Daily Times

Concealer is a tricky thing. Dab some on under-eye bags and they practically disappear. Here are four mistakes to avoid while using one.

Looking at yourself straight on while applying:

This is fine when you’re trying to hide zits, but not so when you’re tackling those dark circles. Instead grab a mirror and tilt your head down to get a better idea of where your under-eye shadows actually fall.

Using too much of it:

It just makes whatever you’re trying to cover more pronounced. Instead start with a conservative amount (a few dabs at most) and focus on blending the color past the areas you’re trying to conceal so there are no obvious edges. If you still need more coverage, go back and add a little more, building thin layers.

Applying it before your foundation:

A thin layer of foundation will take care of any blotchiness and cover up most spots on its own. By doing this step first, you’ll be able to cut down on the amount of concealer you need…which helps with the above point of not using too much in the first place.

Using the wrong formula:

As tempting as it is to swipe the same concealer all over your face, it’s actually best to choose one especially for eyes and one just for blemishes. The rule of thumb: Liquid concealer is best to use on under-eye areas as cream tends to cake and settle into fine lines, while creams are better for blemishes as they’re less likely to wear off.