We've officially done it. We've scoured the internet and have collated all the information about applying concealer.
Any question that you've ever had about concealer is below, and we've answered it.
We've even got some tips and tricks and expert advice for you too!
What is concealer used for?
Essentially, concealer is used for covering up problem areas on your face like acne or pigmentation. It can even be used to cover up tattoos.
What's the difference between concealer and foundation?
Whilst it may seem like they do the same thing, concealer and foundation are actually pretty different.
A concealer is ONLY supposed to hide acne and pigmentation. That's why it comes in a small tube or tub. It's not meant to be used on the entire face.
Concealers also tend to be thicker than foundation.
Foundation on the other hand is applied to the whole face in order to even out skin tone. It doesn't just focus on problem areas.
Should I use concealer before or after foundation?
Usually before.
Foundation goes over the top of your concealer in order to even out your skin tone.
For a more natural look, the more concealer you use, the thinner the layer of foundation needs to be.
However, if you've got a lot of blemishes to cover up, sometimes using foundation first can be a plus as you won't need to use as much concealer.
With makeup, usually less is more (as long as you're doing it right!).
Check out: A definitive review of high street concealers
CLOSER concealer review
1 of 11Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer, 00 Ivory
Ease of use: This was SO EASY to apply – just twist a couple of times, blob under your eyes and tap with your fingers… And you're ready to go! Feel/Coverage: I could tell I had makeup on, but it didn't feel heavy or obvious at all. It also gave me a slight glow around the eyes, which is always a plus.Wear: It lasted all day, thank goodness!Comments: Aside from being easy, nice to the touch AND colour-matching, it was also super easy to take off with micellar water and a cotton pad. Another big plus is that there are now 12 shades available. Thumbs up!5/5amazon.co.uk
£5.98
- Rrp: £9.99
2 of 11Rimmel Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer, 010 Porcelain
Ease of use: This one has a little brush on the end, but instead of a twist bottom, you squeeze the tube to make the concealer appear. Unfortunately, it was a little hard to control and I ended up squeezing too much out. It wasn't ideal!Feel/Coverage: This concealer is much heavier than I would personally normally wear. If you prefer a heavier coverage then great, but blending in took a lot longer and this could damage the sensitive and delicate skin around your eyes if used every day. It also didn't offer that glow that the other products did, which is fine if you're going to build on it with foundation – but for a quick dash out the door it's not the greatest.Wear: It did last all day but my eyes did look slightly dull.Comments: This would be great for someone with very dark circles who has time to blend and build, but if you're running out the door you might not have time. There are also only six shades, which may not suit everyone.2/5amazon.co.uk
3 of 11Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher, 1 Fair
Ease of use: The Retoucher also has a brush on the end with the liquid inside, which you twist to get out. The brush was super soft and very easy to apply directly onto the skin, although I prefer to dab it on the back of my hand first. Apart from the initial twist, it didn't take long at all for the product to appear.Feel/Coverage: This was so light, I could barely tell I had makeup on. The only problem with that is that I tend to touch my face a lot, so it could come off throughout the day. It too had a slight glow!Wear: It lasted all day, but it wasn't as strong towards the end of the day – but that's my own fault!Comments: I love Charlotte Tilbury makeup so it's no surprise to me that The Retoucher is FANTASTIC. It was also really easy to take off at the end of the day. There are 10 shades, which is quite inclusive.5/5cultbeauty.co.uk
4 of 11CYO Brush With Brilliance Highlighting Concealer, Fair
Ease of use: Yet another brush! This time, it had a clicky bottom so the amount was quite easy to control.Feel/Coverage: Again, it was a little heavier than I'd normally go for – more of a cream – but once it was on it didn't feel super heavy. Wear: It didn't quite last all day but it still masked my dark circles.Comments: I did really like this concealer, and at such a low price, you can't really go wrong. A slight issue for me was that the "Fair" colour was ever so slightly yellow on my skin, so it wouldn't exactly work if I wanted to just dab a bit of concealer on, brush a bit of mascara on my lashes and run out the door. However, it would work just fine on other areas of my face after using foundation. There are only three shades, which might not suit everyone.3/5boots.com
5 of 11Max Factor Mastertouch All Day Concealer, 303 Ivory
