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.
There are many different types offered by the different cosmetic companies, some concealors are thin, others are thick and either might be resistant to water. Today's concealors come in many different skin colors and several different types of application. The oldest and most popular kind of applicator is the lipstick type of tube. A modernized version is the fat little pencil with the creamy "lead", another type is a mascara type tube with a sponge wand or brush applicator, or you may like the soft bodied squeeze tube.
A thin concealor will work if you have slight discoloration under your eyes. A thicker concealor with more pigment (intense color), and should be waterproof will work best for darker under eye color. Most women mistakenly use concealors that are either too light or too thin to be effective. The result is a lighter shade of blu-ish, purple discoloration. If your dark circles or concealor are visible, then either your thickness or color is not right for you or your application was faulty.
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?
A camouflager is a thicker version of a concealor. The general use is to cover large area like varicose veins, birthmarks, tan lines and facial or body discolorations that may be lighter or darker than usual. When applied properly, with the right texture and color, almost any discoloration can be covered with a camouflager.
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 makeup companies call their facial concealor a camouflager, don't be confused, they do that because theirs have more pigment (intense color) than the average concealor. You'll know if you need a typical concealor or a facial camouflager, take the time to sample both to see which type suits you best. However, if you have really deep, dark under eye circles and have tried both and still are not satisfied with the result, you probably need a color corrector. See www.andibradshaw.com for more in depth information and check out "Foundations, Powders & Blushes" (for your age group). - 16004
There are many different types offered by the different cosmetic companies, some concealors are thin, others are thick and either might be resistant to water. Today's concealors come in many different skin colors and several different types of application. The oldest and most popular kind of applicator is the lipstick type of tube. A modernized version is the fat little pencil with the creamy "lead", another type is a mascara type tube with a sponge wand or brush applicator, or you may like the soft bodied squeeze tube.
A thin concealor will work if you have slight discoloration under your eyes. A thicker concealor with more pigment (intense color), and should be waterproof will work best for darker under eye color. Most women mistakenly use concealors that are either too light or too thin to be effective. The result is a lighter shade of blu-ish, purple discoloration. If your dark circles or concealor are visible, then either your thickness or color is not right for you or your application was faulty.
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?
A camouflager is a thicker version of a concealor. The general use is to cover large area like varicose veins, birthmarks, tan lines and facial or body discolorations that may be lighter or darker than usual. When applied properly, with the right texture and color, almost any discoloration can be covered with a camouflager.
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 makeup companies call their facial concealor a camouflager, don't be confused, they do that because theirs have more pigment (intense color) than the average concealor. You'll know if you need a typical concealor or a facial camouflager, take the time to sample both to see which type suits you best. However, if you have really deep, dark under eye circles and have tried both and still are not satisfied with the result, you probably need a color corrector. See www.andibradshaw.com for more in depth information and check out "Foundations, Powders & Blushes" (for your age group). - 16004
About the Author:
Andi Bradshaw is licensed as an esthetician and as a makeup artist in the state of Maryland. She has worked to enhance the faces of more than 15,000 women. If you want the latest in makeup or skin care, then you'll love Andi's books. They explain "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 with the purchase of any 2 books. Affordable Skin Care Books
