We all have flaws—far too many that we’re willing to admit, I’m sure! Whether there’s a blemish we want to hide, or deep under-eye circles that are begging to be brightened, concealer can be the answer. There’s no better pick-me-up than seeing some of those menstrual-evoked insecurities (am I right?) disappear. After all, a boost of self-confidence can sometimes be invaluable in college. So, to help you inch a little bit closer to feeling your best, here’s a breakdown of the various types of concealers:
Your problem: Hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and/or acne scarring
What you need: a high coverage, stick concealer
Stick concealers tend to provide the heaviest coverage of all concealers, and they’re best used for covering up redness and discoloration of the skin. Because a stick concealer has such a thick consistency, try not to use it all over the face, and simply dab it on specific spots. For blemishes, find an oil-free formula that won’t further clog your pores. Stick concealers can contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which will conceal and simultaneously heal any inflamed areas. In addition, you can find stick concealers with an added green-based tone, which will help counteract the redness of a blemish.
Your problem: Brown/Purple under-eye circles
What you need: a liquid concealer (in a tube) or a potted concealer
The area of skin underneath the eye is particularly delicate, so a concealer with a runny consistency will guarantee a smoother application. Keep in mind that a thick concealer will accentuate any fine lines rather than minimize them. To neutralize the purple-blue tones around the eye, use a concealer that has a peachy base. Prep the skin with eye cream before applying the concealer to make sure that the skin is moisturized and even. It is also important to find a water-resistant formula, especially if your eyes tend to become irritated throughout the day.
Your problem: Dullness under the eye and around the face
What you need: a highlighting concealer pen
Highlighting concealer pens are used to add brightness and radiance to your complexion. Most commonly applied underneath the eyes and at the top of the cheekbone, highlighter pens contain light-reflecting pigments that subdue darkness and dullness of the skin. Pick a color that is slightly lighter than your foundation. When applying underneath your eye, dot the product in an upside-down triangle stretching to the mid-level of your nose—this will draw attention away from the darkness by illuminating the frame of your eye.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GWU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.