Ease of use: Now this is a very innovative idea – it's a sort of slanted sponge and the concealer comes through a hole once twisted at the bottom. It was lovely and soft, and so easy to put on. I unfortunately got a little over zealous and squeezed out too much on one eye. Less is more, people!Feel/Coverage: It looks quite thick when it comes out, but it glides onto your under-eye very smoothly thanks to the brush. It didn't feel really heavy at all, but it did look a little dry and I do have dry skin, so I'm not sure it would work for me personally long-term. It's a shame though as I do really like it.Wear: It does what it says on the tin – lasted all day!Comments: It really is a shame that it didn't quite settle in right on my skin as it is a lovely product. You can tell that Max Factor have really thought it through, it's a slick bit of kit. However, this product is let down by the fact that there are only three shades and they're all very similar light colours, which isn't very all-encompassing.4/5amazon.co.uk
6 of 11Barry M All Night Long Full Coverage Concealer, 02 Oatmeal
Ease of use: The wand is slanted which makes it so easy to apply directly onto your under-eye and lids. There's a stopper just inside the rim which stops you from getting too much product out in one go.Feel/Coverage: It's DEFINITELY a full coverage – but it didn't feel heavy. It dries super quickly, which is very handy if you're in a rush. It felt ever so slightly chalky after first putting it on, but after a few seconds it settled into my skin. It wasn't the easiest to take off with micellar water, but it didn't take any scrubbing at all.Wear: It lasted all day! Comments: I'm a big fan of this concealer. You could tell I had makeup on – it's not exactly a natural look – but it didn't look odd or strange. However, their shade range is a bit of a let down, as there are only six and the darker shades wouldn't cover everyone.4/5amazon.co.uk
7 of 11No7 Match Made Concealer, Cool Ivory
Ease of use: Oh my gosh – what a revelation! This crayon concealer was ready to go straight away – one lick under the eyes and a dab in the corner, and I was ready to go. It barely needed patting in at all! Magic!Feel/Coverage: It's a medium coverage, but the shade was so natural against my skin that I could have gone out in just this and nothing else. Makeup-wise, of course.Wear: It pretty much stayed all day. I didn't feel the need to top up at all. It was also very easy to take off with micellar water.Comments: I am a BIG fan of this. If you can find a shade to match your skin, you're sorted! And with 25 shades to choose from, fingers crossed most people will be able to find a shade to suit them.5/5boots.com
8 of 11Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer, 01
Ease of use: If you're happy using your fingers to apply, there's no bother – but Benefit's Boi-ing concealer doesn't come with an applicator, so if you prefer using one, you'll have to invest in a concealer brush. Benefit doesn't stock one anymore, but MASQD has a fab one that's on offer at £4.50 currently.Feel/Coverage: I was a little apprehensive that it would be heavy as it's set in a pot, but once I touched it I could feel how smooth it was. A couple of dabs under my eyes and in the corner, and it was done! It's so easy to apply and the shade was perfect for me.Wear: It lasted all day and came off very easily with micellar water.Comments: I barely scratched the surface with this, so I can tell it's going to last me ages. I love how small the pot is as well, it would take hardly any room up in a handbag or makeup bag. However, there are only six shades which means I can't award it 5/5 – otherwise, I would have!4/5lookfantastic.com
9 of 11Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer, C5
Ease of use: This handy sized concealer comes with a soft applicator, making it perfect to carry on-the-go. Revolution's applicator is smooth and soft, giving it a flawless application. Feel/Coverage: Although the consistency is thick, this concealer glides on smoothly, and is easy to blend out. However, it does oxidise slightly if you leave it a while before blending out - meaning the tone changes slightly, so be quick!Wear: This concealer instantly removed under dark under-eye circles, but sadly it didn't wear as well. Weep. The formula creased and wore off a little - so not great for hot summer days!Comments: It may not last a full, sweaty day in the office, but at just £4.00, this concealer is a total BARGAIN - and beauty bloggers have even hailed it the dupe for tarte Shape Tape. PLUS, it's available in a whopping 25 shades - so, there's quite literally one for everyone. 4/5beautybay.com
10 of 11Smartere Secrets Cream Contour Concealer Express, Vanilla
Ease of use: Not only is this concealer available in 30ml which means it lasts for ages, the brush applicator is soft and easy to use. You will need a sponge or your fingers to blend.Feel/Coverage: The consistency is light and airy, but it covers like a dream. You could even use this to cover your whole face.Wear: As soon as it goes on, your eyes feel brighter and look more alive. It lasts well and doesn't fade during the day.Comments: At quite a high price, you might be put off, but to be honest, this concealer does more than just cover dark circles. It also decreases puffiness, reduces redness and fine lines, covers acne, scars and more. It can also be used to highlight and contour, is vegan and cruelty-free, and contains vitamin E to shield from environmental damage. We're impressed.4/5smarteresecretslondon.com
