I’ve seen this is a common question over the years but wanted to get a fresh/modern (lol late 2023) take on it. Wondering specifically on everyone’s technique and holy grail products (the concealer and whatever you use to apply it or prep it)
Backstory is: I’m trying to get more serious about makeup (currently really bad at it tbh), and I’d really like to ‘perfect’ my concealer strategy! I mainly use it for eyes/undereyes. My problem is it always looks so ‘cakey’ on my skin. How can I fix this?

I’ve tried a variety of products, including lately from Kosas (liquid), Merit (cream), and Givenchy (liquid). I really liked them all, but I can’t help but notice applying any of them makes my skin look worse, texture-wise, and really amplifies the appearance of every fine detail around my eyes (dots on my skin, wrinkles, etc.). Even right after I exfoliated the night before, or use eye cream immediately before to prep the area.

Is this normal? Is there a way to fix this? I don’t notice this cakiness in other people who are excellent at makeup, so I feel like there must be some secrets out there on how to make it look good! TIA everyone

  • stavthedonkey@alien.top
    BEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    cakey usually means wrong formula, under-prepped eye/skin, too much product or all of the above.

    1. if you have dry skin, avoid products that have a matte finish.
    2. prep the hell out of the under eye area. Use a bit of moisturizer, let absorb, then do it again and let fully absorb.
    3. use a hydrating primer; I use the now discontinued Smashbox hydrating under eye primer.
    4. use as little product as possible so if you have really dark circles, use a colour corrector first, followed by a full coverage concealer. My HG: either Lancome or Huda. I also really like the Becca corrector for super low makeup days.
    5. use liquid formulas instead of creams (ie. avoid the ones that come in a pot). My HG: Dior forever skin correct.
    6. use thin layers so don’t use the doe foot applicator directly onto your skin; that always deposits too much product. I apply a bit of concealer onto the back of my hand, use this brush to apply a bit my under eye area and blend. I keep adding a tiny bit at a time until I get the coverage I want.
    7. getting a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly is best to hide imperfections such as milia, super dark circles etc. Going 1 shade lighter will only highlight the areas you want covered.
    8. to set the under eye area, use a talc-free powder; I use Lys triple fix and get a tinted one; even a lighter powder can highlight the darkness.
    9. google Vincent Ford; he’s the MUA for Nars and has fantastic concealer tips.