Makeup can do wonders when it comes to enhancing your facial features. One of the most sought-after techniques is face-lifting, where makeup is used to give the illusion of a more lifted, youthful, and sculpted face. Concealer, typically used to hide imperfections, can also be a powerful tool for achieving a lifted appearance, particularly when combined with the right techniques. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to use concealer to sculpt and define your face, creating a natural, rejuvenated look.
1. The Basics of Concealer: Choosing the Right Formula and Shade
Before diving into the face-lifting techniques, it’s crucial to select the right concealer. The right product will ensure your makeup lasts all day while delivering the lift and definition you desire.
Formula Matters
For face-lifting, choose a concealer with a creamy, buildable formula that won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. Matte concealers can sometimes highlight texture and are better suited for spot coverage, while hydrating concealers give a more youthful, fresh finish. Consider the coverage you need, as a medium to full-coverage concealer will give you more flexibility for sculpting.
Shade Selection
The key to using concealer for face-lifting is picking the right shades. Generally, you’ll want to use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight specific areas and create dimension. For contouring and sculpting, select a shade that is slightly darker than your skin tone to define and add depth.
2. Concealer for Lifting the Under-Eye Area
The under-eye area is often one of the first places to show signs of aging, fatigue, or puffiness. Concealer can do wonders in this area, giving the illusion of lifted eyes and a brighter, more rested look.
The Triangular Method
To brighten and lift the under-eye area, use the “triangle method.” Apply a triangle shape of concealer under your eyes with the base of the triangle along your lower lash line, and the point extending toward your cheekbones. This technique helps create an uplifting effect by drawing attention away from the bags or dark circles and focusing on the high points of your face. Blend the concealer well, using a damp makeup sponge to seamlessly diffuse the product.
Highlighting the Inner Corners
In addition to the triangle method, apply a small amount of concealer to the inner corners of your eyes. This brightens the eyes and creates the illusion of a more lifted, open look. This technique works particularly well when combined with a winged eyeliner or bold lashes, making your eyes look even more prominent.
3. Sculpting the Cheeks: Highlighter and Contour with Concealer
To achieve a sculpted, lifted look, concealer can be used in tandem with highlighter and contour products. By strategically applying concealer to the right areas, you can enhance your bone structure and create the illusion of lifted cheekbones.
The Highlighter Technique
To highlight, apply a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone along the tops of your cheekbones. This will create the effect of raised cheekbones and add light to the face, making it look more youthful. Extend the concealer from the center of your under-eye area, blending outward towards the temples. Be sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines.
Contouring with Concealer
For contouring, use a concealer that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Apply it directly beneath your cheekbones, along your jawline, and along the sides of your nose. This creates shadows that define your face and enhances your features. Blend everything well to avoid sharp lines, ensuring that the highlight and contour flow naturally together.
4. Lifting the Jawline with Concealer
A sculpted jawline can make a huge difference when trying to achieve a lifted look. Concealer can help create the illusion of a sharper jawline by defining the area and drawing attention upward.
Defining the Jawline
Apply a concealer that’s a shade or two darker than your skin tone along your jawline, starting from just under your ear and following the natural curve toward your chin. This creates the appearance of a more chiseled jawline. Blend the contour concealer well, ensuring a seamless transition from the jaw to the neck for a more natural finish.
5. Lifting the Nose: The Art of Highlighting and Contouring
Concealer is a great tool for creating the illusion of a slimmer, more defined nose. By highlighting the bridge of the nose and contouring the sides, you can instantly lift the appearance of the nose without the need for surgery.
Contouring the Sides of the Nose
Use a contour concealer to create shadows along the sides of your nose, from the bridge to the tip. Blend this contour well to ensure that the lines are soft and subtle. This technique gives the illusion of a more refined and lifted nose shape.
Highlighting the Bridge of the Nose
To further enhance the lift, apply a concealer that’s lighter than your skin tone along the bridge of your nose. This will bring attention to the center of the nose and create the illusion of a higher, slimmer nose. Blend gently, and set with a translucent powder to prevent the concealer from shifting throughout the day.
6. The Power of the “Lifted Brow” Technique
A lifted brow can instantly make your face appear more youthful and awake. Concealer plays a crucial role in this technique by defining the brows and creating a lifted effect.
Highlighting the Brow Bone
After filling in and shaping your brows, apply a small amount of concealer directly under the arch of your brow and blend it upward toward the temple. This creates the illusion of a lifted brow, making your eyes appear larger and more awake. You can also apply a small amount of concealer to the outer edges of your brows to enhance their shape and make them appear more lifted.
7. Setting Your Makeup for Long-Lasting Lift
After using concealer to lift and sculpt your face, it’s essential to set your makeup so that it lasts throughout the day. Use a light dusting of translucent setting powder to lock everything in place. Be sure not to over-powder, as this can cause your face to look cakey or matte. Focus on the areas where makeup tends to settle or crease, such as the under-eye area and around the nose.