11 of 11NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Vanilla
Ease of use: This concealer has a spongey tip - always handy - and the long application stick means you can reach those awkward angles, without smudging the rest of your makeup. Feel/Coverage: NARS' cult-classic concealer hits those annoying dark circles, and any painful blemishes, without looking or feeling cakey. A little goes a long way with this hero product. Wear: It gets even better - NARS' creamy concealer will see you from day to night without rubbing off or fading away. This little saviour will make you look like you've had a full night's sleep, even at the end of a long day. Comments: Ok, ok, we know it's a little pricey at £24, but bear with us on this one... NARS' creamy concealer is a beauty cult-classic and there's a reason it's loved by so many. The creamy formula is oh-so-versatile, meaning you can use it under eyes, on spots or even to correct make-up errors. And it lasts a long time, too - one of these little tubes will keep you going for months. With 18 shades to choose from, it's pretty inclusive, too.5/5lookfantastic.com
How to choose your concealer
It's recommended that you choose a concealer that's yellow-based and a shade or two lighter than your skin tone.
However, it can be tricky to find the perfect shade of concealer so if you're really struggling, you can blend multiple shades.
Concealer can also come in various forms like liquid or solid, it's about finding what's right for you.
Liquid concealer that comes with a built in brush can be easier to use when pinpointing small problem areas but may be too thick for some people.
Your skin type may also affect how effective your concealer is. If you have drier skin, use a thinner concealer but if you have oily skin, use a concealer with a matt finish.
Chloe Grace Moretz's makeup artist, Mai Quynh, recommends that for the best coverage you need to buy multiple concealers.
"Undereye concealer should be less dry and thick in texture and consistency compared with pimple concealer.
"You want to make sure your pimple concealer stays put, while your undereye skin is delicate and thinner, and you want a concealer that won't settle into fine lines."
Applying your concealer
Gently tap your concealer onto the problem areas of your face in small dotting motions.
Then, blend the concealer using either your finger or a beauty blender sponge.
If you're not using foundation, make sure you set your concealer with a setting powder.
Should I use a beauty blender or my finger when applying my concealer?
To be honest, it doesn't really matter.
Some people prefer using a beauty blender sponge as it stops their fingers getting dirty, others use their fingers as it's easier to pinpoint the exact spot.
What is micro-concealing?
Micro-concealing is technique used to cover up blemishes or pigmentation using a small amount of product and a brush.
Mario Dedivanovic, Kim Kardashian's makeup artist, uses a technique called micro-concealing to create a flawless but natural complexion.
Here he explains how to go about the process:
Use a thin makeup brush to place the product gently into small dots throughout the face.
Feather out the product by applying minimal pressure on the brush and pat your fingers softly to set the concealer.
How use concealer on your under eyes
Mario Dedivanovic believes that a common mistake is not blending or setting your under-eye concealer.
It's important to start with a flat brush and dab product under the eye before using a damp sponge to blend the concealer towards the outer corner.
After blending, set the concealer with a loose setting power as 'this keeps concealer from settling into fine lines'.
And there's more... when trying to get rid of pigmentation under your eyes, use a peach coloured corrector before applying your concealer.
The peach tone neutralises blue and purple shadows and acts as a base for your concealer.
Then, follow-up with a concealer that’s about half-tone lighter than your skin so it blends into the rest of your face nicely.
Another common mistake with concealer using concealer on under pigmentation, is only applying it to the area that has pigmentation which can actually accentuate your dark circles instead of concealing them.
Make sure to apply your concealer in a triangular shape, then blend it outwards with your fingertips or a beauty blender for a flawless finish.
Using concealer as the first layer on your eyelids before eye shadow helps prime your eye lids and make the eye shadow look better.
Why does my concealer look cakey?
If your face is too dry when you're using concealer, it can cause your make up to look cakey.
In order to avoid this, prime your face with some moisturiser before you start.