Mastering Pan Stick Concealer Application: Tips And Tricks

Panstick makeup is a versatile product that can be used as both a foundation and a concealer, providing heavy coverage and long-lasting wear. It is especially useful for those with dry skin, but people with normal or oily skin can also use it by moisturising correctly and choosing the right product.

To apply panstick makeup, start by cleansing and exfoliating your face. Then, use a toner to seal your pores and hydrate your skin. If you have dry skin, apply a moisturiser, but if you have normal or oily skin, you may want to skip this step or use an oil-free moisturiser. You can also apply a primer, but this is not necessary.

When applying the panstick, draw lines of product on your face according to the coverage you need – you don't need to cover your whole face. Apply the product directly to your face and blend it with a wet sponge, making sure to cover your ears and jawline. Dust some loose translucent powder on your face, with the amount depending on your skin type – a little for dry skin, and a moderate amount for normal or oily skin. Finally, spray your face with water and blend the product until you achieve a smooth, flawless finish.

Choosing the right shade

Identify Your Skin Tone and Undertone:

Firstly, it's crucial to determine your skin tone and undertone. Skin tone refers to the amount of melanin in the top layer of your skin and can range from fair to dark. Undertone, on the other hand, is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin and remains constant, unlike skin tone, which can change with sun exposure. Undertones are typically classified as warm, cool, or neutral.

Find Your Undertone:

To find your undertone, try these simple tests:

• Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist under natural light. Greenish veins suggest a warm undertone, blue or purplish veins indicate a cool undertone, and if your veins match your skin colour, you likely have a neutral undertone.
• White T-shirt Test: Hold a white shirt up to your face. If your skin looks yellow, you have a warm undertone; if it looks pink or rosy, you have a cool undertone, and if the white complements your skin without washing you out, your undertone is probably neutral.
• Jewellery Test: Hold a piece of jewellery, silver or gold, up to your face. If gold suits your skin better, you likely have a warm undertone; if silver is more flattering, your undertone is probably cool, and if both look good, you may have a neutral undertone.

Choose a Concealer with Matching Undertones:

When selecting a pan-stick concealer, opt for a shade that coordinates with your undertone. For warm skin, choose a warmer-toned concealer, and for cool skin, opt for a cooler-toned shade. Many brands label their concealer shades with "N" for neutral, "W" for warm, or "C" for cool, making it easier to identify the right undertone.

Consider the Purpose of the Concealer:

The purpose of your concealer will also influence the shade you choose. If you're using it to neutralise dark circles or redness, refer to the colour wheel to select a complementary colour. For example, orange or peach undertones can neutralise bluish under-eye circles, while green undertones can counteract redness.

If you're using the concealer for highlighting, opt for a shade that's about two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. Conversely, for contouring, choose a shade that's one to two shades darker to create natural-looking shadows.

Examine the Concealer in Different Lighting:

Don't rely solely on indoor lighting when selecting a concealer shade. Apply a small amount of the product to your face and examine it in different lighting conditions, such as natural daylight and dim light, to ensure the shade matches seamlessly.

Stock Up on Multiple Shades:

Keep in mind that your skin tone can change throughout the year due to sun exposure. It's a good idea to have at least two shades of concealer – one lighter and one slightly darker – to accommodate these variations. Just ensure that the undertone of the concealer remains consistent, even when you go lighter or darker.

By following these steps and considering your skin tone, undertone, and the intended use of the concealer, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right shade of pan-stick concealer for a flawless, natural finish.

Prepping your face

Before applying pan-stick concealer, it's important to prep your face to ensure the best results and a smooth application. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Start with a clean face: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria. This will help create a clean base for your makeup and keep your pores clear. Don't forget to wash your hands as well!
• Moisturize: Apply a lightweight moisturizer to your face and neck. This step is crucial as it will prevent your skin from drying out. It will also make it easier to spread the pan-stick concealer, which has a solid texture, more evenly across your face. Avoid heavy or rich creams that may make your skin oily.
• Primer (optional): Using a primer is optional but recommended by many beauty experts. It can help minimize the appearance of pores, smooth out fine lines, and make your makeup last longer. Choose a primer suitable for your skin type. If you live in a humid climate or plan to visit one, primer can also help keep your makeup from smudging or melting. Some pan-stick products already include primer, so check the label before purchasing a separate one.
• Choose the right pan-stick: Select a pan-stick concealer that matches your skin tone and undertone. Test potential options by swiping them across your cheek or jawline in natural lighting to find the perfect match. The right shade should blend seamlessly into your skin.

