Veiny Undereyes?

Megan noticed that in my videos, I have “absolutely no undereye circles-or those little blue veins that frame them,” and wanted to know what concealers I use, and how.

Except on my worst days, I actually just use my regular foundation-Revlon Colorstay Normal/Oily-under my eyes with a bit of setting powder.  Full coverage foundations often eliminate the need for concealer on all but the darkest blemishes or circles.

On days when I’ve gotten no sleep and can’t go with just foundation alone, I use MUFE Full Coverage.  I take a concealer brush and dab a tiny bit right underneath where the shadows are darkest (usually right underneath my tearducts), turn the brush over, and feather it up to my lower lashline and towards the inner corner, then up slightly onto my eyelid.  If necessary, I’ll dot a tiny bit under my pupil, and feather it towards the outer corner.  Then, using my ring finger, I pat (making sure not to drag) it out a bit, then apply foundation.

For people who rely on concealer for daily use, I definitely recommend the Full Coverage (for those with oily skin, long days, or extremely dark circles) or MUFE’s Lift concealer (for people who have more fine lines and wrinkles).

Kat Von D.’s Tattoo Concealer is Great; Just Not For Ya Face

Anonymous asked what I thought of Kat Von D.’s Tattoo Concealer for use on the face.

Well, I’ve tried it, and loved it. But not for the face.

After trying a few methods of application, I’ve concluded that Kat Von D’sTattoo Concealer should be used just as it’s name implies: to cover tattoos on the body and minor birthmarks, etc.  For the face, it’s simply too thick and viscous (almost like a mix between a putty and a liquid), and contains much too much yellow to appear natural on almost anyone.  However, these qualities lend beautifully to covering body imperfections. I was able to fully conceal a fresh scar I had had at the time (meaning it was bright red and textured… ugh.) with one layer, and I could definitely see this stuff completely hiding all but the darkest tattoos in two or so layers (set with powder in between).

If you’re looking for a full coverage concealer for the face, check out MUFE Full Coverage.

Which Came First: The Foundation or The Concealer?

Anonymous asked whether I prefer to apply foundation before or after concealer.

Ah, the age-old question.  I think it really depends on your situation, what type of products you’re using, and how much of each.  So let’s cover both.

I recommend concealer before foundation…

Nearly 99% of the time.  I find that if you apply concealer first, you often use less foundation.  It’s more of a visual trick.  If you hide your real problem areas first, everything else looks much better in comparison, and thus you feel like you need to use less foundation to even everything out.  As well, I find that this method allows for your foundation to cover any discrepancy between your concealer shade and your skin, giving a more natural, even finish.

I only recommend applying concealer after foundation…

If you use a very sheer coverage foundation.  This way, you can really target only the areas that have issues (hopefully just your undereyes and around your nose if you’re using a low coverage foundation…) maintaining a relatively bare face.

In either case, always follow the rules of layering: creams never go over powders.  So if you use a powder foundation, always use cream concealers first.  If, for some reason, you use a powder concealer, always apply after foundation.

If you do apply concealer first, you must stipple over the area.  You cannot buff or swirl.  Doing so will simply remove the concealer you’ve already applied.  If buffing is your preferred method of application, apply concealer afterwards.

So, for the most part, I recommend concealer first for a more natural, even coverage.  But if you have something going, keep to it!