Concealer is almost similar to the foundation but has a different use.
It is used to hide dark circles, age spots, pigments, or any other type of skin imperfection.
It is applied on the top of the foundation but should be in a smaller amount.
Also, please don't mistake using it in a highly light shade, for you might end up with a worse look.
Simply, you should not only be keen on choosing the right concealer, but you should really work hard to know how to apply it right.
Actually, some of the messes that occur when using a concealer, such as grey skin or a chalked look, result from getting the wrong concealer and applying it in the wrong way.
But don't worry, we will explain how to correct that
We will also answer the currently trending question: Why does my concealer look ashy?
Why does my concealer look grey?
Concealers are commonly used to hide the dark circles around the eye areas.
Also, some people apply it to hide the contours and create a more even appearance.
In other words, this beauty product is meant to brighten the under-eye area such that you look more awake.
However, if you choose the wrong product or apply it incorrectly, it may result in a greyish look instead of a tone that is almost your skin color.
Specifically, the unwanted grey shade results from using a concealer that is more than two shades lighter than your skin.
The rule of thumb when using concealer to avoid the grey thing is to purchase a product that is not more than one shade lighter than your skin tone.
Fortunately, you can ask the seller about your skin tone shade if you are not yet aware.
Another reason why your concealer looks grey is using the wrong undertone.
Before we get more profound about that, let me explain the difference between skin tone and undertone.
Skin tone refers to the tone of the top surface of your skin.
Terms such as ivory, beige, or light are used to describe skin tone. On the other hand, an undertone refers to the muted color beneath your skin.
There are three types of skin undertone, namely, warm, cool, and neutral undertone.
The warm undertone has a yellow or goldish tone, while a pink, blue or red tone describes a cool undertone.
Lastly, a mixture of warm and cool tones is referred to as a neutral undertone.
Are you wondering how to find your skin tone? Simply look at the color of your veins.
Blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone.
The green side indicates a warm undertone, while a mixture of green and blue veins indicates a neutral undertone.
How do you prevent grey concealer?
We have in-depth discussed things that make you have a grey under-eye area instead of a bright under-eye area that makes you look more awake.
However, looking at the cause of your problem doesn't solve it. So, how do you prevent grey concealer?
- Pick the right shade
Maybe you have come across several youtube videos advising you to use a lighter concealer.
However, if you go too light, the eye area will badly match the other parts.
This is it! You want to brighten your eye area, not to lighten it.
Thus the concealer should not be more than one shade lighter than your skin tone to have a more natural look.
- Choose the right undertone
As we earlier said, there are three main skin undertones warm, cool and neutral.
Warm undertones are characterized by yellow or gold skin and green veins.
The cool undertone skins have a pink, blue or red color, while their veins tend to be blue or purple.
Lastly, a neutral undertone is a warm and cool undertones mixture.
But how do you know the right concealer for your undertone?
The good news is that most brands have a way to help you determine the right concealer for your undertone.
In most cases, they will indicate the skin undertone, but there will be no harm in making inquiries to the staff.
- Using too much concealer
You might lie to yourself that the more you apply the concealer, the brighter the appearance.
While that might be true, if you exaggerate the amount of concealer applied, you might have grey areas.
To prevent the grey areas, always start with less amount and add more as you progress.
Don't go too heavy on your skin; just apply evenly until your eyes are slightly brighter and perfectly blend in with the other parts of your skin.
- Choose the right formula
The next thing is about the formula.
Just because your friend has the same skin tone as yours doesn't mean that her type of concealer will work well for you.
There is one more thing, you should check on your skin type too.
For instance, oilier skin types should use less creamy concealers.
However, if your eye under area looks dry or crepe-like, you should look for a more moistening concealer.
If you want to cover up the acne near your eyes, look for a drier and stickier concealer.
Why does my concealer look powdery?
Another common problem when using a concealer for the first time is having a powdery or ashy eye area.
The powdery look can result from applying too much concealer or using the wrong type of concealer formula.
Similarly, if the skin is not well moisturized, the cream will leave a cakey look instead of an even skin-like appearance.
However, if your skin type is dry, you may have to hydrate it instead of using a moisturizer.
How do you fix ashy concealer?
We got your back if you have been constantly having ashy or powdery concealers even after watching a thousand youtube videos.
Ashy skin is not a result of bad beauty skills but of the choice of the product or your way of applying the concealer.
Below are some tips on how to fix an ashy concealer;
- Do not apply a lot of concealer at a go. Start with small amounts
- If you have oiler skin, moisturize it first. Similarly, if your skin type is dry, use a hydrating product before applying a concealer.
- Use a soft sponge to apply the concealer. A sponge will not only help to remove the creases, but it will also help to absorb excess product to prevent the powdery or ashy look
- Allow the concealer to sit on your skin for a few minutes before applying another product
- Apply powder on the skin using a damp sponge to absorb the excess concealer
- You can also spray a hydrating mist on the sponge
Can concealer make dark circles look worse?
I don't want to lie to your face! If you apply the concealer the wrong way, your dark circles might look worse.
However, if you do it the right way, you have your dark circles unnoticeable, and your eyes look brighter and more awake.
So which is the right way to apply concealer to hide the dark circles?
- Experts advise using more moisturizer than concealer to have a more refreshed, rejuvenated, and youthful look.
- Another way to mask the dark circles is by using an opposite color. In this case, you should first determine your skin type and choose an opposite of its color
- Blend in the concealer with powder
- Always dust off excess concealer or use a damp sponge
- Lastly, I can't insist enough on ensuring that the concealer chosen matches your skin type, tone, and undertone
What undertone should my concealer be?
Before you choose the right concealer, you must first determine your undertone, which refers to your skin color. Sounds confusing? Don't worry; I will break everything down for you!
There are three types of concealers cool, warm, and neutral undertone.
But how do you determine your undertone?
- Examine your veins
Usually, veins have an identifiable color. For instance, green veins indicate warm undertones, while purple or blue veins indicates a cool undertone.
On the other hand, if you can't see your veins, you have a neutral undertone.
- Look at your hair color
Additionally, people with blonde or light hair have cool or neutral undertones. In contrast, warm undertones are usually characterized by dark hair colors.
Final words
Your concealer looks ashy, probably because you have applied too much of it or you forgot to moisturize or hydrate the skin properly.
Moreover, you will be left with grey patches if you use a concealer that is more than two times lighter than your skin shade.
Apart from that, if you have dark circles, you should always have your skin generously moisturized before applying the concealer.
Simply, there are many things that you should know to have a perfectly applied concealer that will give you brighter eyes.
This must-know is the skin type, skin tone, and undertone.
Fortunately, we have discussed all these issues in detail, and as a plus, we have given you tips on correcting a grey or ashy-looking concealer.
