FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: How to test concealer without putting it on your face/undereyes

Wassup guys?! I've experienced a bit of Insomnia last night, thus I'm feeling a lil' zoned out today so I think our Fan Mail Fridays is just apt for my situation haha. Check it out!

Hi Ms. Martha! 

Are there other ways to test a concealer without it touching your face?  

- Bing

Hi Bing!

I think it's every girl's dilemma that they go to a makeup counter to swatch some products, but prefers to not test it on their face because the last thing they wanna happen is for their look to be ruined and welcome a nasty breakout too. (This is the perfect example of conflict of interest haha!) It's tough being a girl, right? :D

Of course there are ways to test makeup without applying it on your face-in this case, it's concealer. The big question is not really how, but what's the right way. After the jump, I'll guide you through concealer (and even corrector) testing but without applying it on your face and under eyes. ;)

BE SPECIFIC

- Clarity is always essential in finding what's right for you. What concealer consistency do you need or fits you? Liquid? Mousse? Cream? What coverage do you prefer? Light, medium, or heavy? What would you like to conceal? Bluish/Greenish/Purplish veins, dark circles, post- acne marks or redness? (Read my Concealer 101 blog post to help you determine the different types and uses of concealers) This will help you narrow down your choices, cut down your shopping time so you can do more things, and prevent you from buying the wrong stuff.

IF YOU'RE COVERING VEINS, TEST ON THE INNER PART OF YOUR ARM

- Or also your pulse points, the back of your hands or wherever there is a visible vein. Grab a lavender concealer (the best corrector shade to hide veins) and swatch away.

IF YOU'RE COVERING DARK SPOTS, FIND A DISCOLORATION ON YOUR BODY

- Post- acne marks are normally dark brown in color so find the same discoloration (or birthmark on your arms), neck or legs and start testing. I'm sure we all have some form of discoloration on our bodies! If you have none, then congratulations. :D No seriously if you have none, just go for Peach or Salmon because they're really meant for neutralizing light to heavy spots.

IF YOU'RE COVERING REDNESS, TEST ON YOUR PALMS

- Take a moment and stare at your palms. Notice that they have a reddish hue especially in between the lines and creases-that's blood and what's the color of blood? Red. Even if your hands are at rest, you could see those reddish spots. If you have pale palms, open up your hands as wide as you can and try to bend your fingers backwards as far as you can and you'll finally see those reddish spots appear. If this trick doesn't work on you, just opt for green concealer as it's intended for concealing redness. Disclaimer though, this is not chronicled as an official beauty tip-it's my own technique and it works for me. There's no harm in trying so try it! :D

LOOKING FOR A NEUTRAL CONCEALER? CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT'S ONE SHADE LIGHTER THAN YOUR FOUNDATION.

- And may I add, your shade- matching foundation, something that you think really resembles your skin tone. Swatch your foundation on your arm or the back of your hand and compare it with various concealer shades until you find the right one. Just make sure that the concealer you're gonna test has the same undertone as your foundation, unless you are looking for a corrector. It will also help if you'll bring that foundation with you to make choosing easier.

There goes our FMF for today. Hope you like it! :D

**Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com or shoot 'em up at The Beauty Junkee's FB Fan Page via the MESSAGE button and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)