How to Apply Concealer Stick

Stick concealer is easy to use, as long as you have the right tools to apply it correctly. While the thick texture of stick makeup provides great coverage for blemishes and imperfections, it also makes the application process very important.

Like most makeup, concealer is best applied with a makeup brush. This article will show you how to use stick concealer the right way, using the right kind of makeup brush.

Note that applying concealer is one of the last steps of any makeup routine. Think of your face as a canvas; you prepare it with foundation or tinted moisturizer, and perfect it by painting on concealer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A concealer or lipstick brush
• Concealer stick
• translucent powder

1. 

   The first step is to choose the right kind of makeup. If you're covering acne blemishes, make sure to choose a medicated concealer that will help treat pimples as well as covering them up. If you need especially heavy coverage (for scars, skin discoloration, and concealing imperfections elsewhere than your face) try a a brand of makeup designed for specifically for this purpose, such as Dermablend.

2. Be sure to match the concealer to the tone of your skin, but choose a shade slightly (and *only* slightly) lighter than your skin or foundation. Also, a shade that is slightly yellow helps to counteract the red/purple undertones of most blemishes.

3. Applying concealer should be one of final touches in your makeup routine, so make sure you've already applied your other makeup. Since you've already gotten some coverage from your foundation or tinted moisturizer, you'll apply concealer only to the areas that really need it.

4. 
   A brush with short, stiff bristles.

   Never apply the stick directly to your face. Instead, use the proper makeup brush--one with short, stiff bristles is best. These are sometimes sold as concealer brushes, and sometimes called lipstick brushes. The name matters less than the shape.

5. 
   Brush with concealer.

   Run the brush over the stick, loading it with the makeup, but not picking up too much. Think of it like any other paintbrush.

6. 

   Next, dab the concealer on your skin. Start in the center of the blemish or area you wish to cover up.

7. 

   At this point, you will have an obvious spot of concealer. That's OK, because the next steps will blend it with the rest of your makeup.

8. 

   Wipe off any excess concealer left on the brush. Next, use the brush to feather the concealer out from the center, letting it blend naturally into your skin or foundation.

9. 

   Smudge the edges further by patting around the perimeter of the area with your finger.

10. 

    At this point, you should not be able to discern the edges of where your concealer ends and the rest of your makeup begins.

11. 

    Don't forget to set the concealer with powder, preferably loose powder applied with a fluffy makeup brush. This will help the makeup last longer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're in need of a touch-up during the day, you can use a cotton swab to apply the concealer carefully, dotting it on areas that need it.
• If you have serious problems with redness, there are green-tinted concealer formulas available in the makeup aisle of the drugstore--but use with caution!
• Cheap but sturdy makeup brushes are available at Target, in the makeup aisle.
• A makeup brush is invaluable for applying makeup properly, but you need to keep it clean to avoid bacterial buildup. Clean brushes regularly with soap and water, or spray with Brush Off or similar product designed for disinfecting makeup brushes.
• Similarly, replace concealer (and other makeup) every 3-6 months to avoid bacteria.
• Never apply concealer over a blemish that is open or scabbed; not only will it interfere with healing, the concealer will cake and look very obvious.
• Do NOT use stick concealer for undereye circles; for this you need a liquid or creamy concealer.