How to Use Concealer to Dark Circles, Acne, and Other Problems

Dark circles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and other skin imperfections are all normal parts of being human. The right concealer can be a miracle worker that can cover discolorations and smooth over texture.

Concealer products come in many different forms, finishes and consistencies. It is important to choose the right concealer formula for your issue. These are the best makeup tricks and tips to help you make flawless concealer.

Choose the right concealer

It is important to choose the right tone for your task and the right color. You should choose a lighter shade than your natural skin color for undereyes. Erica Whelan, makeup artist says that this will brighten the undereye and hide dark circles. She suggests that you use a concealer color that matches your foundation to cover age spots, scars, and hyperpigmentation.

Our pros recommend that peach shades counter blue undereye circles, dark spots due to sun damage or aging. For maximum camouflaging, use green tones to hide red blemishes. Make sure you match your skin tone with a concealer. Concealer with a yellow tone can correct uneven skin tones due to redness and hyperpigmentation. A luminizing product that reflects light will give your skin a glowing glow, especially for mature skin. However, it should not be shimmery as this can settle into fine lines and accentuate what you are trying to conceal.

First, apply skincare and foundation

Before applying concealer, you should first apply any moisturizer, primer, or foundation. Apply your foundation first to blurring imperfections. You won’t likely need as much concealer. You can spot-conceal without using foundation, but you should moisturize your skin first.

Dark circles and undereye discoloration can be hidden

Whelan recommends using a concealer with a luminizing or radiant formula if you wish to brighten dark undereye circles. Experts prefer liquid formulas to cover the thin skin around your eyes. Creams and thicker formulas can cause wrinkles and fine lines.

Instead of using a semi-circle to cover the discoloration, draw an inverted triangle that highlights your front and creates a lift illusion. Whelan says to get the best results, apply concealer under your eyes and tap it in place using your ring finger or small fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Undereye bags and puffiness can be discolored

Although makeup cannot alter the form of your skin, it can create illusions that distract from features you wish to conceal (or accentuate — think contouring). Joy Fennell, makeup artist and founder Of The Joy in Beauty and All Black Everything Summit says that liquids can be used to brighten areas.

Whelan suggests using a tone that is 1-2 shades lighter then your foundation. “Add highlighting concealer pen just below and above the area where the eyelids are most puffy,” she says. It makes these areas more visible and reduces puffiness by adding light to them.

Cover up acne and blemishes

Whelan suggests that you use a concealer with a thicker cream, such as a stick concealer, if you have already treated acne and want to conceal any redness or bumps. Blend the concealer’s edges with a brush, sponge edge, or finger. This will create a seamless blend.

Camouflage dark pigmentation and hyperpigmentation

Whelan says, “Choose a heavier cream formula for sun/age spots.” It should be dense enough that it can fully conceal the darkness. Whelan says to apply foundation to even out skin tone. Then, use concealer to fill in the spots for maximum coverage. Fennell says that if you want to reduce dryness, it is important to use a moisturizing formula and not one with a matte finish.

Cover up scars and pockmarks with expertise

Fennell suggests a pencil or crayon formula for small scars. Simply trace the area or fill it in with the fine point. Liquid concealer is not recommended for larger scars. It can move around on the skin and it’s formula doesn’t make it easy to conceal. Apply cream or pot concealer with a brush or your fingers to get the best results.

Stop using cakey concealer!

Blot excess concealer after application to prevent it from becoming cakey or settling around your eyes. To remove excess oil and thick product, you can split a tissue in two layers.

For the best lasting power, mix with powder

Fennell says that if you have oily skin, you should set your concealer with a powder to prevent it from moving around. Whelan suggests lightly tapping translucent powder on the affected area. This helps concealer to stay put all day.