Here Are The Benefits Of A Stick Concealer

Few things can right the wrong like a makeup concealer. If foundation helps cover skin blemishes to even out the skin tone at base level, a concealer is like a next-level foundation. The reason being is concealers are more pigmented and thicker in consistency than foundation, per IPSY. For those with blemishes and scars so visible that one coat of foundation cannot provide coverage, a concealer is their saving grace — helping to gloss over what foundation alone cannot, and create the perfect canvas for the application of powder and blush.

While all concealers serve the same purpose of concealing blemishes, fine wrinkles, and dark circles, they come in different types, textures, and levels of coverage. The most common types in the market right now are liquid concealer, cream concealer, color-correcting concealer, concealer pen, and stick concealer, according to Makeup.com by L'Oréal.

Each and every concealer has its own benefits. In this article, however, we'll look at the benefits of a stick concealer — a "just in case" item in every makeup enthusiast's purse that always comes in handy.

Look no further than a stick concealer if you're searching for a makeup item that brightens your complexion and evens out your skin tone in a blink. Packaged in dry, light, and compact tubes, concealer sticks can offer you hassle-free and on-the-go coverage. One swipe or two and all your imperfections are blended into your skin.

For instance, if coverage wears off, you can reapply your stick concealer over zits or redness that emerge throughout the day. With a semi-solid texture, this kind of concealer can provide a high degree of coverage with a matte finish, Nude by Nature points out. Additionally, a stick concealer takes up no more room in your makeup bag than a lipstick. 

However, a stick concealer can easily slide off and get cakey in the heat, meaning it might not be ideal for use in the summertime, according to HIDE Cosmetics. For summertime, it's better to use a liquid concealer, which offers a thinner consistency and lighter coverage.

According to Claire Talks Beauty, stick concealers are comparable to cream concealers in that they are both thick and offer long-wearing, full coverage. Therefore, they are ideal for covering heavily pigmented spots like pimples.

However, Paula's Choice warns against using stick concealers if you have oily skin with enlarged pores, as the sticks' texture can clog your pores and make your skin look shiny. A stick concealer might be a better choice for those with normal, dry, or sensitive skin.

Stick concealer is dry and can be challenging to blend. If you have excessively dry skin, they can cause visible dry patches and make your makeup look cakey and flakey.

To fix the problem, dab a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer on your face before applying primer to build a smooth base for even application and keep your make-up lasting all day. Then, apply foundation and concealer. After that, you can go in with contour, setting powder, and blush. 

Stick concealers can block out the dreaded dark circles and puffiness under the eyes to help you feign a well-rested appearance. When it comes to finding the perfect under-eye concealer, makeup artist Tobi Henney tells Byrdie: "Depending on what you want to use it for—whether it's for under the eyes, blemishes, or both—it's important to find a formula that will work for you and your skin needs."

If you want to target under-eye circles, look for concealers with an illuminating finish, says Henney. For those struggling with puffiness, concealers containing caffeine can be beneficial.

If you're afraid that stick concealers can be dry and cause creases, prep the under eye area with primer before putting on concealer. When applying concealer to the under eye, you can use the product straight from the applicator or use your fingers or a thin brush — whichever is more convenient for you.

For a start, pop some product on the darker areas around the eye in a dab-like motion, according to Lord & Berry. Once you've dotted concealer on the areas that need brightening, pat the product into your face until all the dots seamlessly blend in and give your eyes a luminous look.

Stick concealers are versatile to a fault. If you're building a multi-purpose makeup kit, having a stick concealer in your arsenal will streamline your makeup routine.

Aside from covering blemishes, stick concealer can double up as an eyebrow shaper. Since a stick concealer is dry, it's so much easier to control than a cream or liquid concealer. To get your unruly brows looking like they're freshly threaded, swipe your stick concealer below and above your brow arches and use your fingers to blend the product in until they're not too highlighted compared to the harsh brow lines.

Also, you can use a stick concealer to make your lips look fuller and more defined, per L'Oréal Paris. However, you'll need two colors of concealer, one lighter than your skin tone and one darker to properly define your lips.

At the same time, you can use your concealer in place of foundation — if it suits you. That's what former Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio sometimes does, letting a stick concealer from Clé de Peau Beauté do all the heavy lifting because it offers sufficient coverage with a creamy finish and smooth texture, according to Yahoo Life.