7 Concealer Tricks for Hiding Under Eye Darkness

Want a more lifted look? A more polished appearance? Then keep reading for my expert tips about how to use your concealer to disguise your under eye darkness!

 1. PRIME. Make sure you’re using a primer before applying any makeup to your face, yes, this includes your under eyes! It’ll not only help your concealer last longer, but will also prevent it from caking, creasing, or settling into any fine lines. (Try Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Prime, $29, Sephora)

2. SHADOW FIRST. This step especially applies if you’re wearing any dark eye makeup that has fall-out potential. If you put your concealer/foundation on first and then apply your eye shadow, it has the potential to fall from your eyes to your cheeks and actually accentuate any darkness that you have under your eyes. Do your eye makeup first, then follow up with your concealer and foundation.

3. FIND THE RIGHT SHADE. It’s very important to get the right shade of concealer; too dark and your under-eyes can look flat or dull, too light of concealer and your under-eyes actually look darker and the color looks unnatural. Find a concealer color that is ONLY 1-2 shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This will brighten and add dimension to your face.

4. TEXTURE. Concealers come in a wide variety of textures and formulas, and each works differently depending on the consistency and the coverage you want to achieve. A wand or stick concealer will deliver the most sheer or light coverage, while a tube or pot concealer will be more maximum coverage.

5. APPLICATION. A lot of people will tell you that concealer blends the best when you use your ring finger for application. This isn’t necessarily true. I find that concealer blends easier when used with a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush. I’ll put the concealer on the back of my hand (this warms it up a little bit and makes it easier to blend), then I’ll blend it under the eyes with the fluffy brush. (Try MAC 217, fluffy brush, $23)

6. DOWN TO YOUR NOSE. Blend the concealer under your eyes and then take it from the inner corner of your eye down to your the corner of your nostril and connect it back to the outer corner of your eye creating a triangle. Fill in this entire space with concealer and make sure to blend the edges. This adds dimension and highlights the center of your face.

7. SET YOUR CONCEALER. To keep your work from smudging, moving, or fading throughout the day, make sure to set it with a loose translucent or under-eye powder. (Try Bare Escentuals Well Rested SPF20 Eye Brightener, $18)