blog-image
January 26, 2024

How to Apply Concealer and Contour? Contour with Concealer in Easy Steps

In today's generation, applying makeup adds beauty by allowing everyone to express their creativity. Applying makeup has become a form of self-expression and a means of personal empowerment. With the rise of social media platforms, makeup artists, and beauty influencers, makeup has become more diverse than before. Makeup application is a form of art. Whether you want to bold lip color or give yourself a dramatic eye look, makeup application helps you in many ways.

With a bag full of different shades of lipsticks, foundation, or different creams, concealer is the one you should not miss to carry. Whether you want to make dark circles disappear or to hide the appearance of wrinkles, concealer can help you find your desired results in many ways to enhance your overall eye makeup. In this guide, I will guide you on how to apply concealer and contour effectively. Here, we will discuss detailed information about using Concealer for the perfect contoured look to feel more confident. So, let's dive straight into knowing the power of concealer application in the makeup world.

What Is a Concealer?

Concealer is an important cosmetic product used in makeup applications. Concealer is usually found in liquid or cream formulations designed to conceal skin imperfections. The concealer consists of ingredients like water, glycerin, dimethicone, tocopherol, silica, and many others that help enhance the beauty of individuals by concealing and creating a smooth skin texture.

What is Concealer Used For?

The main purpose of using concealer in makeup application is to hide the appearance of various imperfections on the skin. Concealer is specifically designed to address facial appearance concerns such as dark circles, blemishes, wrinkles, redness, and discoloration. Applying concealer to these targeted areas helps to create a more even, smooth, and flawless complexion resulting in a radiant appearance.

The concealer acts as a complementary product to the foundation, allowing for more precise coverage in areas where additional correction is needed. It helps to create a smooth canvas for the rest of the makeup application, resulting in a more polished and perfected look.

How Do You Choose the Best Concealer for Contouring?

Choosing the correct concealer for contouring is both fun and challenging at the same time. Several factors are involved in choosing the concealer that makes the perfect contour in the appearance. The first thing that should be considered while choosing the concealer for contouring is the concealer shades. Select the shade of concealer that complements your skin tone. Choose a concealer a few shades darker than your skin tone for the perfect contouring procedure. Doing this helps provide the needed shadow effect for a perfect contour appearance. The texture of the concealer should be chosen wisely to give a better result. For contouring, cream or liquid concealer works best as it blends easily and provides a smooth, seamless finish. They also provide precise application and buildable coverage.

Concealer with a matte finish complements contouring as it helps create depth and shadows, which is essential for contouring and sculpting the face. Ensure the concealer has good staying power to maintain the contoured effect throughout the day. Look for long-wearing formulas that are resistant to fading or smudging. It's essential to test the concealer before purchasing. Apply a small amount on your jawline or the area you plan to contour to see how it blends and matches your skin tone. Natural lighting is best for accurate color assessment.

What Does Contour Do?

Contouring is a technique of using makeup in such a way as to enhance the shape and structure of the facial appearance. Contouring involves using makeup products, typically in shades darker or lighter than the natural skin tone, to create the illusion of shadows and depth to the face structure.

Applying contour products to areas such as the hollows of the cheeks, jawline, and nose can help define facial features, create the appearance of sharper cheekbones, and achieve a more sculpted look overall.

Why Contour with Concealer?

Contouring with concealer combines the benefits of both contouring and concealing. Concealer is used to cover blemishes, dark circles, or any imperfections on the skin, whereas contouring helps to add dimensions, creating the illusion of shadow rather than actual skin.

So, while using concealer as contour, concealer can be applied to highlight areas of the face, like under the eyes area, the bridge of the nose, or the center of the forehead, to bring forward those features to create a brighter facial look.

[Recommended to Read: How to Contour Nose]

How to Apply Concealer and Contour in a Perfect Way?

Concealer application is important to contour for facial appearance because it helps create a more seamless and natural-looking contour effect. Using concealer strategically can brighten and bring attention to areas of the face, enhancing the overall facial appearance and creating a more polished and defined look. Here is how you can have a perfect contour effect using concealer to contour by following the below steps:

For Applying Concealer

Follow these steps to learn the best way to apply concealer perfectly:

Step 1: Prepare Your Skin

Start by cleansing your face and applying a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Allow it to be fully absorbed before moving on to the next step. It is essential to know your skin type before starting a makeup routine, as it helps you to decide on choosing the right products that fit your skin needs. 

Step 2: Choose the Right Concealer

Select a concealer that matches your skin tone or is one shade lighter to have a smooth, flawless, and natural finish. You can also use color correctors to address specific concerns:

  • Green color corrector: Neutralizes redness or acne.
  • Peach or orange color corrector: Prevents dark circles on fair to medium skin tones.
  • Salmon or pink color corrector: Works well for dark circles on medium to deep skin tones.
  • Yellow color corrector: Helps to brighten dull skin or cancel out purple undertones.
Step 3: Apply the Concealer

Under-eye circles: Dot a small amount of concealer in an upside-down triangle shape under your eyes. Gently blend it using your ring finger or a damp makeup sponge. Avoid tugging or pulling on the delicate under-eye area.

