Knowing how to apply concealer well means you can wear less foundation and still look polished. Concealer is a concentrated product, so the secrets are simple: the right shade for the job, a small amount, and tapping instead of rubbing.
Choose the right shade for each job
One concealer rarely does everything.
| Job | Shade to choose | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Under-eye darkness | Your skin shade or up to one shade lighter | Light, hydrating liquid |
| Blemishes and red marks | An exact match to your foundation or skin | Thicker, matte, long-wearing |
| Brightening the center of the face | One shade lighter than your skin | Light liquid |
| Dark spots on deep skin | An exact match, over a peach or orange corrector if needed | Medium to full coverage |
A concealer that is much lighter than your skin under the eyes leaves a pale ring. One that is lighter than your skin on a pimple makes the pimple stand out.
For strong blue, purple or brown darkness, use a color corrector first. See Color Correcting Makeup: What Each Color Does.
Before or after foundation?
After, in most cases. Foundation already evens out a lot, so you need less concealer on top. If you wear no foundation, apply concealer only where needed and blend the edges into bare skin.
How to conceal under the eyes
- Prep. Apply a light eye cream or moisturizer and let it sink in. Dry skin makes concealer crease.
- Place small dots at the inner corner, where darkness is usually deepest, and along the outer corner, lifting slightly upwards.
- Tap to blend with your ring finger, a small damp sponge or a soft brush. Do not drag.
- Stop below the lower lashes. Product right up against the lash line gathers in fine lines.
- Set lightly with a small amount of fine powder, only where it creases.
The large triangle of concealer seen in some tutorials uses far more product than most people need and is more likely to crease.
How to cover a blemish
- Use a thick, matte concealer that matches your skin exactly.
- Pick up a tiny amount on a small, pointed brush.
- Dab it on the center of the spot.
- Feather only the edges outward. Leave the product on the spot itself untouched.
- Press a little powder on top to hold it.
If the spot is raised, concealer can hide the color but not the bump. Good lighting and a matte finish make it less noticeable.
Brightening the face
Apply a slightly lighter concealer in thin strokes down the center of the nose, on the center of the forehead, the chin and above the cheekbones, then blend well. This adds lift without a heavy contour.
Tools
- Fingers: warmth helps creamy formulas melt in. Good under the eyes.
- Damp sponge: gives the sheerest, most skin-like result.
- Small flat or fluffy brush: the most precise, good for blemishes and corners.
How to stop creasing
- Use less product. This solves most creasing.
- Moisturize the under-eye area first.
- Before setting, press a fingertip or tissue over the area to lift any product that has gathered in lines.
- Set with a small amount of finely milled powder. See Setting Powder vs Setting Spray: When to Use Each.
- Choose a hydrating formula if your under-eye skin is dry or lined.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a shade two or three tones lighter than your skin.
- Applying it in thick layers.
- Rubbing it away while blending.
- Using a drying, full-coverage formula under the eyes.
- Forgetting to blend down to the cheek, leaving an obvious patch.
Concealer Buying Guide: Coverage, Texture, and Shade explains how to choose a concealer by coverage, texture and shade. For foundation matching, see How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade, and for the full order of a makeup routine, Makeup Application Order: What to Apply First.
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Frequently asked questions
Should concealer be lighter than foundation?
Under the eyes, it can be up to one shade lighter. For blemishes and marks, it should match your foundation exactly.
Why does my concealer look cakey under my eyes?
Usually because there is too much product, the skin underneath is dry, or it has been set with too much powder. Use less and hydrate first.
Can I wear concealer without foundation?
Yes. Apply it only where needed, blend the edges well, and choose a shade that matches your bare skin.