6 Unexpected Ways to Use Concealer in Your Beauty Routine

Real Talk: You'd be hard-pressed to find a beauty junkie without concealer in their arsenal. The pint-sized product is an absolute must-have for covering skin imperfections - think blemishes, dark circles and discoloration - in no time. Not to mention, the product is perfectly portable so it's always on hand when we're in a pinch! While helping to temporarily cover problem areas can be the most common form of concealer use, did you know there are a few other ways you can incorporate formula into your skincare routine? From contouring your cheekbones to applying eye shadow, here are six unconventional ways to use concealer. Get ready to see your little tube of concealer in a whole new light!  

1. SELECT YOUR CHARACTERISTICS

If you love highlighting and contouring but don't have personal care products on hand, a little concealer (and some bronzer) can help in a pinch! In areas where you would normally contour, apply some bronzer and blend the edges to avoid harsh lines - if you're looking for a new blending brush, check out Clarisonic's new Sonic Foundation Brush, which we're reviewing here! Then, for highlighting, use concealer! Apply the concealer to the same areas as the highlighter - such as the bridge of the nose, Cupid's bow, brow bone, etc. - and blend well with your finger or a regular blending sponge.

2. PREPARE YOUR EYELIDS

As the name suggests, eyeshadow primer is the perfect product to apply on the eyelids. But, if you run out of funds and are in a quandary, a concealer can help you get the job done. Instead of applying eye shadow to the bare eyelid, first apply a few dots of concealer to this area. This helps create a neutral base for eyeshadow application, and some makeup artists will do this even when they use an eyeshadow primer to further prime their canvas.

3. SHAPE YOUR EYEBROWS

Let's face it, achieving perfect angular eyebrows is not an easy task. Let the concealer give you a helping hand. Draw a short line parallel to the top edge of your brow with concealer and gently blend with your finger or brush. This step can also help cover up any unruly hair that you haven't plucked out. Think of it as your secret weapon before your last minute date!

4. IMPROVE LIP COLOR

Applying concealer all over your lips may seem silly at first, but this step can enhance your lipstick by neutralizing your natural lip color. Lightly apply concealer to the lips, blend it with a sponge and apply your favorite lip color. For more definition, circle your lips with concealer after applying a bright shade. Concealer can also come in handy to help cover up any smudges.

5. HIDE EYELINER Flaws

So, you've gone too far with your winged eyeliner. Do not panic! No need to reach for makeup remover and start over. With a little micellar water and concealer, you can quickly correct any mistakes. First, dip the end of a cotton swab into micellar water and cleanse the problem area. Then use a bit of concealer to create a canvas of neutral finish before moving on to the eyeliner again. Very simple.

6. MIX IT WITH YOUR MOISTURIZER

While we love full coverage foundation as much as the next girl, we find ourselves reaching for lighter formulations like BB cream or tinted moisturizer when the weather gets warmer. If those aren't available to you, try this hack: mix a few drops of concealer with your glowing moisturizer and apply it all over your face. It's simple, lightweight, and gives skin a subtle glow (without weighing it down) before you're even out the door!