Face concealer is a product in your face makeup routine that’s used to brighten, correct, conceal and perfect your complexion. Concealer makeup temporarily hides dark circles, blemishes, age spots and other skin imperfections. It can also be used to highlight different parts of the face to create a brightening effect.
There are under eye concealers that benefit all skin types and target different concerns, such as hydrating concealers for dry skin, colour correcting concealers for dark spots and discolouration and concealers for dark circles.
How to apply concealer?
Many beauty experts recommend applying concealer after you have cleansed, moisturised and applied foundation. Your hydrating concealer can be applied directly to blemishes, and under the eyes to brighten any dark patches. Pro tip: Start with a small amount of concealer and add another layer if you need more coverage as desired. Then, using the tip of your finger or a makeup sponge, gently blend the concealer until smooth. Finally, to give your skin a final touch of radiance, gently dust a bronzer or blush across your face for a vibrant glow.
Where to put concealer?
You can put concealer under your eyes to help conceal dark circles and eye bags. If you’re using concealer to brighten your complexion, apply it to the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones and the centre of your forehead. If you have blemishes, dark spots or discolouration you want to cover, apply concealer to anywhere on your face where you’re experiencing these concerns.
If you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots, a serum concealer will provide nourishment and hydration to help combat the ageing process. A long lasting concealer is also essential for anyone who works long days, since it will provide reliable and lasting coverage.
How to choose the right shade of concealer?
The colour you choose for your concealer depends on what you’re using the concealer to target. To use concealer for dark circles, choose a concealer shade that’s a shade or two lighter than your foundation. To conceal or correct uneven skin tone, blemishes or discolouration, wear the exact same shade of concealer as you do for your foundation.
Beauty experts recommend choosing a shade of concealer that’s slightly lighter than your skin. The logic behind this is that concealers are used to lighten dark patches and resolve any redness caused by blemishes, so a touch of lightness will bring balance to your overall complexion. Another factor in figuring out how to choose concealer shade is the undertone of your skin: those with cool or neutral undertones will have different needs to those with warm undertones. There are many shades of foundations to suit all skin tones: take the time to browse your options to find concealer shades that are right for you.
What is the difference between foundation and concealer?
Concealer and foundation should go hand in hand in your makeup routine, but the difference between foundation and concealer is simple. Foundation is the base or “foundation” of any makeup look. Concealer, on the other hand, is used to add additional coverage, brightness or colour correction to certain areas of the face.
Does concealer go on before or after foundation?
To achieve the best results, we always recommend applying concealer after applying foundation. If your foundation doesn’t cover your dark spots, discolouration, dark circles or eye bags enough to your liking, concealer is the next step to perfecting your face makeup
Brighten, correct, and perfect your look with Estée Lauder concealers. Our collection includes hydrating formulas to minimise dark circles and even out skin tone while caring for delicate under-eye areas. Double Wear Stay-in-Place offers long-lasting, full coverage that stays flawless for up to 24 hours.
Choose from a wide range of shades to match your skin tone perfectly. Our lightweight, buildable formulas can be paired with foundations for the ultimate flawless finish. Explore our makeup best sellers or learn more about caring for dark circles with skincare.
Not sure which concealer is right for you? Chat with a beauty advisor or book a consultation with an Estée Lauder expert for personalised recommendations and application tips.