How and Where to Apply Concealer

If there is one makeup product that’s an absolute must-have for your collection, concealer takes the top spot. And just like any makeup product, the key to getting the best out of this essential is to know exactly how and where to apply it. While most people already use this makeup staple to disguise under-eye bags and imperfections, knowing all the right tips and tricks for applying concealer can take your beauty look to the next level. So, you can consider this your go-to guide on how and where to apply concealer.

HOW AND WHERE TO APPLY CONCEALER

Ready for all our best concealer-centric tips? Below, you’ll find nine tips that will fill you in on exactly where your concealer should go and how you should apply it.

1. Don’t over-apply

Does it seem logical that the more concealer you apply, the more you’re able to cover up imperfections? Maybe that makes sense on some level—but it’s not the reality of how concealer works. When you load on too much product, you’ll actually end up drawing attention to the spots you were trying to hide. Instead, apply a thin layer of concealer to start. You can add a little more if necessary.

You also don’t want to put concealer all over your face—that’s what foundation is for. Stick with applying concealer on key spots—which we’ll break down more as we go.

2. Foundation first, then concealer

What came first, the chicken or the egg? We might not be 100% on the answer to that one, but we do know that foundation comes before concealer. Applying concealer then foundation is one of the biggest face makeup mistakes we see, so make sure your routine is in order.

3. Use a triangle shape to conceal under your eyes

Didn’t get enough beauty sleep last night? No worries! Simply reach for your concealer and get to work. If you want to hide dark under-eye circles, start off with a peach color-correcting concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Peach. The pale peach color can help counteract the bluish look of dark circles since they’re opposites on the color wheel.

To apply, draw an inverted triangle shape under each eye and blend with a makeup blender like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Follow up with a concealer that matches your skin tone.

4. Prime your eyelids with Concealer

All out of eye primer? We have the perfect hack! Eye primer can help create a smooth, even base for your eye makeup as well as help keep it in place—and concealer acts as the perfect stand-in. Use just a tiny dab of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer on each lid before moving on to your eye shadow and eyeliner application. Trust us, this little trick will be especially useful during the summer or on days when you know you’ll be running around a lot!

5. Carefully cover blemishes

Not to state the obvious, but concealer is a miracle worker when it comes to hiding blemishes. Have a spot you don’t want anyone to see? The trick is to use a green concealer—and no, you won’t look like a witch! Use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Color Correcting Crayon in Green to cover acne. Because green sits opposite of red on the color wheel, the concealer will neutralize the red look of your blemish. Follow up with the rest of your face makeup routine, applying a non-comedogenic foundation and concealer. When all is said and done, you’ll be saying, “Blemish, what blemish?”

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

6. brighten dull areas with concealer

Notice your complexion looks a little on the lackluster side? We’ve got one piece of advice for you: Conceal, conceal, conceal! To help hide the look of dullness, apply a pale lavender color-correcting concealer to any areas that you think look like they need a little perking up. As with any other time you use a color-correcting concealer, using a lavender corrector calls for topping things off with a flesh-colored concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer.

Of course, that isn’t the only way to get a brighter look with concealer. You can also brighten things up and give your face a glowy look with a concealer that has a radiant finish. One other option: Apply a concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone on key spots (down the bridge of your nose, above your cheekbones, on the center of your forehead, and in the middle of your chin) to highlight your face.

7. Clean up your eyebrow shape

Looking for a way to define your natural brows? Look no further than your trusty concealer! Kick things off by using the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil to outline and fill in your eyebrows. Be sure to use feathered strokes to mimic your natural eyebrow hairs, then use a spoolie brush to soften any harsh lines.

Here’s where your concealer comes in: Grab a small brush, dip it into your concealer, and apply it along the top and bottom edge of your eyebrows. Be sure to blend until even. Finish things off with a bit of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder under your arch, then seal the deal with a swipe of the L’Oréal Paris Unbelievabrow Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel to set your brows in place. 

8. Perfect your pout, too

Is lipstick bleeding and smudging practically the bane of your existence? Good news, concealer can save the day! All you need is a fine-tip brush and a long-wear concealer to get the job done. Simply pick up a little concealer with your brush and go 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.

Editor’s note: Some people also use concealer in place of nude lipstick, but we’d recommend sticking with a product actually meant for your pout!

9. Contour your visage

Thanks to concealer, sculpted cheekbones are perfectly accessible to everyone. What do we mean? You can carve out your cheekbones by contouring with a concealer that’s a couple of shades darker than your skin tone! Grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage in a shade that works for you, and apply stripes of concealer down the sides of your nose, below your cheekbones, on your temples, and along your jawline, then blend out with a makeup sponge. Ta-da, now look at those angular features!

Next: 7 Places on Your Face to Apply Highlighter