What Is Powder Sandwich?

The powder sandwich method addresses one of the hardest problems in under-eye concealer: creasing. The technique is simple: dust a light layer of translucent powder under the eyes before applying concealer, apply and blend the concealer as usual, then set it with another light layer of powder on top. The pre-powder step dries out the excess oil in the skin's natural creases so the concealer has less room to slip into, and the post-powder step locks the concealer in place. The result is concealer that holds up for 10–12 hours without the classic fine-line creasing that usually starts within a couple of hours. The technique works for any under-eye concealer but is especially effective with hydrating liquid formulas that tend to move. It's common among professional makeup artists doing weddings and long events. The downside: it's more powder than most routines, so it works best on normal to dry skin. On oily skin, a single sandwich layer is usually enough.