It’s a well-known truth: Concealer is as much of a game changer in the morning as a double espresso. But just as important as having the perfectly matched formula in your arsenal is knowing how to apply concealer to erase dark circles and cover up unwanted spots for a no-make-up make-up effect. And that’s where the pros come in. Here, three of the industry’s most in-demand artists weigh in on how to apply concealer to get that flawless finish wherever you need it.
Create a smooth canvas
Thoroughly cleansing and hydrating the skin with a rich, yet weightless moisturiser like Lancôme’s Hydra Zen sets the stage for a smooth canvas, says make-up artist Nick Barose, who counts Lupita Nyong’o, Priyanka Chopra, and Rachel Weisz as clients. “Before big red carpets, I use warm washcloths to scrub away dry patches,” he says. Or, if there’s time, make-up artist Vincent Oquendo encourages clients to use Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Facial Scrub or REN’s Flash Rinse One-Minute Facial for an allover flake-free glow before slicking the skin with Georgia Louise’s Vital Finishing Serum for an extra dose of moisture. “It absorbs and doesn’t overload the skin, so your concealer doesn’t slip all over the place,” says Oquendo.
And if you’ll be wearing foundation as well, Barose suggests applying that first and all over—even under the eyes. “If you use too much, it makes what you’re trying to hide look even more obvious,” he explains. “This way you see that you don’t need as much concealer as you think.”
