How to pick the right colour to cover my skin impurities? How much does if have to be darker or lighter than my skin colour? Or does this depend on the colour of the foundation I use?

There are generally two misconceptions about concealer cosmetics and their use!

1)  The colour does not always have to be one or two shades lighter than your skin colour. Not necssarily so. If your skin impurities concern hyperpigmentation; the best thing you can do is choose a concealer which matches your skin colour. This  can be the same colour as your foundation colour; but since a concealer is a product which is many times more concentrated; it will give you a much better cover effect.

Dark spots under the eyes which still show after the application of a concealer; can best be treated first with a corrector; and afterwards with concealer. For a dark skin; you better use an orange colour corrector. A good one to use is 

Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette – No.4

                                            

from Make Up For Ever. Orange neutralises dark spots with a purple/blue undertone. 

EXTRA TIP / ALTERNATIVE : A matte, non shiny lipstick in the right tint of orange could do the trick as well; instead of the corrector mentioned here above.

2)  A second misconception is that concealer should always be applied BENEATH the foundation. Not necessarily! On the contrary; concealer will stick better if you first apply your foundation. And only after that camouflage the remaining impurities with your concealer. If you did it the other way around; you would soon wipe out your concealer. Besides that; a concealer can easily be used and worn on its own.