Your Concealer Questions Answered

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3 Tips for Perfect, Long-Lasting Concealer

I received so many questions after yesterdays post about my concealer tips I thought a follow up would be helpful today! Let me know if you have more questions by commenting below the post! Thanks! 

Should we try picking a shade a little lighter than our normal color to give a brighter look? Or do you want to try to match it to your foundation? Yours seems brighter…mine is darker so maybe that’s what I’m doing wrong?
Generally I choose a concealer shade a bit lighter than my foundation color so that area looks a little brighter. You certainly don’t want to go TOO bright because it may not look realistic. You definitely do not want to choose a shade darker than your foundation though, that will not contribute to the brightening look!

Do you ever use a peachy-colored corrector first, then a concealer on top? 
I did for a long time but stopped using it (I’m actually not sure why I did!). The peach colored corrector can help cover dark circles because, according to the color wheel, orange will negate purple. You want to use corrector sparingly and then apply concealer on top of it for the best results!

What is the difference between this setting powder and It cosmetics bye bye pores that you’ve mentioned before?
This one is a brightening powder and the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores is simply a translucent setting powder. You could try using Bye Bye Pores as a setting powder for under your eyes, but generally loose powder tends to be a safer choice because you avoid putting it on too heavily.

What is the reason for putting on your concealer after foundation?
Foundation coverage can vary, but especially if you are using a medium to full coverage foundation, the goal would be to apply it, blend it in, and set it in place. If you were applying concealer FIRST, you may smudge the concealer when you are blending in the foundation. Since concealer is typically a thicker product than foundation, you always want to apply the thinner base products first, and finish with the thicker ones for best results.
While I’m talking about it, I’m also a huge fan of doing my eye makeup before applying foundation to avoid any dark eyeshadow falling onto my cheekbones. This can make your face look dirty, so if you have trouble with that, apply your eye makeup first, wipe away any fall out, and then finish with your foundation.

Can setting my concealer accentuate my fine lines since my skin is older?
It really depends on the concealer and your skin. Trial and error is how I learned a lot of what I know about makeup. I would lean towards a creamy concleaer for older skin and only use a very, very small amount of loose powder to set the concealer.

I still get smudges under my eyes from mascara and eyeliner. What am I doing wrong?
It may be from a few different things. Use a waterproof eyeliner and potentially a waterproof mascara. If you dislike waterproof mascara, try only using it on your lower lashes. If your mascara flakes off regularly, it’s either time for a new tube or time for a different kind! Eyeliner running or smudging can be corrected with setting power or even applying a big of face powder with a small brush right under the line of eyeshadow. My best suggestion, though, would be to use a black or dark brown eye SHADOW instead of eyeliner if you can’t seem to figure out the problem. Wet a small angled brush and apply the eyeshadow just as you would eyeliner. Once it dries you’ll have the definition, perhaps not as solid in color as an eyeliner would be, without the issue of it smudging or running.

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Susan says · 12.07.17

Hi there!! I have pretty prominent bags under my eyes. Do you have any product suggestions or application tips to help hide them and make me look less tired all the time?

Thanks!

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Susan Kerr says · 12.07.17

I have the same problem! I am 50 and have some bags, especially when I smile. The trick is to apply a thin line of concealer just under the bag–never on the bag itself. You are concealing the shadow that the bag casts. I use a thin straight brush and blend with a tiny blender. Wayne Goss on You Tube has some great videos explaining this technique.

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Susan says · 12.07.17

That’s a great idea! What concealer do you use? Tarte Shape Tape creases really bad on me, but I may try it the way you suggested. Do you powder it after you apply it?

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Susan Kerr says · 12.08.17

I use YSL’s Touche Eclat for this. It blends well, isn’t thick, and brightens more than it conceals really to bring out that shadow area under the bag. I use a tiny bit of Laura Mercier’s under eye brightening powder, or just a dusting of Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting powder in dim light (which I use all over my face to set the Nars radiant creamy concealer which I use as a spot foundation around my chin/nose/forehead.)

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AK says · 12.07.17

What is the sponge you are using and can you link it?

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Kate says · 12.07.17

it’s a beauty blender! http://rstyle.me/n/cvie8ym8f6

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Marisa says · 12.07.17

Do you still put concealer on after foundation if you use a powder foundation like Bare Minerals?