Blemishes or redness: Use a small concealer brush or a clean fingertip to apply concealer to the targeted areas precisely. Pat and blend the concealer until it seamlessly blends with your skin. You can layer a bit more product for additional coverage.

Step 4: Set the Concealer

To prevent creasing and extend the longevity of your concealer, set it with a translucent setting powder. Use a fluffy brush to dust the powder lightly over the concealed areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then gently dust off any excess product (powder) using a clean brush. You can also use a setting spray to increase the longevity and set the makeup application.

For Contouring

Follow these steps below for contouring in a perfect way:

Step 1: Choose the Right Contour Shade

Select a matte contour powder, cream, or stick you prefer that is a few shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid shades that are too warm or orange-toned, as they can appear unnatural.

Step 2: Identify the Areas to Contour
  • Cheeks: Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows, and apply the contour shade just below the cheekbones. Blend it upward towards the ears using a contour brush or a small, fluffy brush in gentle, circular motions.
  • Jawline: Apply the contour shade along the jawline to create a definition and a more sculpted appearance. Blend it downward towards the neck to avoid any harsh lines.
  • Nose: Apply a thin line of contour shade on the sides of your nose to create the illusion of a slimmer shape. Blend it out using a small concealer brush or your fingertips. Be sure to blend the edges well to avoid any visible lines

Step 3: Blend, Blend, Blend

Blending is crucial to achieve a natural-looking contour. Use a clean brush, a makeup sponge, or your fingertips to blend the contour shade thoroughly. Circular motions will help soften any harsh lines and seamlessly blend the product with your natural skin tone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying Concealer and Contour

Contouring using concealer can help enhance facial beauty, but applying it in the wrong way can mess up the whole application process. So, here are the common mistakes to avoid while applying concealer and contour. Avoiding these mentioned steps during the application helps to get the results you desire.

  • Over-applying concealer: Using concealer excessively can make the under-eye area appear cakey and emphasize fine lines or wrinkles. So, start with a small amount and build up coverage as needed to avoid a heavy look.

  • Choosing the wrong shade: Selecting a concealer shade that is too light or too dark for your skin tone can make the concealer stand out rather than blend seamlessly. Test shades on your jawline or inner wrist to find the best match for your skin tone.

  • Using the wrong tools: Using the wrong tools to contour and concealer placement leads to uneven application and blending. Go for brushes, sponges, or beauty blenders specifically designed for these purposes to achieve better results.

  • Neglecting to set the makeup: Failing to set your concealer and contour with a translucent powder or setting spray can result in creasing and a shorter wear period. Setting the makeup helps it last longer and gives a smoother finish.

  • Ignoring your face shape: Different face shapes may require adjustments in contour placement. Consider your face shape when contouring to enhance your features in a way that complements your unique facial structure.

  • Skipping color correction: If you have specific color concerns like redness or dark spots, color correction can help neutralize those tones before applying concealer. Skipping this step may result in less effective coverage.

[Recommended to Read: Common Makeup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them]

Final Thoughts on Applying Concealer And Contour

When it comes to achieving a flawless, sculpted look and adding dimension to the facial appearance, knowing how to apply concealer and contour is key. Concealer, used to hide imperfections and brighten certain areas, pairs perfectly with contouring, which adds depth and definition to the face. To choose the best concealer for contouring, consider your skin tone and select a shade slightly lighter for highlighting and a shade darker for contouring.

By following the right techniques and blending seamlessly, you can achieve a beautifully enhanced appearance that highlights your best features. Practice, experimentation, and finding the right products will help you master the area of makeup art in forming concealer and contouring.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

FAQs on Applying Concealer & Contour

What is the purpose of concealer in makeup application?

Concealer is used to cover up blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections on the skin.

How do I choose the right shade of concealer?

Select a shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter for a highlighting effect.

What areas of the face should I apply concealer to?

Apply concealer under the eyes, on any redness or blemishes, and on areas you want to highlight, such as the center of the forehead and down the bridge of the nose.

How does contouring enhance facial features?

Contouring adds shadows and depth to create the illusion of sharper cheekbones, a more defined jawline, and a sculpted appearance.

Which areas of the face should I contour?

Contour the hollows of the cheeks, temples, along the jawline, and the sides of the nose to achieve desired sculpting effects.

How do I set concealer and contour to make them last longer?

Set the makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent creasing and ensure long-lasting wear.

Should I apply concealer before or after the foundation?

It is generally recommended to apply concealer after foundation to achieve a more natural and blended look.

446
Verified Reviews