There’s nothing better than having a few concealers in your arsenal of makeup. Concealer has so many great uses especially when you know how to use it properly, but are you making these common mistakes with your concealer?

Mistake #1: Applying Concealer Before Foundation

Many professional makeup artists recommend applying your foundation before concealer. When you apply foundation first, it may cover up a lot on its own, cutting down the areas you may wish to go back and spot conceal. If you apply concealer first, you may end up using more than you need and you could get a cakey look. Apply your favorite foundation and check to see how much it covered. Take a step back and see if you need to go back with a thin layer of concealer directly on the areas of concern. You might be surprised how little you need!

Mistake #2: Not Using A Color Corrector

There is a bit of an exception to the rule. Color correcting is a technique that helps to neutralize unwanted pigments in our complexion. Use color corrector to neutralize dark circles, counteract redness and brighten dullness for instantly luminous, even- toned skin. By doing this, you’ll get by using much less product and won’t have to use as much concealer or foundation to cover your imperfections.

Mistake #3: Applying Too Much Concealer

Concealer check-How much concealer are you applying? It’s important to keep in mind that concealers are usually very pigmented and provide a lot of coverage. A little goes a long way — a small dab or dot will provide plenty of coverage.

Mistake #4: Applying Concealer Wrong

We already covered not to use too much, but you also want to make sure you are applying concealer the right way. If it has a provided doe-foot applicator, directly apply concealer to the under-eye area, t-zone, cupid’s bow, bridge of the nose and other areas you want to lighten or cover. Use a concealer brush, damp blending sponge or a clean fingertip to blend product into the skin for a natural-looking, refreshed and flawless look.

Here are some additional application tips:

Never rub in concealer — always use a light tapping motion to apply.

Don’t be afraid to use your fingers to apply concealer. The skin-to-skin contact can help warm up the product, helping it melt and blend effortlessly. Just make sure they are clean 😉

Mistake #5: Using A Concealer As A Base For Eye Shadow

This is something that I see so often! While applying a concealer on the eye can definitely create a nice even tone to the eye lid, it can cause creasing. Concealer is a bit too thick and can be a bit much for your eye area, not to mention not a good base for eye makeup to adhere to. Instead, use an eye base made specifically for eye shadow application. Your eye makeup will look true to color, be crease free and look fresh all day!

Mistake #6: Using The Wrong Concealer Shade

Often times I see many using a concealer shade that’s way too light. This can bring more attention to what ever it is that you are trying to cover. And if your under eye area is too light, it can make you look a bit strange. Here are some tips when choosing a shade:

• Choose a shade lighter than your base tone to help brighten, highlight and conceal.
• Choose a shade deeper than your base to use as a contour. Just make sure it’s not too warm of a shade.
• Choose a shade that matches your base for correcting and covering blemishes.
• Make sure to adjust your concealer shades during summer or winter months if your skin tone changes from season to season.

Mistake #7: Applying Concealer To A Dehydrated Under Eye

This may not be a mistake you young ones are making, but once you start to age, your under eye area can be dehydrated which can make your under eye look “crepey” once you apply concealer. You can avoid this by making sure you apply an eye cream during your skincare routine prior to your makeup application. Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eye, so they tend to be thicker. They contain more oil than a regular facial lotion, and they have a lot of active ingredients aimed at the problems we see around the eyes and can add just enough moisture to the skin to decrease creasing and “crepiness”.

Mistake #8: Using The Wrong Concealer Formula

Now that you learned about all of the right and wrong ways to use concealer it’s important to find the right formula. I have used many formulas over the years and some made me itch or breakout or were just way too oily or heavy. I finally found my dream formula. I think these graphics speak for themselves. Just check out the ingredients. After all concealer should have skin benefits too!

Discover the secret to a refreshed, bright-eyed, flawless face. Designed to brighten, correct and give a soft-focus, blurring effect, the Motives® Sculpting Concealer is unlike any other. A true multitasker, this full coverage concealer is great for brightening the under-eye area, highlighting the bridge of the nose, cupids bow and t-zone, or just helping to camouflage the appearance of redness, dark spots or breakouts. The lightweight, soft, cushiony formula melts into your skin, leaving behind a natural-looking matte finish and skin that feels as light as air. In case you were wondering, this product’s got you covered all day long! The best part is, it is available in 8 multitasking shades.

Mistake #9: Not Setting Your Concealer

Setting powders are perfect to apply after your foundation. Anytime you use a cream or liquid for that matter, a great way to help it last longer is to set it in with a powder. A good setting powder will lock your concealer in place so it stays all day!