Concealer 101

Concealer 101

Even with the sun shining on us all summer long, we women can develop dark circles, redness and uneven skin tone - even when we get enough sleep and exercise and eat well. The answer is a very simple product known as concealer. It's like the perfect (but skin-safe) blush of sun all season long. We spoke with Providence makeup master Kirsten Brusse of Joli Visage Makeup Artistry to get the lowdown on this very necessary product.

Form

Concealer comes in many forms including cream, powder and stick. The key is to find what consistency works best for your skin. We simply adore creamy, easy-to-apply Benefit Erase Paste ($26, Ulta, Warwick, 826-3295) and Neutrogena Minerals Sheer Concealer Kit, which includes a setting powder ($11, drugstores). Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup serves as both a concealer and makeup in one with buildable coverage (available at Facing Thayer, Providence) and if an on-the-go stick is your preference, try Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer ($18, Sephora

Providence Place).  Brusse recommends:  “Use a color one shade lighter than your natural skin tone and less is more!”

Function

You may have seen concealers come in a wide array of colors and Brusse has the answer for that: “Green and orange work as correctors to neutralize before you conceal. Green works well to hide redness, usually from rosacea, while orange diminishes dark circles. I prefer a yellow toned concealer for most clients but having a good mix is perfect for any flaw that may come up!” For multi-toned concealers, take a look at Physician’s Formula Perfecting

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Concealing Duo, Green/Light ($8, drugstores) or Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($28, Nordstrom Providence Place). 

Fingers

The beauty of concealer is that you can use your fingers or a brush for application. For creams, the ring finger is your best tool. It is the weakest finger on your hand, meaning that it applies the least amount of pressure to the sensitive and delicate undereye skin. Simply pat the concealer under the eye up to the lower lash line and around the nose. “The darkest area is always the inner corner of the eye and bridge of the nose so that is the best place to lighten and brighten,” advises Brusse. When using a brush, apply then use your fingers to touch up.  Concealer works well on lids too to neutralize color and set the tone for eye makeup.

Kirsten Brusse is an acclaimed Providence makeup artist who works with brides and bridal parties and offers makeup lessons, parties, clinics and packages. Find out more at www.myjolivisage.com or contact Kirsten at 954-1103.