You could say that over the years, I’ve heard my fair share of beauty tips between scrolling through TikTok and getting to meet some of the best makeup artists in the industry. Like everyone else, I enjoy a good makeup trick, but few actually become a permanent part of my routine. Old habits die hard, but with “marinating” my concealer, I didn’t become obsessed with it like I usually do before returning to my old ways. I finally tried it in my own makeup routine and haven’t stopped since after being told by numerous professionals that I had to be doing it and then coming across countless people on TikTok calling it a life-changing revelation.
When you marinate something in cooking, whether it’s chicken, vegetables, or tofu (I had to include it because I’m vegetarian), you let it sit for a while. The goal is to give the ingredients some time to absorb. Obviously, “marinated” concealer has nothing to do with flavor, but it applies the same idea that things get better when they sit for a while.
Allow me to explain if you’re scratching your head and wondering why you’d want to “marinate” concealer. Have you ever dabbed a little concealer on your face—under your eyes, on a pimple that is infected, or over some dark spots—blended it in right away, only to discover you needed a second layer? Marinating solves that issue.
Apply your concealer as usual, let it sit for a few minutes (but no longer than five, as it becomes difficult to blend after that), and then blend again. Allowing the product to slightly dry down makes it more opaque and therefore better at actually covering because of this. I follow these steps in my own makeup routine:
I always begin by prepping the skin using either a face sunscreen or a primer. Then, because I’m not much of a foundation person, I go in with my concealer right away. Right now my favourite is the Kulfi Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer (£40). I typically apply it under my eyes in the inner and outer corners, around my nose, between my eyebrows, and on my chin over any dark spots and breakouts. Then, to let it “marinate,” I move on to my cream contour. After I’ve blended that into my cheekbones, jawline, and temples, I go back to my concealer.
I used to struggle with covering angry, red pimples but “marinating” my concealer allows me to only use one coat of product — it completely disappears. Afterwards, I always like to set it with a loose power.
Ever since I gave “marinating” my concealer a try for the first time, I’ve never gone back. It’s a true game-changer for my makeup routine.
