How to Apply Concealer The RIGHT Way!

How do I apply concealer correctly? Should I apply foundation or concealer first? These are just some of the questions I’m going to answer in this post. And I’m also going to explain why the method of applying concealer you’re being taught in so many video tutorials is NOT the right way to do it! As well as the RIGHT way to apply it so you’ll get a much more flattering, natural look that’ll enhance your entire complexion. So let’s get started.

Should I apply concealer or foundation first?

This is the most frequently asked question I hear from my 1-1 makeup lesson clients. So this is a great place to start with this post.

And I’ve got great news for you.

Because the simple answer is, it really doesn’t matter in what order you apply them. Whooo! Don’t you just love it when things are so much simpler than you thought? 😃

You can apply concealer first and then foundation if you prefer.

Or you can apply foundation first and then concealer.

There’s no right or wrong with this.

There’s only 1 exception to this rule!

And that’s when you are applying a powder foundation.

The basic rule to remember is this:

Liquid products are ALWAYS applied before powder products.

So what this means is, if your concealer has a liquid or cream consistency, and your foundation is a powder foundation, then you’ll need to apply your concealer first, and then your foundation.

Why can’t I apply liquid or cream over powder?

The reason is that it’s very difficult to apply liquid or cream products OVER a powder product.

A powder product will always set a liquid product. In other words, it will hold it in place.

But if you try to do it the other way around, all you’ll be left with is a patchy looking application.

If both your concealer and foundation have a liquid or cream consistency, then it doesn’t matter what order you apply them in.

Here’s a quick recap:

Liquid or Cream Foundation – Apply concealer first or second.

Powder Foundation – Always apply concealer FIRST.

Now let’s move on to the actual application techniques themselves.

How to correctly apply concealer to the eye area

There are plenty of video tutorials on YouTube teaching you to apply concealer in V shape, all over the under eye area. And to use a ton of concealer to do it.

This is NOT the correct way to apply concealer!!

For one thing, it’s such a waste of your product! As you absolutely do not need to use that much concealer at all!!

Exactly how much concealer should I use?

The amount the size of a pinhead is generally more than enough for both eyes. Yes, really!

You really don’t want to go overboard applying too much concealer, especially around the eye area.

Otherwise, you run the risk of looking even more tired, as the product will look heavy, cakey, cause creasing or settle in any fine lines or wrinkles. Which is the exact opposite look you’re trying to achieve.

Always start off small and apply only a very tiny amount at a time. If you feel you need more, then build it up slowly but surely. It’ll give a much more natural, professional looking finish.

Here are 4 concealer tips to ensure you apply it in the right way to the eye area:

Tip #1 Only apply it where you actually need it!

I can’t emphasise this point enough! And I’ll warn you now, I’m going to mention this in pretty much every step or tip from here on in!

There’s absolutely no need to apply concealer the way they do in many of those video tutorials I just mentioned.

I mean, if you think about it, why would you apply product where you don’t need it? It’s such a waste of your products. And your time!

Tip #2 Apply only to the inner corner of the eye and work your way downwards.

Why? Because this is the area that looks darkest.

Begin by applying a very small amount (ie: a pinhead size amount!) of concealer on the tear duct area.

Then work your way downwards, stopping about halfway around your eye socket only. Or wherever the dark circles or shadows end.

Tip #3 DON’T apply all the way up to the lower lash line

therwise, the concealer will settle in any fine lines or wrinkles, which will only accentuate them even further.

Even if you don’t have any fine lines or wrinkles (lucky you ☺), avoid applying it all the way up to the lashline area.

This will only cause your eyes to look puffy and tired and as well as saggy with under eye bags. Which is the exact opposite effect you’re looking for!

Pro Tip: This tip also applies to eye cream too. So only ever apply any eye products around the eye socket area. Never up as far as the bottom lash line.

Tip #4 Apply using your fingers

As the heat from your fingers will really help to soften the product and work it into your skin so you can blend it really well.

However, it’s okay to use a concealer brush if you prefer.

Tip #5: If applicable, apply to the outer corners of the eyes

Sometimes you might also have some dark spots in this area. This is often the case with darker skin tones.

If you do notice dark shadows on the outer corners of your eyes, apply a very small amount of concealer here too.

How to correctly apply concealer on any redness or spots

Again, only apply the product where you actually NEED it! There’s no need to apply it all over your face unnecssarily.

If you feel you still need a bit more, go ahead and apply just a little more bit by bit.

Spots

Begin by only using a very small amount of product. Applying too much product will only emphasise the spot even more.

Building up the product slowly in this way will ensure you have a much smoother and natural looking application. The product should blend in perfectly with your skin tone.

In this instance, I recommend using a very small brush to apply the concealer to the spot. It will make it a lot easier to apply and blend the product.

Start by applying the concealer on the spot and then begin to blend it slowly into your skin.

PRO TIP: Be very careful when applying concealer to spots. You want to do this really gently so as not to irritate the spot even more.

Redness

Many of us have at least some redness around the nose and/or cheek areas.

If this is the case for you too, then only apply your concealer on those areas where you see some redness. It’s best to use a concealer brush to do this, as it can be really great for getting into the hard to reach nose area.

However, you can also use your fingers. Make sure to blend the product well either way.

Remember, there’s no need to apply your concealer all over your face if you don’t need it!

Final Tips

Pro Tip #1:

As I’ve already mentioned, you can decide if you want to apply foundation first then concealer, or vice versa.

However, I personally prefer to apply my concealer first and then my foundation.

That way, I use less foundation as I’m not applying too much product and it ensures a much more natural looking finish.

Pro Tip #2:

When applying concealer to the eye area, I always leave this until the very end.

The reason is that you can have some fallout from your eye makeup. For example, from eyeshadows and even mascara. Especially if you’re doing a smokey eye.

So it makes sense to apply your concealer to your eye area last. As that way, you’ll save yourself some time and product as you won’t have to apply it twice.

Pro Tip #3:

Choosing a shade 1-2 shades lighter than your skintone is NOT the right way to choose a concealer shade!

For starters, all that’s going to do is leave a greyish looking tint around your eye area as the shade is too light for you.

And if you want to neutralise spots or redness, a concealer shade matching your skintone isn’t going to do that either.

Make sure to have a read of this post where I’ve explained why in more detail. And I’ve explained how to correctly choose the right concealer shade.

I really hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. Do you have any questions? If so, just pop them in the comments below as I’d love to answer them for you. xo