face makeup How to Use a Concealer Brush

Whether you consider yourself to be a makeup novice or a veteran, you likely know that using makeup brushes is key for a flawless application. While you may have mastered the art of using a foundation brush and even dabbled with oval makeup brushes, there may be one offering that you’re missing out on: a concealer brush. Even if you already know where to apply concealer, using this essential tool can instantly upgrade your overall beauty look. Ready to learn more about using a concealer brush? Follow along to explore the wonders of adding a concealer brush to your makeup routine.  

WHAT IS A CONCEALER BRUSH?

Before we get into the benefits of using a concealer brush, you’ll need to know exactly what it is. At its simplest, a concealer brush is a small makeup brush meant for applying and blending out liquid, cream, and powder concealer formulas. Typically, a concealer brush features a small brush head with densely packed bristles and a flat, tapered shape at the end. Complete with a long handle, this beauty tool gives you maximum control making it super easy to provide desired areas of your face with even coverage. Its small shape also allows you to reach every inch of your skin so you can place the product right where you need it.

DO YOU NEED A CONCEALER BRUSH?

Since you probably have tons of makeup brushes in your arsenal, you may be wondering if you actually need a concealer brush. The answer is a resounding yes! Simply put, a concealer brush comes in handy to highlight desired areas and help you disguise blemishes and under-eye circles for a flawless finish. While makeup blenders are a great way to apply concealers, this beauty tool helps you be more precise. As for why it beats your fingers, that one’s easy: You won’t have any fingerprints marring your look, and it allows you to prevent spreading bacteria from your hands to your face. In other words, the benefits of using a concealer brush go on and on.

WHAT IS THE BEST BRUSH FOR CONCEALER?

Concealer brushes come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Below, we’re giving you the 4-1-1 on which brush you should use to make sure you nail your beauty look.

1. Classic concealer brush: Looking to show your under-eye area some love? This beauty tool will make the application process oh-so-easy. Featuring flat flexible bristles, this brush allows you to buff and blend product under your eye to achieve a smooth application.

2. Small precision concealer brush: If you want to temporarily say goodbye to minor blemishes, a small precision concealer brush will get the job done. Since it features tight and compact bristles, you’ll be able to target imperfections with ease.

3. Flat-top concealer brush: Mineral and powder concealers can be applied with a flat-top concealer brush. This tool helps to quickly dab product onto the skin for a seamless blend. It also works for setting liquid and cream concealers with powder, making it a true multi-functional pick!

HOW TO USE A CONCEALER BRUSH

Not sure how to use a concealer brush? Follow this step-by-step makeup routine to prevent any concealer mistakes!

STEP #1: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME

The first step in every makeup routine should be using makeup primer. Simply put, this essential works to create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup and helps it stay in place all day. Kick things off by smoothing a thin layer of the L’Oréal Paris Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer over your entire face.

STEP #2: COLOR CORRECT

Once you’ve got your primer out of the way, it’s time to turn your attention to your complexion concerns. The best way to get the ball rolling is to use the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon. 

If you’re working with redness, using a green concealer can help neutralize the red look of blemishes and blotchiness. Dealing with age spots or broken capillaries? Yellow concealer will be your saving grace. If dark circles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation rear their ugly heads, peach, bisque, and orange shades can help hide your complexion concerns.

Once you’ve selected the right color-correcting crayon, apply it sparingly where needed and blend with a concealer brush until even.

STEP #3: PERFECT YOUR COMPLEXION

Next up: foundation! You’ll want to give your skin a clear, even complexion sans the cakey appearance. Using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, apply the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Foundation onto skin in rolling and dabbing motions until even. 

STEP #4: CONCEAL IMPERFECTIONS

If you notice that you still have some imperfections peeking through on your skin, reach for a concealer that matches your skin tone from the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage line. Use a small precision concealer brush to cover any imperfections.

As for your under-eye area, use a classic concealer brush to apply product in an upside-down triangle under your eyes. Use the same brush to blend out, then finish up by sweeping the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder under your eye area to keep your concealer in place.

STEP #5: SEAL THE DEAL

Now that your face makeup is complete, you’ll want to make sure that it lasts from day to night. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray in ‘X’ and ‘T’ shapes over your face. Voila!

CAN YOU USE A CONCEALER BRUSH FOR EYESHADOW?

Concealer brushes have proven to be a multi-tasking beauty tool, so you may be wondering if you should repurpose yours the next time you’re working on eyeshadow application. However, the truth is, it’s usually best to trust your eyeshadow brushes to get the job done. Just as there are various concealer brushes to suit your needs, you can find the perfect eyeshadow brush to bring any eye makeup look to life.

There is one exception to this rule. You may notice that a classic concealer brush looks about the same as a cream eyeshadow brush, and your assessment isn’t wrong. You can use this type of concealer brush for cream shadows if you want—just make sure to clean it off when switching from concealer to shadow.

4 CONCEALER BRUSH TIPS

To really master using a concealer brush, there are a few more things you should know.

1. USE IT TO APPLY EYE PRIMER

Instead of using your finger to apply eye primer, try switching things up with a concealer brush. Think about it: It’s more hygienic, and you’ll be able to cover the corners of your lids with ease.

2. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY

The worst thing you can do when using a concealer brush is to load the bristles with tons of product. You don’t want to cake on your concealer; a little goes a long way. It’s best to start small and work your way up to achieve the desired look.

3. USE IT TO FIX LIPSTICK MISTAKES

We can all agree that smudged and feathered lipstick can instantly ruin your makeup look. The best way to combat this issue is to enlist the help of a small precision concealer brush. All you need to do is trace your lips with a tiny bit of concealer after applying lipstick to help it stay within the lines.

4. USE A LIGHT HAND

While you may be familiar with using a heavy hand to apply concealer with your fingers or a beauty blender, there is no need for that. Use light pressure to tap or press the product onto the skin.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CONCEALER BRUSH

It’s time to learn how to care for your concealer brush the right way. Just as you would with your other makeup brushes and blenders, you need to clean concealer brushes regularly to keep them in working order. Not to mention, dirty makeup brushes can take a toll on your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, unwashed makeup brushes can irritate your skin and even lead to an infection. To protect your skin and keep your makeup brushes bacteria-free, they recommend washing your brushes every seven to ten days. Not too sure how to clean your beauty tools? Learn the proper way to do so in our article, How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Blenders.

Next: This Full Coverage Concealer Can Hide Anything