Ask any makeup artist and she will tell you, concealer is one of the most important cosmetics products you can own in your makeup kit. It is considered necessary for all faces - young to old; but, many of us are clueless as to how to use it. Therefore, it remains this mystery face makeup that either gathers dust in our drawer or on the drugstore shelves. What makes this product so crucial to our makeup routine? Read on…
Concealer Verses Foundation

In the makeup world, true concealer is known to be a lighter-colored, thicker, heavier face makeup. In contrast, foundation is designed to be an all over exact skin tone coverage.

Created to cover the dark areas on your face - it is perfect for the following flaws:
Under Eye Circles
Scars
Birthmarks
Moles
Veins

What is it not designed for is to cover blemishes. Because of the lighter color, it actually lightens the raised bump, drawing more attention to the imperfection. A thick cream or stick foundation in your natural skin tone is the best for covering acne flare-ups.
Foundation

Since a thick heavy foundation stick will conceal your imperfections, it is also known at times as a concealer. Some women will also purchase true concealer products in their skin tone to cover blemishes. What makes foundation ultimately better as a blemish disguise is it's availability in a variety of shades to more accurately match your skin tone. While the lighter color of a concealer hides the dark shadows and marks on your face, to cover redness and bumps you really need a product that will perfectly blend into the rest of your face.
How to Choose

Depending on your skin's needs, it is best to have a true concealer and a foundation stick on hand. Even fashion models don't have perfect skin, thus, we all have times when our eyes are dark and puffy or a pimple pops out. Therefore, having pre-selected both products for these problems will help you make it through a difficult beauty day.
Selecting the Best Color and Texture

Widely available in a variety of textures and colors - when choosing the product for you, keep in mind your skin's individual needs.
Color

Picking the right color is relatively simple. Most skin types need a yellow-based shade - so, avoid the pinks! Always select a shade that is one step lighter than your natural skin color. If you tend to have significant dark eye circles, take the advice of Eve Pearl, Celebrity Makeup Artist and chose a shade that is more salmon in color. This helps to battle the blues evident in darker under eye circles.
Texture

Found in either a liquid style formula or cream. Liquid types tend to apply more smoothly with a sheer finish. They are available in either tubes or wand containers. Cream versions are found in either a stick or pot. They tend to be drier and offer a better overall coverage, but also can be harder to apply.
Application

Like all types of face makeup, concealer is best applied in light layers - ensuring that you receive enough coverage, but not too much. While it does an outstanding job of making those pesky imperfections disappear; the trick lies in making the concealer disappear too.

When using as a highlighter or to cover dark areas, it is best to start your makeup routine with it. Then, the rest of your makeup can be applied over the uniform complexion. In contrast, when using a face makeup stick for hiding redness and blemishes, it is actually preferable to apply your face makeup first. As you may discover you do not need as much once the rest of the makeup is on your face. You can also use it as a primer for your eye shadow or lipstick, which will ensure an even color application with a longer life.

When applying, start with a small amount, either on your finger, wand or makeup brush. Apply to the area you would like to cover and blend well. If using an all over foundation, you can add additional coverage and balance the area by applying the foundation over the concealer and then a layer of face powder to seal it in. Even if you are not using a foundation, always pat with powder to keep your imperfection hidden.

For an area that requires a precision of application, like a mole or spider veins near your nose, you may want to consider a tiny makeup brush for more accuracy. When using around the eyes, remember to also apply to the dark area at the inner corner by the nose.
Special Tips
Especially useful for blotchy skin and often evens out the skin enough to avoid the use of an all over foundation.
Particularly helpful for darker African American skins that tend to have more variations in their natural skin tones.
Evaluate your face's needs each morning - as different days will require varying amounts of coverage.
A key component in anti aging cosmetics as it helps to hide the negative effects of the sun.
Use on your eyelids if they are particularly full of dark veins.
Employ as a highlighter; apply to sunken areas to reduce the shadows.
Try a small dot on the center of the lips between your coats of lipstick for a plumper lip appearance.
Consider mixing your with eye cream for a smoother lighter coverage.
"I do think it is very important to apply more concealer in the evenings," remarks Linda Mason, Makeup Artist.