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Kate says · 12.07.17

Yep, I would

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Lindsee says · 12.07.17

Hey Kate! Question about the gel manicure process at home. Do you use any brand? What are some of your favorite? I read the at home gel mani Post and it’s so helpful! Thanks!

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Kate says · 12.07.17

I answered both of those within the post! I like Gelish colors and their base + top coat!

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Sherry Gambill says · 12.07.17

What is your shade?

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Kate says · 12.07.17

I’m wearing Fair Warm

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Sherry Gambill says · 12.07.17

Thank you for your response! 🙂

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Lihnlee says · 12.07.17

Do you have any drug store concealers to recommend? A little cheaper than the ones you posted yesterday, but still get the job done affectively. I realize you said trial and error, but have you used any cheaper ones you have liked? Thanks so much!

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Kate says · 12.07.17

I haven’t found a cheap one that provides as good of coverage, sorry!

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Renee says · 12.07.17

https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/concealer/dream-lumi-touch-highlighting-concealer/ivory

I found this product through another beauty blogger I follow and it’s worked so great!!! Works to cover dark circles and brightens so well!

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Lihnlee says · 12.07.17

Thanks so much!

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Elyse says · 12.07.17

I really like NYX ….They have a potted concealer especially for dark circles that works really well on days that I need it more, but most times I find that their regular concealer does the job. My “must do” makeup move is to use NYX concealer in a shade lighter than my foundation as a highlighter for under eyes + on cheek bones. Adds some brightness yet it blends well enough to look natural!

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Lihnlee says · 12.07.17

Thanks a bunch!

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Christina Wirch says · 12.07.17

WHAT direction should I be blending the concealer?

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Kate says · 12.07.17

outward

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Kristin S says · 12.07.17

That last question. I didn’t ask it but that’s my story. I ALWAYS have mascara/eye liner smudges under my eyes. Even within an hour of makeup application. I’ve tried $35 mascara and $5 mascara. Bazillion dollar liner and cheap liner. Gel, cake, pencil, eye shadows, everything. It doesn’t matter. I use a setting powder over my liner. Nope. Honestly, I think it’s an eye shape thing. I have small, deep-set eyes with hooded lids. I also have high cheekbones and a whole lot of cheek. All of that is stacked against me for this issue. AND I have giant freckles under my eyes which even makes it look smudgy even when not (for those 10 minutes after applying makeup).
So, if those who asked that question are still frustrated, you are not alone!
The ONLY mascara I ever found that did not transfer (still haven’t found a liner) was the philosophy tubular mascara they made a bazillion years ago. Because it was tubular and no fibers, it stayed on until you gently pulled off the tubes at night. I loved it. Clearly I was in the minority because they discontinued it.

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Susan Kerr says · 12.07.17

Loreal Double Extend Mascara is a great tubing mascara at the drugstore! Never comes off or smudges beneath my eyes. For the eyeliner issue, I use a bit of eyeshadow primer under my eyes. Kate suggested using Bobbi Brown eyeshadow sticks as eyeliner–applied with a tiny brush. I set it with a bit of the under eye setting (brightening?) powder from Laura Mercier and I get very little smudging or none! 🙂

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Holly says · 12.07.17

I have the same issues that you described, and I found Clinique’s Lash Power mascara works well for me.

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Lauren says · 12.07.17

Blinc mascara! I posted about it in a comment below, but I have an excessive blinking issue, and if I top off my regular mascara with it, it stays all day without issue (or at least 99% without issue). Sephora stores tend to sell out because it’s not crazy popular, but you can almost always find it online.

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Elyse says · 12.07.17

I can relate totally relate to this! Between slightly hooded eyes, fuller cheeks and long lashes it happens with every single mascara I have ever tried, high- and low-end. My only suggestion is to let the mascara dry on your skin, then use a very *slightly* damp q-tip to wipe it and it will come right off! Also works really well for stray eyeliner

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Julie Henshaw says · 12.07.17

Have you tried Tarte Shape Tape? And if so, how’d you like it?
I’ve used the UD All Nighter Concealer for a few days now and in some lighting, it seems to accentuate my fine lines under my eyes.. I moisturize really good right before I put it on and set w/ a setting powder.
Just trying to figure out if I want to try something different or if I’m doing something wrong with the UD concealer.

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Kate says · 12.07.17

I don’t like Shape Tape but many people do!

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Maja says · 12.07.17

What shade do you use on here? BTW you are beatuiful!

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Elizabeth says · 12.07.17

What about using concealer with a powder foundation? Thanks!

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Kate says · 12.07.17

What is your question? If you should do that? I think that’s perfectly fine!

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Misty says · 12.08.17

I also use a pressed powder foundation from Merle Norman. I have always put my concealer on before the pressed powder. What is your recommendation? Concealer before or after with a pressed powder foundation?

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Jen says · 12.07.17

Your makeup looks so natural. I wish that I could do that. I feel like it looks like I’m wearing a mask. Maybe its because I don’t wear makeup that often or maybe I’m doing something wrong. Any ideas?

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Allie says · 12.07.17

These is so helpful! Thank you! My favorite concealer top is pat don’t rub when applying it (care of Jean Godfrey June). Have a great afternoon! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

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Noelle says · 12.07.17

Do you have any tips for concealing cold sores? After a lifetime of putting up with those buggers I know I have a few tried and true methods (ALL THE Q-TIPS to avoid contaminating any products) but I’d be interested to hear your approach!

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Sarah says · 12.07.17

I typically don’t wear any foundation, is it possible to use under eye concealer / setting powder alone? I’ve always had pretty good skin but I’m in my early 30s and starting to notice some dark circles. Worried it would look strange/not blend enough on its own.

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Kate says · 12.07.17

It’d use a small amount of concealer and blend it in well!

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Kaitlin says · 12.07.17

How do you blend concealer with foundation when covering blemishes and pimples, say around your chin?

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 12.07.17

Thank you for following up ! Always so helpful 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Jaiden says · 12.07.17

Hi Kate!
I’m curious as to what concealer works best for covering up pimples? One that’s not too greasy and won’t cause even more breakouts.

Thank you!

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Donna says · 12.07.17

I noticed after I put on my correcter and then my concealer that my under eyes have a sheen. . If I leave it alone it rarely creases when I use just a little Bye Bye Pores it creases. It does compete with my highliter. Any suggestions?

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April says · 12.07.17

Any suggests for a concelar that covers sun spots? I have a large spot under my eye that no product I’ve tired will cover.

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Emily says · 12.07.17

Hi. Newish follower here so forgive me if you’ve already covered this. Can you talk about concealor under the eyes vs severe cover-up (adult acne, smashing your chin into the sidewalk when running, etc….). I’m always confused if I’m really supposed to use the same concealor for both issues.

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Lauren says · 12.07.17

Thank you so much for this! I have under-eye issues and always love the advice.
For the people who have issues with smudging, I’m here to tell you two things:
1. Use shadow instead of eyeliner if even waterproof eyeliner comes off. (aka Kate’s recommendation above)
2. Use Blinc brand mascara over the top of your regular mascara (or use it only, but it’s not my favorite mascara so I like to use it as a topper). Once it’s on there and dries, NOTHING comes off.
* I have facial Tourette’s, and one of my tics is that I blink excessively (which most strangers attribute to contacts or allergy issues). Being a make up lover, especially mascara, it took me years to find the right formula of eyeliner, shadow, mascara (waterproof, not, tube formulas, etc.) that work. For me, nothing has worked better than using my regular mascara (waterproof if it’s an especially allergy-prone day or I can tell my tics are worse and I might blink even more) topped with Blinc mascara, and then set with Urban Decay all-nighter spray.
I also highly recommend Becca under-eye brightener and concealer if you wanted another recommendation from someone with this very specific/semi-unique problem. My mom has severe allergies and married a man with many pets, and my trial-and-error has helped her too! 🙂

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Shannon says · 12.07.17

Can you let us know which urban decay Concealer color you chose?

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Sara Littleton says · 12.07.17

Have you ever used Tartes Shapetape? Its the only one I’ve tried recently and LOVE it!! Just was wondering what you thought of it and if you tried it, how does it compare to Urban Decay’s….

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Sarah says · 12.07.17

Hello!
I love watching your videos and reading your blog. I am looking for a softer eyeliner than the black liquid liner I am using. What are you using right now?

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Michele says · 12.07.17

I just watched your insta story what eyeshadow are you wearing! it was the Thursday favorites part. It’s so pretty

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Lisa says · 12.07.17

Hi Kate, I love your blog and Instagram feed! I’m hoping you can answer an unrelated question but, wondering if you have any suggestions on how to combat static hair and what causes it? Kind of tired of looking like I’ve been electrocuted. Thanks!

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Jenna says · 12.07.17

What foundation are you wearing here, and what color? Thanks

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Brooke says · 12.07.17

What is the best way to conceal under eye bags?

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Ladiebugg says · 12.08.17

Hi Kate- I don’t wear foundation but like to cover my dark circles. Any tips on doing that without the concealer looking so noticeable? Thanks!!

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Kimber says · 12.08.17

For those who have issues with *shape tape*: every time I did undereye circles, it caked. No matter what I used to set, and on what type of skin. Then I discovered that if only applying 3 TINY dots under each eye instead of the full triangle I’m used to, blends with the dampened mini beauty blender (EVERYONE NEEDS 2! Trust me) to really get in the inner corner, then let sit for 30-60 seconds before OH SO LIGHTLY (I actually swirl a nicely plump but not too dense powder brush, [this is key! A brush with bristles cut too blunt will pick up too much, an almost too fluffy cut won’t hold on to what you need. Moda, who I bought a couple of months ago, has some wonderful pro brushes with nice textured handles for a good price] only once or twice as it is a very firm powder) , tapping off all excess, and just lightly dancing it under each eye. Clean brush off on towel and lightly sweep away excess. I typically use a very light-toned, fine-milled pressed 2 powder set from Bare Minerals. One in flat matte, for our matte foundation, the other has the slightest sheen -not glitter!-to be able to set our dewy foundations, adding a bit of radiance. Under the eye, the powder with slight sheen is lovely.

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Darlene MacKenzie says · 12.08.17

What do you think about finishing sprays to set your makeup and any idea where to find them?

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Lauren says · 12.08.17

Do you use an eye primer or eye creme before applying concealer to your under eye?

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Kate says · 12.08.17

I don’t use eye primer, but I do apply eye cream to my eye area before concealer. Only a little bit!

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Chloe Sandberg says · 12.08.17

What are your thoughts on order of application if you use a loose powder as your foundation? In other words, I do not use a liquid foundation but rather loose powder. (I know your thoughts on it, but it really works well for my skin!) I always apply my under eye concealer after my face primer, then loose powder foundation over top. I used to do concealer after powder, but it seemed to be “cakier”. Just curious your thoughts?

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Tiffany says · 12.09.17

How about your top drug store picks for makeup? For a girl on a budget. Not sure if you’ve done that.

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Jennifer says · 12.09.17

I’m commenting on here so you are more likely to see it, rather than on Instagram stories comments. You got your lashes lifted, which made me wonder about permanent makeup. Have you ever considered permanent makeup, like eyeliner or brows? Any thoughts for or against?

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Anna Blakeslee says · 12.10.17

I have super puffy eyes. Would you recommend this application for this type of eye? I know you said you have dark circles but I’m a makeup rookie so don’t want to do the wrong thing!

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Lisa says · 12.11.17

I’ve been using Estée Lauder Madcara primer since my mascara started smudging and it works great. Usually use only the primer on lower lashes. Little Black Primer.

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Kaylee Harmon says · 12.11.17

Hey Kate! I have a question that has nothing to do with concealer. How would you describe your current haircut. I took a picture of you to a new stylist ( hope you don’t mind) because mine had a baby and is working a lot less hours. I am not happy with the results. I am hoping to maybe go to a different person. I though if I could show a picture and tell her that maybe I would get what I would get different results. Also, I was wondering what can I do about curls that fall flat 20 min. after you do your hair? Every time I use a curling iron bigger than 1 inch they do not stay. I use the Upligting foam and a volume mousse on my ends. I also use L’Oréal Lock It Hairspray. Hoping you can help. Thank you so much for your time.

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Gillian says · 12.12.17

Hi Kate!
Thank you so much for these posts! I will be checking out the products you recommended. Before I go look at concealer though, I do have a question for you. I saw your insta story of you putting your concealer on. In it you put a small dab on a blemish and said you would blend it really well. Do you normally use your under eye concealer on blemishes and red spots or do you use something else? If you do use the same concealer for both will a lighter shade be an issue for blemishes? Thank you for all your help.
Gillian

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Julie says · 05.04.18

Hi Kate! I’ve been following your blog for awhile, and I really enjoy the content. Thank you for sharing!
That said, I am in desperate need of a good under eye concealer! I wear very little make-up, but I am a full-time high school teacher with four kids (the most recent is only four-months-old). I LOVE my busy life, but I have serious sleep deprivation these days! I cannot find a concealer that is light enough to be comfortable and not cake in the creases of my eyes, yet effective enough to cover big, puffy baggage! Any suggestions?

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