How to Apply Concealer Correctly: Make Your Make-up Even More Beautiful

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Concealer is a small product that does a lot of work: brightening under-eyes, hiding a spot or sharpening a lip line. The difference between a natural finish and a creased, cakey one usually comes down to prep, shade choice and how little product you use. Here is how to apply concealer correctly, step by step.

Choose the Right Concealer

Shade

• Under-eyes: one shade lighter than your foundation to brighten.
• Spots and redness: an exact match, so the spot does not look highlighted.
• Dark circles: a peach or orange corrector under concealer can cancel blue or purple tones on medium and deep skin; pink-peach suits fair skin.
• Redness: a green-tinted corrector under concealer.

Texture

Liquid concealers suit under-eyes; thicker creams and sticks suit blemishes. Matching the foundation finish also helps; see our guide on choosing foundation by skin type and tone.

Prep Your Skin First

Dry under-eyes make concealer crease. Moisturise and let it sink in for a few minutes. A light gel cream such as Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel is a hydrating base that does not feel heavy under makeup. Apply sunscreen in the morning before makeup.

How to Apply Concealer Under the Eyes

1. Apply foundation first, if you wear it. You will need less concealer.
2. Dot a small amount along the inner corner and outer edge, not a full triangle down the cheek.
3. Tap, do not rub, with a damp sponge or your ring finger. Our guide to using a makeup sponge covers the technique.
4. Wait 30 seconds, then blend again where it creases.
5. Set lightly with a small amount of powder pressed on with a puff.

How to Conceal Spots and Blemishes

1. Apply a tiny dot of a thicker, exact-match concealer directly on the spot.
2. Let it sit a few seconds so it thickens.
3. Tap only the edges to blend; leave the centre covered.
4. Set with powder. Avoid touching it during the day.

Using Concealer to Highlight

A slightly lighter concealer can lift the centre of the forehead, bridge of the nose, chin and the area under the brow arch. Blend thoroughly so there are no visible stripes.

Concealers Worth Trying

Prefer cruelty-free brands? See our list of cruelty-free concealers.

How to Make Concealer Last Longer

• Use less product and build up only where needed.
• Set with a fine powder, pressed rather than swept.
• Blot oil during the day instead of adding more concealer.
• If makeup looks heavy, our tips to fix cakey foundation apply to concealer too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should concealer go on before or after foundation?

Usually after foundation, because foundation covers some discoloration and you will need less concealer. Colour correctors go on before foundation.

Why does my concealer crease?

Too much product, dry skin or skipping setting powder. Use less, moisturise first and set lightly.

What shade of concealer should I use under my eyes?

Typically one shade lighter than your foundation. Use a peach corrector first if dark circles look grey or blue.

Can I use concealer without foundation?

Yes. Spot-conceal only where needed for a natural, skin-like look.

Conclusion

To apply concealer correctly: prep with moisturiser, pick a lighter shade for under-eyes and an exact match for spots, use small dots, tap to blend and set lightly. Less product, placed well, always looks more natural than more product spread everywhere.