Complexion Perplexion: Concealer
Concealer and foundation are probably two words you’ve heard before. They both go on your face to camouflage imperfections. As I break this down I want you to keep in mind that makeup is like fabric, especially when talking about complexion.
Concealers, which are heavier in texture and less opaque, are meant to target areas of concern like dark circles under the eyes and blemishes. Foundations are meant to be spread all over the face to even out the tone. These two are like brothers; they may have similar genes, but the devil is in their details. The main attributes are opacity, texture, and finish. A tinted moisturizer is like light sheer linen, a full coverage concealer is like creamy dense wool, under-eye brighteners are like see-through mesh, and a great foundation is like luminous flexible silk.
CONCEALER 101
Words you will see in this beauty grouping are full/medium/buildable coverage, brighteners, and color corrector. Full coverage is great for pimples and sunspots, while brighteners and correctors are great for under the eyes (they are usually a lighter texture). You generally want something more luminous under the eyes and more matte for blemishes. If that’s all too fussy, you can just use a medium or buildable coverage with a natural finish (not too matte, nor too shiny) for both.
The lighter the texture, the easier to color match. And, the more coverage, the more clockable. Also, as you age, using a heavy concealer under the eyes can enhance your fine lines. If you have severe darkness, a color corrector under a medium coverage concealer is probably your perfect combo. Less product is almost always a better look for male grooming and a concealer brush can really help give a light airbrushed finish. I love this concealer brush from Kjaer Weis.
My go-to type of product when I am doing male grooming campaigns or even just going out myself is to use a buildable cream foundation as a sheer tint on my skin, and then I build it up in areas I need more coverage. This is accomplished by lightly stretching the product over your freshly moisturized skin. Fingers work great for this because it warms up the product so it melts in. You can then go in with a concealer brush and build up coverage under the eyes and on blemishes. You work in thin controlled layers until you get the desired coverage.
2-in-1 concealer and Foundation
Cream Foundation - Kjaer Weis (16 shades)
Vital Skin Foundation - Westman (18 shades)
Clean foundation with a natural buildable foundation. This has been a staple in my makeup kit for years.
This is a clean and sustainable brand. The coverage is buildable, and the finish is natural with a glow.
Brightener and Color Corrector
Touche Eclat - YSL
(16 shades)
Hue Stick - Live Tinted
(5 colors)
Sheer coverage with a brightening effect, great for under eyes but not so much for blemishes.
Under eye shades only. Great for hyperpigmentation and extreme darkness under the eye.
Fuller Coverage
MEDIUM Coverage
Flex Foundation Stick - Milk
(24 shades)
A doe foot applicator with medium coverage, and a natural hydrated finish.
Easy-to-use pot is a full coverage concealer with a natural finish. Best for light use under the eye and buildable coverage for blemishes.
PRO
TIP
*As for shade recommendations, a lot of brands have very helpful matching tools on their websites.
