ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

6 concealer mistakes one needs to stop making

Concealer is one of the must-have products for every makeup bag. When used correctly, it can cover up hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and acne scars. While one does not have to be a professional to learn how to apply concealer correctly, it certainly requires a few techniques to get things right. For this, it is crucial to learn about concealer mistakes that one needs to stop making. Read on to learn more:

Forgetting to prep the skin
The key to getting the best results from a concealer is to prep the skin well. Ensure to cleanse well to remove dirt, grime, dry skin cells, and oils from the face to open up the pores. Then, apply serums to nourish the skin, followed by a hydrating moisturizer. Finally, if it’s daytime, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Let all these products be absorbed well into the skin for a few minutes. Then, apply the concealer. All of these steps will not only keep the skin healthy but will also ensure that the concealer spreads evenly and stays put for a longer time.

Using the wrong shade
Buying the right shade of concealer may seem like a simple task. After all, one just needs to match the shade with one’s skin tone. But this is not how it works. Picking the right shade of concealer needs a bit of work. Besides, just a single shade of concealer is never enough. This is because most people have a mix of multiple complexions on their faces. For instance, the area around the eyes might be darker than the area around the lips. Also, one needs to know their undertones, whether warm, cool, or neutral. This way, they can pick a concealer with a matching undertone for the best results.

Tip : For covering pigmentation and blemishes, a concealer that matches the foundation closely gives the best results. Meanwhile, under eyes can be brightened up using a concealer two shades lighter than the foundation.

Using the wrong texture of concealer
The texture of concealer is as important as the shade. For example, if the concealer has emollient pigment and is applied directly to a blemish, it may work as a highlighter under natural light. Instead of covering the spot, it will put more focus on it. In such situations, it helps to apply a base such as a sheer layer of foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Also, a concealer with a denser texture may work well in covering the blemish. On the other hand, a light and fluid concealer will be more effective in covering up dark circles under the eyes.

Using too much of the product
Earlier, concealer application trends put a lot of emphasis on putting too much of the product. For example, the method of applying concealers in huge triangle shapes under the eyes used to be quite popular. But for many, the results were less than flattering. Using too much of the concealer leads to too much creasing and caking. In fact, this technique accentuated fine lines and wrinkles instead of concealing them. Therefore, in the last few years, makeup professionals have adopted a more strategic concealer application. Now, concealer application depends on the look one wants and the formulation of the product. Here’s how to use a concealer for various looks:

For under eyes : For this, less is more. Simply using three dots of concealer a little below the lash line is enough to cover up dark circles under the eyes.
For a lifted look : Place a small amount of concealer under the outer corner of the eyes, in the inner corner, next to the lips, underneath the cheekbones, and around the nostril. Gently blend outwards using a damp beauty blender or a concealer brush.
For a crease-free look : Apply a dab of light fluid concealer under the inner corner of the eyes. Slowly and gently blend outwards for a natural look.

Using the wrong tool
Sometimes, it is not just the concealer. It can also be the tool one uses to apply a product that is completely wrong. Based on the look one is working for, it is important to pick the right tool, whether it is a makeup sponge or a brush. For example, if full coverage is needed, using a damp beauty sponge will stretch out the coverage, resulting in a natural skin-like finish. While this is a good look to have, it is not what was needed. However, using a concealer brush can give the desired full coverage effect. Sometimes, for a sheer finish, using fingers to dab the product also works well.

Not setting the concealer
Not using a setting powder means letting the concealer crease and create a cakey effect. No matter how good the makeup application is, once the concealer starts to crease, it will ruin the entire look. Yet, many often forget to use the setting powder. As a result, the concealer moves into the fine lines, wrinkles, and open pores and starts to crease. So, never forget to set the concealer, especially when it has a fluid and liquid formulation. This will give a bright, smooth skin with a flawless finish, which will last for longer hours.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.