How to Use Concealer for Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are advanced makeup techniques used to enhance facial features, create dimension, and achieve a sculpted look. While traditionally done with specific contour and highlight products, concealer can also be effectively used for these purposes. This comprehensive guide will explore how to use concealer for contouring and highlighting, including understanding concealer types, selecting the right shades, application techniques, and additional tips for a flawless finish.

Understanding Contouring and Highlighting

What is Contouring?

Contouring is a makeup technique that uses shading to create the illusion of depth and dimension on the face. By applying a darker shade of concealer or foundation to certain areas, you can create shadows that make features appear more defined or recessed. Common areas to contour include the cheekbones, jawline, forehead, and sides of the nose.

What is Highlighting?

Highlighting is the opposite of contouring; it involves using a lighter shade of concealer or foundation to bring forward certain features and create the illusion of light. By applying a lighter shade to areas like the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, and the chin, you can make these features appear more prominent and radiant.

Choosing the Right Concealer for Contouring and Highlighting

Concealer Types

1. Liquid Concealer :
   • Description : Versatile and easy to blend, liquid concealers come in various finishes, from dewy to matte.
   • Suitability : Ideal for all skin types and can be used to create both contoured and highlighted effects.
   • Application : Best applied with a concealer brush or beauty sponge.
2. Cream Concealer :
   • Description : Offering full coverage, cream concealers are ideal for dry or mature skin.
   • Suitability: Great for creating defined contours and bright highlights.
   • Application : Best applied with a small synthetic brush or fingertips.
3. Stick Concealer :
   • Description: Highly pigmented and great for spot-treating areas.
   • Suitability : Best for normal to dry skin types.
   • Application : Can be applied directly from the stick and blended with fingertips or a brush.
4. Powder Concealer :
   • Description : Lightweight and ideal for setting liquid or cream concealers.
   • Suitability : Best for oily skin types.
   • Application : Applied with a fluffy brush to set and minimize the appearance of pores.

Shade Selection

Selecting the correct shades of concealer is crucial for achieving a natural, sculpted look. Here are some tips for choosing the right shades:

• Contouring Shades : Choose a concealer that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. This will create the illusion of shadows and depth. For a more dramatic effect, you can go even darker, but be careful not to go too dark, as it can look unnatural.
• Highlighting Shades : Choose a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This will create the illusion of light and brightness. For a more subtle effect, choose a shade that is only slightly lighter than your skin tone.

Formula Considerations

The formula of the concealer plays a significant role in how well it blends and lasts. Here are some popular concealer formulas and their benefits:

• Liquid Concealers :
  • Benefits : Versatile and easy to blend, suitable for all skin types.
  • Finishes : Available in dewy, satin, and matte finishes.
  • Recommendations : NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.
• Cream Concealers :
  • Benefits : Full coverage, ideal for dry or mature skin.
  • Hydration : Often contain moisturizing ingredients.
  • Recommendations : Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.
• Stick Concealers :
  • Benefits: Highly pigmented, great for spot-treating.
  • Suitability : Best for normal to dry skin types.
  • Recommendations : Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer, Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick.
• Powder Concealers :
  • Benefits : Lightweight, ideal for setting liquid or cream concealers.
  • Suitability : Best for oily skin types.
  • Recommendations : BareMinerals BAREPRO Powder Foundation, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.

Key Ingredients

Look for concealers with ingredients that can help enhance the appearance of your skin and provide additional skincare benefits:

• Hyaluronic Acid : This ingredient helps hydrate the skin, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Vitamin C : This antioxidant brightens the skin and helps even out skin tone.
• Peptides : These help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Light-Reflecting Particles : Ingredients like mica or silica can help reflect light and create a luminous finish, ideal for highlighting.

Prepping the Skin

Before applying concealer for contouring and highlighting, it's essential to prepare your skin to ensure a smooth, even application. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cleanse : Start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue.
2. Moisturize : Apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin. This step is crucial, especially if you have dry or mature skin.
3. Prime : Use a makeup primer to create a smooth canvas for your concealer. Primers can help minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and redness.

