How to Make a Light Concealer Darker

Are you tired of buying multiple shades of concealer just to match your skin tone? Or do you have a favorite concealer that’s slightly too light for your complexion? Fret not because there is an easy solution – learn how to make a light concealer darker!

Finding the perfect concealer shade can be a real challenge, especially when seasonal changes, tanning, or simply a wrong purchase lead you to a lighter shade than desired. Fortunately, you don’t have to discard your light concealer. There are simple and effective techniques to adjust the shade to match your skin tone better. As a bonus, these methods can also save you money by extending the life of your current concealer.

This guide will walk you through practical methods to darken your light concealer, ensuring a flawless and seamless finish every time.

What Will You Need?

Before you get started, make sure you have the following items:

• Light concealer (preferably in a shade that is only slightly lighter than your skin tone)
• Darker concealer or foundation (can be liquid or cream-based)
• Small mixing bowl or palette
• Makeup brush or sponge for application
• Finishing powder (optional)

Once you have these items ready, let’s dive into the different methods of darkening your light concealer.

10 Easy Steps on How to Make a Light Concealer Darker

Step 1. Prepare Your Workspace:

Before you begin the process of adjusting your concealer shade, it is essential to prepare your workspace to ensure a smooth and clean application. Find a well-lit area with a mirror, preferably near a natural light source. Gather all the items listed in the previous section and organize them within easy reach. Clean your makeup brush or sponge to avoid contamination and ensure an even application of the product. Having a paper towel or makeup wipes handy can also be beneficial for any accidental spills or for cleaning up afterward. This preparation will help create a more controlled environment, making the concealer mixing process easier and more effective.

Step 2. Dispense the Light Concealer:

Dispense a small amount of the light concealer onto your mixing bowl or palette. The amount you need depends on the coverage you desire, but starting with a smaller quantity is better, and you can add more as needed. This helps maintain control over the shade you are creating. Use the makeup brush or a clean spatula to scoop out the concealer and keep the container clean to avoid contamination. Once the light concealer is on the mixing surface, you are ready to proceed to the next step. This careful dispensing sets the stage for precise and efficient blending.

Step 3. Add the Darker Concealer or Foundation:

Now, it’s time to add the darker concealer or foundation to the light concealer. Start by dispensing a small amount of the darker product onto the mixing bowl or palette next to the light concealer. Gradually add the darker concealer or foundation to the light one, mixing it thoroughly with your makeup brush or spatula. It’s critical to add the darker shade slowly and in small increments to avoid making the mixture too dark. Continuously mix and test the shade until you find the desired color matching your skin tone. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t always lighten the shade once it’s too dark, so proceed with caution.

Step 4. Test the Shade:

After thoroughly mixing your light and dark concealers, it’s time to test the shade. Use a small amount of the blended concealer and apply it to an inconspicuous area of your face, such as along your jawline or the back of your hand. This will help you see how well the shade matches your skin tone in natural light. Blend it out to check for consistency and coverage. If the concealer still appears too light, add a bit more of the darker concealer or foundation and mix again. Repeat this process until you achieve the perfect shade. Testing the shade ensures that your concealer matches your skin tone seamlessly, providing a natural look.

Step 5. Adjust the Consistency (if needed):

Sometimes, mixing two products can alter the consistency of your concealer. If you find that the concealer has become too thick or too thin, you can adjust the consistency to your liking. To thin out a thick concealer, add a drop or two of lightweight facial oil or moisturizer and mix thoroughly. If the mixture is too thin, you can add a bit more of the light concealer or a thicker foundation to achieve the desired consistency. This step is crucial to ensure that the concealer blends smoothly onto your skin and provides optimal coverage.

Step 6. Blend and Apply:

Once you’re satisfied with the shade and consistency, use your makeup brush or sponge to apply the concealer to your face. Focus on areas where you need the most coverage, such as under the eyes, around the nose, or on blemishes. Blend the concealer by gently dabbing it with the brush or sponge, working from the center of your face outwards. Ensure that the edges are well-blended into your skin to avoid any visible lines. Proper blending ensures a natural and flawless finish.