Remember, prepping your face is essential for achieving a flawless and long-lasting finish when using pan-stick concealer. Taking the time to cleanse, moisturize, and prime your skin will enhance the overall application process and ensure a more natural-looking finish.

Applying the concealer

The first step to achieving a flawless finish with a pan stick is to prepare your skin. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or bacteria. This will ensure that your pores remain clear and reduce the likelihood of blackheads. Additionally, washing your hands is essential before touching your face to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria.

After cleansing, it is crucial to moisturize your face and neck with a lightweight moisturizer. This step will prevent the pan stick from drying out your skin and make it easier to spread the product evenly. However, if you have oily or combination skin, you may want to skip the moisturizer and opt for a non-drying cleanser instead.

To further enhance the application process, you can use a primer. Primer helps to shrink pores, smooth fine lines, and make your makeup last longer. It also provides a base for the pan stick to adhere to, ensuring it stays put throughout the day.

Now, it's time to choose the right pan stick for your skin tone. Opt for a shade that matches your complexion and skin undertone. You can test this by swiping the pan stick on your cheek or jawline—the right shade should blend seamlessly into your skin.

Once you have selected the perfect shade, it's time to apply the pan stick. Twist the tube slightly so that the product barely sticks out, then swipe or dot it across your forehead, bridge of your nose, under your eyes, chin, and cheeks. Dotting the product will give you a lighter coverage, while swiping will provide more coverage.

After applying the pan stick, it's essential to blend it well. Use clean fingertips to blend the product from the center of your face outward, using light sweeping and patting motions. Make sure to blend towards the edges of your face, including your hairline and neck, to avoid any obvious lines.

If you have any blemishes or dark circles that need extra coverage, simply add a little more product to those areas and gently blend.

Finally, set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder. This will help absorb excess oil and ensure that your makeup stays in place for longer.

With these steps, you'll be able to achieve a flawless and natural-looking finish with your pan stick concealer.

Blending the concealer

Now for the blending! This is the step that will give you a natural-looking application of foundation. Check your hairline and neck to make sure you don't have an obvious line where your makeup ends.

Use your fingers to blend the foundation—your ring fingers, to be precise, as this is the weakest finger and will ensure you don't pull on your skin too much. You don't want to rub the foundation into your skin as you blend; rather, you want to sweep and pat the makeup.

If you'd prefer not to use your fingers, you can use a makeup sponge or brush to help blend your makeup. Make sure to cover the whole face with it, including the ears and jawline.

Look into the mirror and check if you need some more coverage for any not-so-perfect regions. Apply a little more product using your fingertips on areas like under the eyes, blemishes, and tan patches, and blend them well.

The panstick makeup, powder, and water will all mix beautifully to give a smooth, perfect coverage on the face. This also looks flawless and natural in photographs.

Setting the concealer

Choose the Right Powder

Select a powder that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a lightweight, translucent powder that will set your concealer without adding extra coverage. If you have oily skin, go for an oil-absorbing setting powder to keep your makeup in place and prevent shine.

Apply the Powder

Using a fluffy brush, lightly dust the powder over your face, focusing on the areas where you applied the concealer. Be sure to blend the powder seamlessly into your skin for a natural finish.

Use a Spray

After applying the powder, use a spray bottle to spritz your face with water. This step will help to melt the powder into your skin, creating a smooth and natural finish. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also use your fingertips to gently sprinkle water onto your face.

Blend with a Sponge

Take a damp beauty sponge and gently blend the powder and water into your skin. Make sure to cover all the areas where you applied the concealer, including your jawline and ears. This step will help to create a flawless, airbrushed effect.

Check for Coverage

Look in the mirror and assess if you need more coverage in certain areas. If you have any blemishes, dark circles, or tan patches that need extra coverage, use your fingertips to apply a small amount of concealer to those areas and blend it well.

Finish with a Compact

While it's not necessary, you can finish your look by applying a light layer of pressed powder or a compact. This will help to set your makeup and ensure that it lasts throughout the day. Keep the compact with you for touch-ups on the go.

By following these steps, you'll achieve a flawless and long-lasting finish with your pan stick concealer. Remember to choose the right products for your skin type and always blend thoroughly for a natural, airbrushed look.

Frequently asked questions