Concealer Application 101: Where to Put Concealer

Oh, the wonders of concealer. It’s a truly iconic makeup staple that is probably in your makeup collection even if you only occasionally use it. Concealer is one of those makeup products that has been used for generations to cover pimples, disguise under-eye bags, color-correct pigmentation and temporarily cover an array of blemishes and marks. As a reminder, there isn’t anything wrong with these things, but we also know there are certain occasions where you’d rather not have these skin blemishes front and center. 

Since there are endless uses for this beauty essential, the key to getting the best use is to know exactly where to put concealer and how to apply concealer on your face. Knowing all the right tips and tricks can take your beauty look to the next level. So consider this your go-to guide on proper concealer application featuring the best concealers that TikTok can’t get enough of.

Where to Put Concealer

Everyone uses concealer differently. It’s one of those makeup products that has endless beauty uses and is often the center of many trending beauty moments. Ultimately, where you put concealer is personal, especially if you have a preferred use that works for you. Still, explore the maximum potential of this coverage product by trying out one of our useful tips on where to put concealer. We’re also answering some of your most-asked questions about proper concealer application for the freshest makeup possible.

Carefully Cover Blemishes

Not to state the obvious, but concealer is a miracle worker when it comes to hiding blemishes. If you have a pink or reddish spot and you don’t want anyone to see it, the trick is to use a green concealer — and no, you won’t end up looking like a wicked witch. Concealers like these work to color-correct dark blemishes by neutralizing the pigment with the right complementary shade before following up with a flesh-toned concealer. Think about the color wheel that you may have learned about in elementary school. Since green sits opposite of red on the color wheel, a green concealer will help neutralize the look of your warm-toned blemish. 

For those with deeper complexions, breakouts tend to look like dark marks like the natural complexion. To counteract this, use a red or orange concealer before applying your favorite concealer for a more even complexion, with blemishes that won’t come through. 

Editor’s tip: Use a clean concealer brush to apply the product over any blemishes. This is better than applying the product directly onto any acne spots, as the bacteria from your breakouts can end up on the concealer wand.

Brighten Dull Areas

If you notice your complexion looks a little on the lackluster side, we’ve got one piece of advice for you: conceal, conceal, conceal. Brighten things up and give your face a glowy look with a concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone and apply it to key spots on the face. Try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which comes in 24 skin-like shades and provides 24-hour hydration to neutralize dark circles. For an illuminating look apply a lighter concealer on the same spots that you would apply highlighter: down the bridge of your nose, above your cheekbones, on the center of your forehead and in the middle of your chin.

Clean Up Your Eyebrow Shape

Use concealer to enhance your natural brows without the over-plucking and tweezing of eyebrow hairs. Simply swipe brows with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara making sure to form the hairs in the direction you want them to lay with the 3D grip brush. Then, using a small brush or the tips of your clean pinkie finger, dip into your concealer and use it to outline the natural arch of your eyebrows around the top and bottom. Make sure to blend it out until it’s even so you don’t end up with blocky brows.

Perfect Your Pout

If lipstick bleeding and smudging are practically the bane of your existence, we have news you’ll be happy to hear: Concealer can (yet again) save the day. All you need is a like L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer with an iron shape applicator and pointed tip for ultra-precise application to get the job done. Pick up a little product with an angled lip brush and go carefully around the natural line of your lips to clean up your pout. Best of all, this hack highlights and creates the illusion of fuller lips.

Is Concealer Supposed to Go All Over Your Face?

While you don’t want to apply concealer all over your face you can use it in place of foundation, but only in small quantities. It might seem logical that the more concealer makeup you apply, the more you’re able to cover up imperfections, but that’s not the reality of how concealer works. When you load on too much product, you’ll end up drawing attention to the spots you were trying to hide and risk a cakey, creased texture. Instead, apply a thin layer of concealer on the desired area to start. You can always add more if necessary. 

When using concealer instead of foundation make sure to find a non-comedogenic product that won’t clog your pores. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer which is formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Does Concealer Go Under or Over Your Foundation?

We talk a lot about how there are no rules in makeup and this is another case where that rings true. With that being said, there is a preferred method for makeup order to get a crease-free and smooth texture. For a more natural finish, apply foundation before concealer. When you apply foundation first you’re creating a more even base for concealer, bronzer, blush and any other makeup products you want to put on top. The only time you’ll want to put concealer before foundation is when you’re color-correcting blemishes.

Where Do You Put Concealer for a Natural Makeup Look?

Natural makeup look usually equates to an even skin tone with subtle highlighting to emphasize your natural beauty for that “no-makeup makeup look.” The best way to get a natural makeup look is to take care of your skin with a hydrating skin care routine, and on the days your dark under-eye circles or dark spots are too prominent, reach for eye concealer makeup and get to work. 

If you want to hide dark under-eye circles, start off with a peach color-correcting concealer. The pale color can help counteract the bluish look of dark circles since the colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. As for where to apply under-eye concealer, draw a half moon under the eye — the flat point following the natural curve of the skin there — before creating an elongated tail that creates a lifted illusion to draw attention to the eye. Blend with a makeup sponge or the pads of your clean fingers so the concealer can melt into the skin. Follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, which bridges the gap between skin care and makeup with its hydrating formula that reduces under-eye puffiness while providing instant dark circle coverage.

Can You Use Concealer as Primer?

Eye primer is a makeup product used to help create a smooth, even base for your eye makeup as well as help keep it in place. If you find yourself at the end of your tube of eyeshadow primer, use an eye concealer to serve as the perfect stand-in. If you have oily eyelids, make sure you use a formula that is matte to keep your eyeshadow from creasing and sliding on your lids. Dab a tiny amount of eye-safe concealer to each lid before gently buffing it in to create an even layer on the eyelids. Follow up with a white eyeshadow or a translucent setting powder to avoid excessive creasing. Trust us, this little beauty hack will be especially useful during warmer summer days or when you know you’ll be running around a lot (and sweating).

Can You Use Concealer to Contour?

Thanks to concealer, sculpted cheekbones are perfectly accessible to everyone. You can carve out your cheekbones by contouring with a concealer that’s one to two shades darker than your skin tone. To contour your face, grab a full-coverage concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage in your desired shade. Apply stripes of it down the sides of your nose, below your cheekbones, on your temples and along your jawline, then blend it out with a makeup sponge. You’ll be left with a more sculpted face with defined, chiseled features.

Next: The Best Under-Eye Concealers for Banishing Dark Circles