O.K., you've moisturized your eye area, but if you're thinking what can I do about those dark circles under my eyes, you probably need to conceal or camouflage them. Concealors are used to cover small areas of discoloration, primarily dark under eye color.
The average cosmetic company offers several different concealors, some will be thick, others are thin and either may be water resistant or not. Each type comes in several different skin shades as well as a variety of ways to apply it. The best known type of application is the stick concealor, which resembles a tube of lipstick. This has evolved into a creamy little fat pencil, other types are: little pots of creamy concealor; squeeze tubes; or rigid tubes with a self applicator that has a sponge or brush tip.
For deeper more intense under eye color, a more intense concealor (a high pigment content that is usually waterproof) will be best. In an effort to cover dark circles, most women make the mistake of using an under eye concealor whose color is too light for them. Then they look like they have light purple-ish blue under eye circles. If you can see the under eye discoloration or the concealor, then either its not the right color or thickness or it was not applied properly.
What do they do?
They conceal or cover discolorations. Concealors, like foundations are designed to even out skin tone, but concealors are more color (pigment) intense than a foundation and a camouflager has more pigment than a concealor. The product is thicker if the amount of pigment is heavier.
How do I use concealors?
Pick up a pearl size dot of concealor with a small brush, apply and lightly tap the concealor under and around the area. Tap and blend about an inch beyond the dark under eye, thinning as you go toward your nose, hairline and cheekbone. Finish with a thin application of liquid foundation or a very light dusting of powder.
The stick type of concealor should not be used from the tube, directly onto the skin. Its best applied by rubbing it on a finger, then dotting it onto the skin. The other types may also be applied with a finger; the applicator that comes with it, or with a brush. Personally, I apply concealor after all facial makeup except the finishing powder; this way if you have an under eye shadow or mascara smudge, you won't have to redo that area.
What is a camouflager?
Camouflagers are a thicker type of concealor. They are designed to be used for covering large areas like birthmarks, varicose veins, tan lines or darker or lighter discolorations on the body or face. With the right color, texture and application, camouflagers can cover nearly any discoloration.
How do I use a camouflager?
Camouflagers can be used under the eye area in two ways, it can be used alone the same way you use your concealor or you can mix a little with either your foundation or moisturizer to thin or dilute its consistency. Make sure to finger tap and blend thoroughly to diminish any lines or streak marks in your application. It's always best to dust over the area with a tiny amount of loose, skin colored or translucent powder to set.
Some cosmetic companies label their under eye concealor a camouflager, it sounds confusing, but that's because their product has more pigment than the typical concealor. Sample both types to determine which will work best for you. If after sampling both, you still find that your dark circles have not been covered to your liking - then you will probably benefit from a color corrector. Check out www.andibradshaw.com for age specific books "Foundations, Powders & Blushes" for more information. - 15252
The average cosmetic company offers several different concealors, some will be thick, others are thin and either may be water resistant or not. Each type comes in several different skin shades as well as a variety of ways to apply it. The best known type of application is the stick concealor, which resembles a tube of lipstick. This has evolved into a creamy little fat pencil, other types are: little pots of creamy concealor; squeeze tubes; or rigid tubes with a self applicator that has a sponge or brush tip.
For deeper more intense under eye color, a more intense concealor (a high pigment content that is usually waterproof) will be best. In an effort to cover dark circles, most women make the mistake of using an under eye concealor whose color is too light for them. Then they look like they have light purple-ish blue under eye circles. If you can see the under eye discoloration or the concealor, then either its not the right color or thickness or it was not applied properly.
What do they do?
They conceal or cover discolorations. Concealors, like foundations are designed to even out skin tone, but concealors are more color (pigment) intense than a foundation and a camouflager has more pigment than a concealor. The product is thicker if the amount of pigment is heavier.
How do I use concealors?
Pick up a pearl size dot of concealor with a small brush, apply and lightly tap the concealor under and around the area. Tap and blend about an inch beyond the dark under eye, thinning as you go toward your nose, hairline and cheekbone. Finish with a thin application of liquid foundation or a very light dusting of powder.
The stick type of concealor should not be used from the tube, directly onto the skin. Its best applied by rubbing it on a finger, then dotting it onto the skin. The other types may also be applied with a finger; the applicator that comes with it, or with a brush. Personally, I apply concealor after all facial makeup except the finishing powder; this way if you have an under eye shadow or mascara smudge, you won't have to redo that area.
What is a camouflager?
Camouflagers are a thicker type of concealor. They are designed to be used for covering large areas like birthmarks, varicose veins, tan lines or darker or lighter discolorations on the body or face. With the right color, texture and application, camouflagers can cover nearly any discoloration.
How do I use a camouflager?
Camouflagers can be used under the eye area in two ways, it can be used alone the same way you use your concealor or you can mix a little with either your foundation or moisturizer to thin or dilute its consistency. Make sure to finger tap and blend thoroughly to diminish any lines or streak marks in your application. It's always best to dust over the area with a tiny amount of loose, skin colored or translucent powder to set.
Some cosmetic companies label their under eye concealor a camouflager, it sounds confusing, but that's because their product has more pigment than the typical concealor. Sample both types to determine which will work best for you. If after sampling both, you still find that your dark circles have not been covered to your liking - then you will probably benefit from a color corrector. Check out www.andibradshaw.com for age specific books "Foundations, Powders & Blushes" for more information. - 15252
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is licensed as an esthetician and as a makeup artist in the state of Maryland. She has worked to beautify more than 15,000 women. If you want the latest in skin care or makeup, then you'll love Andi's books. They give details about "what does it do and how do I use it" of every subject in each of her 17 books. Get a FREE recipe booklet for Lip Glosses, Balms & Butters when you purchase any 2 books. Affordable Skin Care Books
