain techniques that are worth trying. For a concealer that’s suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin), we recommend the Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer. Available in 20 shades, the formula is enriched with water lily for intense skin hydration, moringa extract for a boost of collagen, vegetable glycerin for smoothing the skin and rose extract for gentle hydration. This nourishing formula provides breathable wear for up to 24 hours, cementing it as a foolproof shortcut to a flawless skin complexion.

Simply use like a foundation for a full-face application or dab it onto certain areas of the face by using clean fingers, a brush or a sponge. To learn more, discover our guide to concealer application.

Now that you know how to choose a concealer colour, learn how to choose the perfect foundation.