How to make your concealer last longer

I have suffered with dark circles all my life so concealer has always been my holy grail product. Throughout my teens and early adulthood I have tried so many concealers I've lost count. The one thing I find most frustrating about using concealer is how quickly it fades in comparison to the rest of my makeup. This frustration led to me researching ways to make my concealer last longer, here's some tips that helped me along the way.

Make sure your face is clean
Makeup lasts longest on clean skin as it has a clear base to settle on. Try to get in a routine and clean your face morning and night with a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Alternate with a exfoliator so you can remove all the oils, impurities and dead skin cells that can cause dullness and break outs.

Hydrate your skin
If you don't apply moisturiser your skin will get really dry especially in winter. Once you've washed your face use a good moisturiser to give your skin the moisture it deserves. Opt for a moisturiser that suits your skin type and try to aim for one with a high SPF. A good place to start is Kiehl's Blue Herbal Moisturiser (on offer for £23.85 at House of Fraser)

Use a makeup primer
Makeup primers are essential for getting your concealer to last longer. By applying primer first your makeup has a base to cling to which will avoid it sinking straight into your skin. I recommend Nars Cosmetics Multi Project Primer (on offer for £23.40 at House of Fraser).

Choose the right concealer 
There are so many concealers on the market it's probably quite overwhelming trying to find the right one. Try to find a concealer that is branded as long lasting and suitable for your skin type. The best way to see if it's right for you is to try it out in store or ask for a demonstration. Find out which concealer will suit your skin type below:

• If you have dry skin opt for a liquid concealer 
• If you suffer from acne or combination skin, cream concealer is good as its normally medium to full coverage
• If your skin is oily you'll want to choose a matte concealer that won't add extra moisture. 

It's time to apply
Once you've find the perfect concealer it's time to apply. You can use a concealer brush or your fingers depending on which you find easiest. Apply a small amount and blend along the problem area. If you're applying concealer to dark circles aim for one shade lighter so the area looks brighter. If you're covering acne you'll want to aim for a concealer that matches your skin tone.

Set with a powder
The best way to set your makeup is using a face powder that will give your makeup sticking power and prevent shine. Use circular motions to blend the powder in.

Resist the touch!
Nothing ruins your makeup quicker then having dirty fingers running over it. It's so easy when you're at work to scratch, itch or touch your face without even thinking about it. I know I do it all the time!
Try to resist this as it can cause your makeup to smudge and transfer oil and dirt onto your skin.