Step 7. Set the Concealer (optional):

Consider setting it with a finishing powder to ensure that your concealer stays in place throughout the day. Use a translucent or skin-toned setting powder and a fluffy brush to lightly dust the powder over the areas where you’ve applied the concealer. This step helps to lock in the concealer, reduce shine, and prevent creasing. Setting the concealer is optional, but it can enhance the longevity and finish of your makeup.

Step 8. Clean Up:

After you’ve applied your concealer, clean up your workspace. Wash your makeup brush or sponge to remove any leftover product and prevent bacteria buildup. Wipe down the mixing bowl or palette and properly store your concealer and foundation. Keeping your tools and workspace clean ensures the best results for future applications and helps maintain your skin’s health.

Step 9. Monitor the Shade:

It’s important to periodically monitor the shade of your blended concealer, especially if your skin tone changes due to sun exposure, seasonal variations, or other factors. You may need to adjust the mixture slightly to maintain a perfect match. Keeping track of your concealer shade ensures that your makeup looks natural and polished.

Step 10. Experiment and Customize:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mixing ratios and techniques to find what works best for you. Customizing your concealer allows you to achieve the exact shade and coverage you need, tailored to your unique skin tone and preferences. Over time, you’ll become more confident in adjusting your makeup to suit your needs, making your beauty routine more versatile and effective.

Following these steps, you can easily mix and customize your concealer at home. This DIY approach allows for more control over the final product and ensures that you always have a perfect match for your skin tone.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Mix with Foundation: Blend your light concealer with a small amount of a darker foundation to achieve the desired shade. This method allows for precise color adjustment and ensures a seamless blend with your skin tone.
2. Use Bronzer: Add a bit of liquid or powder bronzer to your concealer. This not only darkens the concealer but can also add a warm, sun-kissed glow to your complexion.
3. Tint with Eyeshadow: Scrap a bit of matte eyeshadow in a color that matches your desired concealer shade and mix it in. This trick is convenient when you don’t have any darker concealer or foundation available.
4. Adjust with Tinted Moisturizer: Blend your light concealer with a tinted moisturizer that is darker than your natural skin tone. This helps maintain a lighter consistency while achieving the right hue.
5. Check Your Lighting: Always check your concealer and foundation in natural lighting before heading out. Indoor lighting can often make your makeup appear different, so it’s important to double-check for a perfect blend.

By experimenting with these tips and tricks, you can customize your concealer to match your skin tone perfectly and create a flawless finish.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Harsh Pigments: Avoid using extremely dark pigments or products not formulated for facial use, such as body paint or non-cosmetic dyes. These can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts.
2. Over-Darkening: Mixing too much dark foundation or bronzer can result in an unnatural, patchy appearance. Always add darker elements gradually and test the shade before applying it to your face.
3. Ignoring Undertones: Pay attention to the undertones of the products you are mixing. Ignoring this can lead to a mismatch with your natural skin undertone, making the concealer look off.
4. Using Expired Products: Ensure that all products used to adjust the shade of your concealer are within their expiry date. Expired products can cause skin irritation and are less effective.
5. Skipping Patch Tests: Before applying a modified concealer to your face, always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions. This helps avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritation.

With these tips in mind, you can safely and effectively adjust the shade of your concealer to match your skin tone perfectly. Remember to always be gentle with your skin and choose high-quality products for the best results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to make a light concealer darker is a feasible task that can be accomplished with a few simple techniques and some creativity.

Mixing foundation, bronzer, matte eyeshadow, or tinted moisturizer can create a custom shade that perfectly matches your skin tone. Pay attention to the products’ undertones, add darker elements gradually, and always test the shade in natural lighting. Avoid using harsh pigments or expired products, and perform a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

With these guidelines, you can enjoy a flawless, natural-looking complexion by creating a concealer shade tailored just for you.