Today, more people skip full-coverage foundation to opt for sheer alternatives and the “no-makeup” makeup look. However, this leaves many people wondering can I wear concealer without foundation? How do you conceal target areas, like under-eye bags, while still looking more natural? We’ve got all the answers you need, including the best concealers to pull off the look and more.
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Benefits Of A Concealer-Only Routine
Concealer-only routines offer a simplicity that full-coverage routines can’t compare to. These routines can help you pull off makeup looks that call for a more natural appearance, such as the strawberry girl makeup look. There are several benefits to foregoing a foundation.
Lightweight
This routine’s lightweight coverage encourages healthier skin because it allows your skin to breathe. Many people with skin concerns, like rosacea and acne, opt for light coverage to prevent their conditions from worsening.
Faster
Concealer-only routines remain unrivalled in simplicity. They are also faster, making them ideal for anyone who needs to get out the door quickly or doesn’t want to spend hours in front of a vanity mirror.
Focused-Coverage
The days of applying concealer everywhere for a brightening effect are long gone. Today, more focused coverage is in style. Instead of covering your entire face like a mask, you can enjoy focused coverage that only conceals imperfections.
Ideal For Certain Situations
Several situations call for a concealer-only approach. Most people want to know about using concealer without foundation on hot and humid days when a full face of makeup will ultimately crack and cake.
It’s also great for casual makeup, such as for lunch with friends or a Zoom meeting with your boss. Concealer-only makeup looks give you the coverage you need to be confident without making you look overdone.
Choosing The Right Concealer
Choosing the right concealer is crucial for learning to use concealer without foundation. The formula can’t be heavy or full-coverage. If it is, you risk looking like you’re wearing makeup on part of your face. Instead, opt for sheer to light formulas. Consider using a color corrector underneath your concealer to provide a natural, lightweight look if you need more coverage.
Concealers should be easy to blend and offer a natural or satin finish to ensure they blend well with your skin. Matte options may help control oil, but others can tell you’re wearing makeup on specific facial areas.
Our Picks
Bare Minerals Loose Powder Concealer
Bare Minerals Loose Powder Concealer is lightweight, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing makeup. The natural finish is ideal for no-makeup days. It blends easily into the skin for a skin-like finish that you don’t find with many powder concealers. An inclusive shade range ensures there’s something for everyone.
Why You’ll Love It
- Blends easily
- Natural finish
- SPF 20
- Lightweight
Pacifica Dreamlit Glow Concealer
Pacifica believes in empowering natural beauty, making it a go-to brand for looks that involve wearing concealer without foundation. This concealer is lightweight, ensuring breathable makeup. It easily blends into the skin for a natural appearance. Various shades ensure everyone can find something, regardless of whether they have a light or deep skin tone.
Why You’ll Love It
- Specially formulated for no-makeup looks
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Infused with conditioning ingredients
- Skin-like finish
How To Use Concealer Without Foundation
Learning to use concealer without foundation is easier than figuring out a full makeup routine with the perfect cut crease. Utilize these tips and tricks to pull off a flawless no-makeup look while covering imperfections.
Skincare Is Crucial
Don’t skimp on your skincare routine, even if you’re not wearing much makeup. Exfoliate your face to remove dead skin cells and promote a smooth canvas. Use your standard skincare products, such as moisturizer and SPF, to keep your skin healthy and ensure proper makeup application.
Consider Primer
Your makeup still needs a smooth canvas to help it last all day, so primer is essential for many. A pore-smoothing primer can give you the appearance of silky, soft skin and help your concealer last all day.
Your Concealer Should Match Your Skin Tone
You’ll look blotchy if it’s a shade or two lighter than your skin. If it’s too dark, it will stand out just as badly as it will if it’s too light. Instead, you want a concealer that looks invisible after blending.
Avoid Full Coverage Concealer
A full-coverage concealer will not look good next to bare skin; the two will look unnatural. Instead, opt for a concealer that offers sheer or medium coverage to keep the natural look.
Blending Is Crucial
Try blending with your finger instead of a brush. When you apply makeup with your finger, the warmth helps it blend effortlessly into the skin. You’ll notice less product sitting on top of your skin. It will make the concealer look more natural, which is what you want if you wear spots without foundation.
If you insist on using a beauty blender, ensure it’s damp before using it. This helps make your concealer look more like your skin rather than blending with a brush. Brushes have their place in makeup, but they aren’t always the right tool for the job.
Application
Using the right application method is key to achieving this. Use dots of concealer instead of dragging the applicator across the skin or drawing triangles of concealer under the eyes. Always remember that less is more. You can add more concealer if needed, which is easier than wiping it off and starting over.
After application, blend the concealer before it starts to dry. That’s when it’s easier to blend. Blend it into the skin and lightly feather out the edges onto bare skin to create an even transition. Many people find that using tapping motions to blend instead of dragging motions creates a more natural finish.
How To Set Concealer Without Foundation
Wearing concealer without foundation may require setting. Consider whether you need to set your makeup. If not, skip this paragraph. If you do, you have a few options. You can:
- Tansclucent Powder Everywhere: Some people apply translucent powder over the entire face to ensure an even complexion. Opt for powders with a natural finish so you don’t look like you’re wearing makeup.
- Targeted Setting: Targeted setting powder is another excellent idea. Apply powder to the areas with concealer and those that have more oil.
- Setting Spray: Setting spray is an excellent option for a natural finish. Applying a dewy setting spray over your entire face will give you a natural, dewy appeal while helping your makeup last longer.
Can I Wear Concealer Without Foundation?
Spot correcting with concealer and not wearing foundation is a popular idea. This is especially true if you need to cover a blemish but don’t want to wear a full face of makeup. Always use a lightweight concealer and blend, blend, blend. Check out the rest of the site for more tips and tricks!
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