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:
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Your problem: Hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and/or acne scarring
What you need: a high coverage, stick concealer
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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.
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Your problem: Brown/Purple under-eye circles
What you need: a liquid concealer (in a tube) or a potted concealer
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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.
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Your problem: Dullness under the eye and around the face
What you need: a highlighting concealer pen
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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.