Concealer is a must-have makeup item. But you should have more than one in your beauty kit. Bronwyn from Auckland’s Mecca Cosmetica explains there are many types of concealer, each made for a different purpose. Here’s her guide to what you need and why.
**For under-eye shadows
**Use a concealer that has a pink/salmon tone to it, as this counteracts the blue shade that makes the under-eyes seem dark. Look for a concealer that has a slight illumination too. A common mistake is choosing an under-eye concealer that’s too light in colour. A lighter shade won’t cover darkness, it will only make you look like you’ve been tanning with sunglasses on. Don’t set your concealer with powder, especially under the eyes. If it’s creasing or caking during the day, you’re using the wrong formula and powder will only cause it to cake further.
**For blemishes
**Use a concealer that’s dryer in consistency and has a high coverage for blemishes. If it also has antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties that will help heal your blemish. When you’re covering a blemish, don’t just apply concealer on top of it. Blend it outwards into the surrounding skin so that it merges with your foundation. A thick, dry concealer can also be used as a primer on the eyes.
**For uneven tone/pigmentation
**A thinner, more liquid formula is best for uneven skin so that it will blend seamlessly and look natural. I like using one around the edge of bright lips to create a sharp defined line. A sheer liquid concealer is also great around the nose and cheeks to blur redness.
Try this: If you want a completely natural look, don’t wear foundation all over your face. Instead, just use a liquid concealer in the areas you need it – like your chin, cheeks, nose and under your eyes. This gives you perfect-looking skin but no-one would guess you have makeup on.
**MY BEAUTY SECRETS
**Kathryn Wilson (32) is a top New Zealand footwear designer
My beauty philosophy is… To be as natural as possible and let your smile shine through!
The skincare products I can’t live without are… Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, as it’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin, especially with the change of seasons. I’ve been using it for a year now, day and night, and have recommended it to so many friends. I also swear by Jojoba oil – it’s a natural, light oil that I use on my hands, feet and face which doesn’t clog pores or feel too heavy.
My haircare secret is... An amazing cut and colour that is maintained regularly from Danny Pato at Auckland’s D&M and Schwarzkopf OSIS Dust It Powder. It adds body and lift to the roots as a dry shampoo and it has saved the day on several occasions when I haven’t had time to fuss.
The must-have products in my makeup bag are… MAC Strobe Cream – a great base to make the skin look fresh and dewy. MAC Pro Longwear Foundation, MAC False Lashes Mascara and MAC Lipglass in Stealing Kisses. I also love the Billion Dollar Babes Brow Powder and Brush – it’s amazing the difference it makes to shape and fill your brows. The Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector is a hydrating conditioner that works a treat. For fragrance the ODIN New York perfume #2… A beautiful scent that is sold exclusively in Hong Kong through Lane Crawford so each time I’m there I make sure I get a new one to last another few months. And an ORLY emery board as there is nothing more annoying than a broken nail on the go.
My favourite beauty treat is… ORLY Gel Fx on my nails. There are so many different colours to pick from and as I’m travelling so often I don’t have time to maintain a manicure or pedicure every few days. It’s perfect as it stays chip-free for over two weeks. It’s also infused with vitamins so it’s actually like a treatment for your nails at the same time.
My biggest beauty sin is… Not enough sleep.
The best thing my mother taught me about beauty was… Get enough sleep, stay out of the sun and drink lots of water. I have a clever mummy!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
