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With an abundance of makeup tutorials on YouTube and a never-ending return of articles on Google, it's hard to know what's what in the makeup world. After all, let's not forget that the market is saturated with thousands of products and tools and even more reviews. But some of the most shocking things I've learned late at night, glued to my laptop in bed, are all the ways people apply something that's seemingly straightforward, namely concealer.
I was curious to see which Youtube-popular technique and placement would work best on me, so I challenged myself to try a few methods I found online. To keep things consistent I relied upon on my trusty Colourpop No Filter Matte Concealer and Beautyblender sponge throughout.
Overall, each of these ways did their job in disguising my dark circles, but coverage, finish, and longevity definitely differed. Check it all out, ahead.
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Technique: Multiple Downward Dashes
This was a new method for me, but it was recommended by YouTuber Desi Perkins, so I knew I had to give it a try. I didn't make the dashes as exaggerated as I saw in multiple videos since I was going for an everyday, 'no-makeup makeup' look. To achieve it, I smeared the concealer under my eyes by dabbing on small strokes in a downward motion before patting the product in with a sponge.
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The Result
This technique was definitely the most natural looking — I even skipped foundation! I have actually continued using this method on the days I want to look less tired, but prefer not to go all out with foundation and blush.
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Technique: The Undereye Triangle
This was the most popular technique I spotted on YouTube, including a new video from Jaclyn Hill. I smoothed the concealer under my eyes in an upside down triangle, which immediately felt like too much product, but I kept moving forward in the name of experimentation. I blended the concealer with my sponge and made sure to buff any edges well.
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The Result
Although it felt heavy at first, I was very impressed with the finish of this technique. Life changing? Maybe. It gave me smooth coverage that eliminated my dark circles and brightened my eyes. This was the clear winner for me, but be warned that you must apply foundation with this method to get an even finish.
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Technique: The Swoop
I didn't need a YouTube video to show me this classic concealer application technique, although I did see it a lot online. A simple sweep of product under the eyes is how many of us started doing our makeup years ago, so it wasn't exactly new. I applied the concealer across my undereye area in a horizontal motion, then pushed the product into my skin with the sponge before finishing my makeup.
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The Result
Surprisingly enough, this method proved to be the least effective in terms of coverage. I also feel that it faded quickest, which led me to realise how much more effective it is when you bring the concealer down further and into the inner corners of the eyes.
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Technique: Sponging
Most of us dot our concealer where needed before blending, but this technique is all about blotting it onto the skin with the sponge. I first dabbed my concealer onto my damp sponge, then simply bounced my blender over my undereyes until it felt seamless.
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The Result
This technique got the job done and lasted the longest for me — no concealer cracking after a long day! I also love how it made blending the concealer totally foolproof. I will admit, however, that it pales in comparison to the triangle method when it comes to coverage, but still great for an average day.
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