Application Techniques for Contouring and Highlighting

Proper application techniques are crucial for achieving a natural, sculpted look. Here are some steps to follow:

Tools for Application

• Concealer Brush : A small, synthetic brush designed for precise application.
• Beauty Sponge : A damp beauty sponge can help blend concealer seamlessly into the skin.
• Fingertips : Using your ring finger to apply concealer can provide a natural, blended finish.
• Contour Brush : A brush with angled or tapered bristles, designed for applying and blending contour shades.
• Highlight Brush : A brush with soft, fluffy bristles, designed for applying and blending highlight shades.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Contouring :
   • Cheekbones : Use a contour brush or a small, synthetic brush to apply the darker shade of concealer just below your cheekbones. Blend the concealer in an upward motion towards your hairline to create the illusion of lifted cheekbones.
   • Jawline : Apply the darker shade of concealer along your jawline and blend downwards to create a more defined jawline.
   • Forehead : Apply the darker shade of concealer along your hairline and blend downwards to create the illusion of a smaller forehead.
   • Nose : Apply the darker shade of concealer along the sides of your nose and blend inwards to create the illusion of a narrower nose.
   • Blend Well : Ensure the concealer is well-blended into the skin to avoid visible edges or lines. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the edges if necessary.
2. Highlighting :
   • Cheekbones : Use a highlight brush or a small, synthetic brush to apply the lighter shade of concealer to the tops of your cheekbones. Blend the concealer in a circular motion to create a radiant, lifted effect.
   • Bridge of the Nose : Apply the lighter shade of concealer down the bridge of your nose and blend outwards to create the illusion of a higher nose bridge.
   • Forehead : Apply the lighter shade of concealer to the center of your forehead and blend outwards to create a bright, radiant effect.
   • Chin : Apply the lighter shade of concealer to the center of your chin and blend outwards to create a more prominent chin.
   • Blend Well : Ensure the concealer is well-blended into the skin to avoid visible edges or lines. Use a damp beauty sponge to blend the edges if necessary.
3. Set with Powder :
   • Lightly Dust : Lightly dust a translucent powder over the contoured and highlighted areas to set the concealer and prevent creasing. Use a small, fluffy brush for precise application.
   • Allow to Set : Allow the powder to set for a few minutes before applying any additional layers of concealer if needed.

Tips for Achieving a Flawless Finish

• Less is More : Start with a small amount of concealer and build up as needed. Applying too much product can look cakey and unnatural.
• Blend Well : Ensure the concealer is well-blended into the skin to avoid visible edges or lines.
• Match Your Skin Tone : Make sure your contour and highlight shades are well-matched to your skin tone for a seamless finish.
• Use the Right Tools : Invest in good-quality brushes and sponges to achieve the best results.
• Practice : Mastering contouring and highlighting techniques takes practice. Experiment with different techniques and tools to find what works best for you.

Common Contouring and Highlighting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Shades : Choosing shades that are too dark or too light can look unnatural and draw attention to the wrong areas.
2. Applying Too Much Product : Layering on too much concealer can look cakey and exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Skipping the Blending Step : Not blending the concealer properly can result in harsh lines and an unnatural finish.
4. Not Setting with Powder : Failing to set your concealer with powder can lead to creasing and reduced longevity.
5. Contouring and Highlighting in the Wrong Places : Applying contour and highlight shades in the wrong areas can distort your facial features and create an unbalanced look.

Top Concealer Recommendations for Contouring and Highlighting

Here are some highly recommended concealers known for their ability to create effective contouring and highlighting effects:

1. Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer :
   • Description : This creamy concealer offers full coverage and is ideal for both contouring and highlighting.
   • Benefits : Highly pigmented and blendable formula.
   • Suitability : Ideal for all skin types.
2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer :
   • Description : This liquid concealer offers medium to full coverage with a natural, radiant finish.
   • Benefits : Infused with hydrating ingredients, comes in a wide range of shades.
   • Suitability : Ideal for all skin types.
3. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage :
   • Description : This dual-shaded concealer palette allows for custom blending to match your skin tone perfectly.
   • Benefits : Offers full coverage and is ideal for spot-treating areas.
   • Suitability : Ideal for all skin types.
4. Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer :
   • Description : This creamy concealer provides full coverage and is ideal for dry or mature skin.
   • Benefits : Enriched with shea butter and vitamins C and E for added skincare benefits.
   • Suitability : Ideal for dry or mature skin.
5. Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème :
   • Description : Offers full coverage and long-lasting wear.
   • Benefits: Highly pigmented and blendable.
   • Suitability: Ideal for covering severe imperfections.

Conclusion

Using concealer for contouring and highlighting can help you achieve a sculpted, radiant look without the need for separate contour and highlight products. By understanding the different types of concealers, choosing the correct shades and formulas, and following proper application steps, you can effectively enhance your facial features and create a flawless finish. Additional tips, such as using the right tools, setting with powder, and avoiding common mistakes, can further enhance your results. With practice and the right products, you can confidently use concealer for contouring and highlighting, creating a seamless and radiant complexion.