How to Apply Concealer the Right Way, According to Pros

After foundation, you want to apply your concealer in a patting motion, then press it in with a concealer brush or Beautyblender. Hot tip: Don’t smear or drag—simply patting your concealer in will keep it from caking and creasing. Creating a good base is key when it comes to how to apply concealer under eyes.

Where to apply concealer around your eyes

It seems natural to apply concealer in the undereye area where the dark circles and discoloration are, but that’s not the only area to treat. Dot concealer under your eyes, and then “make sure you also apply it on the inner corners of your eyes,” Geller advises. And here’s where not to apply it: “Avoid using concealer past your smile line, as this will enhance any fine lines you may have,” she adds. For your final step, sweep on a light, oil-absorbing setting powder to set your concealer in place so that it lasts all day.

How to conceal redness

No matter how many times we dab concealer here, it never seems to stick—and we’re sure we’re in good company. After choosing a concealer that matches your skin tone, this is where setting powder comes in. “Again, my trick is to always use an oil-absorbing setting powder after you apply your concealer,” says Geller. “Makeup tends to come off the nose area more quickly, especially for me around allergy season. So you want to make sure the concealer is properly set in place to keep any redness hidden throughout the day.”

If your makeup is staying put but you’re still seeing redness, it may be time to color correct: Consider using a green color corrector prior to applying your foundation and concealer. Because green is opposite of red on the color wheel, it’ll help neutralize the redness. Then the foundation and concealer will cover it up even more.

In the winter especially or if you have dry skin, don’t forget to moisturize this area beforehand to keep dry spots and flaking in check. (See our best winter-skin fix advice and list of favorite moisturizers to keep dryness at bay.)

How to hide breakouts

Katie Friedman

This may just be the most common coverup concern, and oftentimes the hardest. (Those pesky pimples always seem to find a way to peek out!) The good news: Urban Decay founder Wende Zomnir has a quick and easy layering trick to get smooth coverage on breakouts, and yes, it truly works. “I put Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion on blemishes before applying concealer,” she says. “The primer restores the velvety texture to the blemished skin, so the concealer has something to stick to.”

Have some extra time to get ready? Don’t be afraid to add a skin care step in too. Start by sanitizing the zit with a blue light device (the wavelength of blue light helps kill acne-causing bacteria), Martin recommends. Follow that with primer, then concealer, then foundation. Sure, it’s an extra step, but if it means your pimple won’t show up during a midday makeup check, we say it’s worth it.

How to hide a scar

Katie Jane Hughes

First things first: “Assess what type of scar it is—raised or flat,” says Geller. That will determine what kind of formula you should be using. “If your scar is raised, I always recommend using a creamy, lightweight concealer,” she says, like the hydrating Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. “For flat scars, you want to use a thicker, more matte formula.” And remember, for both, choose one that will offer you full coverage, and use a setting powder to keep it in place.

Even with our best effort and best products, sometimes our concealer application just doesn’t look quite right. It might be, then, that you’ve fallen prey to some common concealer mistakes. Here are your concealer questions, answered.

How do you choose a concealer?

Unfortunately, it’s a rare concealer that performs equally well for all types of concerns. The best concealer to hide a pimple is different than one for dark circles, for example. Not all types of concealers are created equally.