What is Concealer Makeup & How to Apply It

Concealer is the perfect product for covering unwanted skin concerns and paired with foundation, helps to create a fresh canvas for any makeup look. With a touch of product in targeted areas, concealer can brighten, smooth, mattify or add radiance to your complexion. The difference between concealer and foundation comes down to product formulation and purpose. The main purpose of foundation is to even out skin tone, and while it can be buildable, it’s not usually as pigmented as concealer, which is best for targeting blemishes and discolouration. Read on for our tips on how to apply concealer like a pro, no matter whether you’re creating a glamorous or pared-back makeup look.

The types of concealers and their uses

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to concealer - it all depends on what you’re using it for. So, if you’re wondering what does concealer do, we have a few answers for you. Concealer can be used to highlight and contour, to hide under eye circles and to cover blemishes like dark spots and acne prone skin. Here’s which type of concealer to use for each purpose:

Highlighting and contouring: Choose two concealers in your preferred finish, one that’s 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation shade, and one that’s 1-2 shades deeper than your foundation shade.

Combatting dark under eye circles: Opt for a peach toned, brightening concealer to neutralise blue hues. A luminous finish can help add radiance to dark under eyes.

Covering blemishes: Colour match your concealer to your foundation exactly. A matte finish is best for this purpose.

Our concealer tips for flawless application

Concealer works best when applied intentionally to achieve your desired look. To achieve a smooth concealer application every time and get the look you have in mind, follow our top concealer tips:

Firstly, to match your foundation and concealer shades to your skin tone, use our virtual try on tool.

Need tips for how to stop concealer creasing? The trick is to use a blurring primer before applying liquid makeup, avoid overapplying product and set your look with a light dusting of setting powder.

We’re all about the “no make up” make up look – to try it for yourself, pair your favourite Maybelline concealer with the Instant Perfector 4-in-1 Matte Foundation Makeup.

Next, keep reading for our guide on how to use concealer for contouring and highlighting as well as how to apply concealer to cover pesky skin blemishes.

How to apply concealer for contour and highlight

If you’re using concealer to contour and highlight we recommend a natural coverage, flawless finish concealer like the Fit Me® Concealer. The oil free formula and creamy texture makes it easy to apply and it pairs beautifully with the Fit Me® Matte + Poreless Foundation. Here’s how to apply concealer and contour with this dreamy combo:

To contour, pick a colour one to two shades deeper than your foundation and apply a small amount to the areas of your face that you want to create definition – such as underneath the cheekbones or the jaw.

For highlighting, pick a colour one to two shades lighter than your foundation and apply a small amount to the highest points of your face - like the top of the cheekbones, tip of the nose, and brow bone.

Blend it all in with a brush or damp makeup sponge before setting the look with face powder.

To make your highlight pop, top it off with a light dusting of the Master Chrome Highlighter.

How to apply concealer under the eyes

The best Maybelline concealer for dark under eye circles is the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer. The super concentrated pigmentation is perfect for combatting dark circles, while the micro-corrector applicator makes precision concealing oh-so-easy. So, let’s unpack the steps on how to apply concealer for dark circles:

Choose a peach toned concealer shade 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.

For extreme dark circles, first use the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Neutraliser underneath your brightening concealer.

Place a dot of concealer at the inner corner of your eye and one at the outer corner.

Then, use your ring finger to blend the product by gently tapping into the skin with an upwards motion.

How to apply concealer to cover blemishes and dark spots

To micro conceal blemishes and dark spots, reach for a concealer that feels light on the skin but is pigmented enough to do the job. For this, we love the full coverage and long lasting qualities of the Superstay 30H Activewear Concealer. Follow our easy four step guide on how to apply concealer to cover blemishes: