Tuesday, July 31, 2012

How to Spot Conceal




Happy Tuesday girls and boys!  "This is How I do it" is back with more tricks and tips!  Thank you so much AMW readers for taking the time to email me just to show me some love!  And to those who have special requests for this portion, thank you!  I'll do my best to accommodate them because I love to share what I learn through years of makeup artistry!

Concealing - a very important yet tricky step in makeup application!  I used to apply concealer and not see any differences so I totally gave up on it!  Until I went to makeup school, my thoughts on concealing shifted 360 degrees!  It can definitely make or break any makeup look!  Bottom line though, you need to take a lot of practice to master the art of concealing.  (Personal note: I'm definitely not a concealing master, but I always strive to do my best with loads of practice.)

Just in case you wonder, yes, I have zits once in awhile.  Just in time for this post, tiny red spots appeared on my right cheek and I immediately turned this bad situation into our advantage!  The best time to share some tips and tricks on Spot Concealing.  

(I'm turning the situation into a positive one but I'm not really looking forward for more of these ok? Pimple gods?  hihihi)

Step 1:
Before you start with any makeup application, it is best to do your usual skincare regimen.  Sun block, moisturizer, primers or BB creams --- whatever your hearts desire.



Step 2:
If you are a liquid or cream foundation user, go ahead with your usual application.  If you are a powder foundation user, you can go directly to step 3.

Brush used: Estee Lauder Foundation Brush

Step 3:
Some prefer to use their fingers in concealer application, that's okay especially if you're trying to conceal darkness under the eyes.  But for this tutorial, we are focusing on "spot concealing" and from all the trials and errors I've done, the best way to spot conceal is by the use of a synthetic brush.  

Apply a tiny amount of your choice of concealer on your hand, using a brush, gently  grab some of the product with a swirling motion.

Note: You don't need to use the same brush I used in this tutorial.  Feel free to use whatever brush you own and experiment to find the best one that works for you.

In this photo: Sigma Precision Round P82 was used
Step 4:
Dab a small amount of concealer on the "spot/s" with a stippling motion.  Add more product depending on how large the surface is or how much coverage you need.

Step 5:
A large amount of concealer will be visible.  With a clean fingertip (preferably your middle finger), gently dab the concealer and gently blur out the obvious concealer marks.  (Stay away from dabbing the zit or spots.) 

Very important reminder: Dab never Rub!

Step 6:
Repeat Steps 3-5 until the spot is blurred out or better yet, if they're almost invisible!

Step 7:
Since I'm quite happy with the coverage on Step 6, set your liquid/cream foundation and concealer with your choice of powder foundation.  Since we needed more coverage, a powder foundation was used instead of the usual setting powder.  If you prefer to use the sponge that comes with the compact, apply with a "patting" motion.  In my case, I like to use the Charm Luxe Flat Top Brush and apply powder foundation all over my face with a stippling motion.  Once I reached the area where the spots are located, I add more powder and gently stipple with very light pressure.


Before and After

Some additional tips:
  • You can always layer on more concealer until you're happy with the coverage.
  • Once you set with a powder foundation, it's a done deal!  Do not try to apply concealer (again) on top of the powder foundation.
  • If you're not happy with the coverage and yet, you already set with a powder foundation, pick up your choice of eye brush and grab a bit of powder foundation and gently dab the powder foundation directly on spots.  Powder foundation will give an additional coverage.
  • Piled up too much powder and your skin looks cake-y?  Fret not!  Pull out your favorite hydrating mists and spritz all over your face to lessen the powdery look.
  • When it comes to concealing, Dabbing is the key to success!  :D
Any other tips you may want to add for our readers out there?
So far, THIS IS HOW I DO IT in terms of spot concealing, it saves time and energy, and best of all?  It works!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

26 comments :

  1. Oh thanks for the tip Nikki! :)) I need this today! so many spots to conceal! Happy Tuesday <3

    iwearmakeup.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. goodluck! I hope you get to conceal them! :) Let me know how it goes!

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  2. Hi, Nikki! Can you recommend a good but budget-friendly hydrating mist for oily skin? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hmm, if hydration is just the key, you can always try face mists by Evian :)

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  3. great job nikki and your tutorials are always very helpful. :D

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    1. I'm glad you found my tutorial helpful Kumiko :)

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  4. hi nikki! great you posted this article, this is my major concern. however, i do follow the steps but as soon as i dab on (not swipe) my blush, the spots show up again. pls help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I may try to come up with another tutorial for concealing the spots even with blush :) I hope you can wait for it.

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    2. Looking forward to it!

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  5. Oh Nikki Eonni! Concealing is one of my weaknesses! I never had to deal with concealing until I started having terrible zits (due to my PCOS)... Thanks for the tutorial! I think I better be patient on this part! =D

    Mwuah! Wubzya!!! ^__^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh so you have PCOS too? Me din! Goodluck and let's keep each othr posted!

      Yup, concealing is a step we shouldn't rush :)

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    2. I'm always around... Just a tweet, FB or email away! ^__^

      Mishu, Eonni!

      Yung meet-up natin, di pa rin natutuloy... =(

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  6. I do it this way too, Nikkiniks! And if I may add, for those who are really acne-prone, choose a concealer that works as a spot-treatment for the mark/zit, too!

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    1. Agree!!!! I am currently use a spot treatment concealer too for my spots! I can't see the effect for now but since we're putting on something directly onto the zit, we might as well but something that treats at the same time!

      Thanks for the added tip :)

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  7. I don't usually bother to spot conceal, but these are useful tips! Magagamit ko to pag meron akong major zit na tatakpan on my own face. I usually just use a brush for clients kasi :) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Makinis ka, no need to spot conceal! heheheh pero Yeah, with clients I usually use a brush but sometimes, blending with fingers is still the best as the warmth of the fingers will make the concealer look more natural.

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  8. This is so useful! Thank you! I have been using the 'finger dabbing' technique all this time and get frustrated with the concealer drying too quickly and caking up.

    I agree with the other Anonymous commenter though, when I have zits on my cheeks, I can't apply blush because the colored powder sticks to the concealer/raised bump on the skin and gets red again.

    Now I have to google what 'stippling' means. Thanks again for this very useful tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. stippling means "bouncing" movement. I will try to create another post on how to conceal on the cheek area then apply blush and not losing the concealer :)

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  9. What a great condition of the skin! I mean even those few spots does not interfere with your skin to look flawless!

    I use this way too, btw.

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  10. another nice tutorial! thanks for sharing your tips sis! :)

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  11. This is so useful, thanks for the tutorial!

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    1. My pleasure as always Gio :) Thanks for visiting!

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  12. i usually just use a concealer stick if i need to get the job done fast :D

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    Replies
    1. I agree with you, but if the zit is too big and bumpy, I think a cream is still much better :)

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