Where to Put Concealer for Natural-Looking Coverage

Smooth, natural-looking skin starts with knowing where to put concealer. This go-to product can do a lot, like cover blemishes, brighten dull areas, and clean up lines, but it only works when used the right way. Learning where to put concealer and how to use it well is a total game-changer. Here’s how and where to apply concealer like a pro and still let your skin shine through.

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.

Brighten dull areas

Focus your concealer on areas that naturally show signs of fatigue or unevenness—under the eyes, around the nose, and along the chin. These spots often need a touch of brightness to help your mug look fresh and awake. Choosing a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone can work wonders to illuminate these areas without looking overdone. For a radiant, natural-looking finish, we love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. Its lightweight, hydrating formula blends seamlessly into the skin, delivering a subtle glow that brightens and lifts your overall look. It's the perfect pick-me-up for tired skin!

Clean up your eyebrow shape

If you're looking to define your brows or clean up after filling them in, this is where to put concealer. Use a flat brush to trace just above and below your brows with a small amount of product, then gently blend it out. This not only sharpens the brow shape but also lifts and highlights the eye area, making your whole look feel more polished.

Perfect your pout

Concealer isn’t just for your under-eyes and blemishes—it’s also a secret weapon for perfecting your lip look. If you’re learning how to use concealer beyond the basics, try applying it with a small, precise brush around the outer edge of your lips to clean up uneven lines or stop lipstick from feathering. This simple technique sharpens the shape and gives your lips a clean, polished finish. For an extra touch, dab a bit on your cupid’s bow to highlight and define your pout. It’s a quick trick that makes your lipstick pop and subtly enhances your lip shape—no liner needed.

Choosing the Right Concealer Formula

Understanding how to use concealer begins with choosing a formula that matches your skin’s needs and your makeup goals. Whether you want to brighten, blur, or spot-correct, the texture you pick can make all the difference. It’s about finding what works best for your skin type and applying it where it counts.

Liquid vs. cream vs. stick

Go with liquid for light, buildable coverage that blends easily and layers well. It's especially great for under-eyes or larger areas. Creams are thicker and work best when you need more serious spot correction, like blemishes or redness. Sticks are solid and mess-free, making them ideal for quick touch-ups on the go. Each type serves a different purpose, so pick what suits your needs or keep all three in rotation.

Finish and skin type compatibility

If your skin feels dry, use hydrating or dewy concealers, like the L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. This serum concealer is hyaluronic acid-infused to keep your skin highly hydrated for up to 24 hours. For oily or acne-prone skin, matte or long-wear concealers are your best bet. Try theL’Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-in-1 Foundation Concealer, which is matte, long-wearing, and does double duty.

Shade matching

When it comes to shade matching, using just one concealer often isn’t enough. For the most natural, seamless finish, it’s best to have two shades in your makeup bag. Use a shade that closely matches your skin tone to cover blemishes, redness, or any areas where you want coverage to blend in invisibly. Then, reach for a slightly lighter shade to brighten under your eyes or highlight high points of your face like the forehead, chin, and bridge of the nose. This simple technique not only enhances dimension but also helps your makeup look more blended, fresh, and skin-like—never flat or overdone. It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your concealer game.

Is Concealer Supposed to Go All Over Your Face?

If you’re wondering exactly where to apply concealer, it’s definitely not all over your face. Concealer is designed for targeted areas, like under the eyes, blemishes, and redness, not your entire face. Using it everywhere can pile on too much product, making your makeup look heavy, cakey, or uneven. For the most natural finish, keep it minimal and only apply where it’s really needed.

Does Concealer Go Before or After Foundation?

If you’ve ever asked yourself whether concealer goes before or after foundation, the answer depends on how you’re using it. For brightening areas like under the eyes or the high points of your face, it’s best to apply concealer first—this allows the brightness to shine through your foundation for a more luminous effect. But if you're spot concealing blemishes or redness, apply your foundation first so you don’t end up blending away the coverage. This approach lets you see exactly where you need a little extra help and ensures your concealer stays put. Understanding when to layer your products makes a big difference in how natural and long-lasting your makeup looks.

Where To Apply Concealer for a Natural Makeup Look?

As we said before, stick to problem areas: under the eyes, around the nose, on blemishes, or any redness. Blend well and don’t overdo it. The goal is to enhance, not hide your skin.

Can You Use Concealer as Primer?

You can use concealer as a primer; just make sure it’s not too creamy or slick. A matte concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-in-1 Foundation Concealer, can also double as a great eye or lip primer to lock color in place.

Can You Use Concealer to Contour?

Absolutely! Concealer isn’t just for covering up—it can also double as a sculpting tool in your routine. To contour with concealer, choose a shade that’s one to two tones deeper than your natural skin tone. Apply it strategically to areas you’d like to define, such as the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and down the sides of your nose. Then, blend well using a brush or damp sponge for a soft, natural-looking shadow effect. This technique enhances your features without looking harsh or overly done—perfect for everyday wear or a subtle glam look.

Next Up: What Is a Foundation-Concealer Hybrid and How Do You Use It?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris