The Complete Guide to Concealer: What Exactly Is Concealer and How Do You Use It?

By: Emma Izquierdo

Concealer : it’s that one makeup product most everyone probably owns, but is also probably not being used to its full concealing and brightening potential. For some, concealer may seem like a total mystery—one of those products that’s often overlooked. Where do you put it? Under your eyes? On blemishes? All over? If you’ve ever applied concealer and wondered if you’re using it right (or at all), you’re not alone.

Think of concealer as your makeup routine’s tiny-but-mighty must-have. It’s there to brighten, cover, and smooth—making you look more awake, refreshed, and flawless, even on those "I barely slept" mornings. Whether you’re camouflaging a stubborn breakout, tackling under-eye circles, or creating a lifted look, concealer can do it all.

The trick is just knowing how to use it—and that’s where we come in. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about concealer: where to apply it, which formula works best for your needs and skin, and how to blend it like a pro. By the end, you’ll see why this tiny tube deserves a permanent spot in your makeup bag.

What is Concealer?

So, what is concealer and what is concealer used for? First off, concealer really is the multitasking MVP of your makeup routine. Typically in a cream form and in a wide range of skin tones, concealer is designed to cover under-eye circles, hide blemishes, and even out your skin tone, but that’s just the start.

You can also use it to clean up and shape your brows, highlight high points of your face, and even sharpen your contour for a more sculpted look. The best part? One good concealer can tackle so many steps in your makeup routine, meaning fewer products to buy (and carry around).

Common Uses for Concealer

Concealer Can Help Cover Under Eye Circles

Tired eyes? A few strategic swipes of concealer can help you fake a full night’s sleep! Under-eye circles don’t stand a chance when you’ve got the right technique. First things first: if your circles are extra dark or purple-toned, start with an under eye brightener. Then, apply a creamy, lightweight concealer on top, one that’s about one shade lighter than your skin tone. Dab it on gently with a concealer sponge or brush (pro tip: less is more!) and blend outward for a seamless finish. The result should deliver brighter, more awake-looking eyes in seconds.

Bonus: applying your concealer in a triangle shape—from the inner corner of your eye, down toward your cheek, and back up to the outer corner—can help give an instant lifted effect.

Concealer Can Help Cover Acne

Sure, we love to embrace skin as it is, but if a stubborn breakout is driving you crazy… grab your concealer! Whether you’re tackling pimples, redness, dark spots, or sunspots, a good concealer can make imperfections practically disappear.

For best results, start with clean skin that’s been moisturized first. Concealer blends and wears better on skin that’s properly moisturized—you don’t want any caking! Go for a matte, full-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone, then dab a very small amount directly onto the spot — don’t swipe—to keep the coverage concentrated. Gently tap to blend, then lock it in with a little setting powder for all-day wear. Blemish? Nope, not here.

Concealer Can Help Shape Your Eyebrows

If you’re going for a makeup look that requires brows that look clean, lifted, and perfectly shaped but you haven’t seen your tweezers in a while, concealer to the rescue!

After filling in your brows with a brow pencil, brow gel, or pomade, take a small, flat brush and trace a very thin line of concealer right underneath and above your arches. This instantly helps define and sculpt your brows, making them look sharper, more polished, and give a brow lift effect! Softly blend the edges for a seamless finish, and voilà—your brows are defined and ready for the day.

Concealer Can Help Even Out the Appearance of Your Skin

If you struggle with uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation, concealer’s got you covered—literally. It’s perfect for camouflaging redness, dark spots, and areas of hyperpigmentation, blending them into your natural skin tone for a smooth, flawless look.

For stubborn discoloration, color theory is your best friend: green concealer cancels out redness, peach concealer counteract dark spots, and yellow concealer helps brighten dull areas. Our Camo Color Corrector comes in five shades to camouflage discoloration and redness on a wide range of skin tones. Once you color correct, layer a concealer that matches your skin tone on top and blend away. The result? An even, radiant complexion that looks like your skin—just better.

If you’re looking for extra coverage, follow with your favorite concealer.

Concealer Can Help Clean Up Makeup Mistakes

Makeup mistakes happen, especially if you’re going for a quick, 5-minute makeup look before you head out the door. Thankfully, concealer can help clean up any minor mistakes so you’re not reaching for your makeup remover or having to start over.

If your contour wandered a little too far or your blush got a bit too enthusiastic, a swipe of concealer can clean things up in seconds. Use a small concealer brush or makeup sponge to apply it along the edges of any over-blended areas—think under your cheekbones, jawline, or nose contour—to sharpen and define. It’s like an instant "undo" button for your makeup. So go ahead and blend boldly—concealer’s got you if things get messy!

Concealer Can be Used as an Eyeshadow Primer

If you don’t own an eyeshadow primer (no judgment if you don’t) or just misplaced it somewhere, don’t worry! Concealer can come in handy here. We love this easy hack as the concealer doubles as a creamy, smooth base for your eyeshadow, helping the colors pop and stay put all day.

Just dab a small amount of concealer onto your lids and blend it out evenly with your finger or a brush. Let it set for a sec, then apply your shadow as usual. The concealer helps even out any discoloration on your lids, grips onto the pigment, and prevents creasing, giving you vibrant, long-lasting eye looks.

Tips on Choosing the Right Concealer for You

Picking the right concealer is like finding your makeup soulmate, once you find it, you’ll love it and rely on it forever… and we’re here to play matchmaker! First, think about your skin type. If you’ve got dry skin or love a dewy finish, a concealer like our Hydrating Camo Concealer is likely best for you. It’s creamy, blends like a dream, and keeps your skin looking fresh and hydrated (no cakiness!).

For oily or combo skin (or if you’re chasing that flawless, all-day matte vibe), our 16HR Camo Concealer is your go-to. It’s full coverage, long-lasting, and stays put through everything.

When it comes to shade, grab one that matches your skin tone for blemishes and redness, and go one to two shades lighter to brighten under your eyes. Bonus tip: if you’re into contouring, a concealer shade or two darker can double as a creamy, blendable contour!

Tips on Finding Your Correct Concealer Shade

Finding your perfect concealer shade can be a challenge, so it’s easiest to start by figuring out what you’re using it for. For blemishes, redness, and uneven spots, you’ll want a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly—this helps it blend seamlessly into your foundation.

For under-eye brightening, go one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to lift and refresh your look (goodbye, tired eyes!).

Next, know your undertone:

  • Cool undertones (pink, red, or blue hues) do best with concealers labeled "cool" or "rosy."

  • Warm undertones (yellow, peach, or golden hues) pair beautifully with "warm" or "golden" concealers.

  • Neutral undertones (a mix of both) can rock anything labeled "neutral."

Pro tip: Swatch along your jawline, not your hand, for the most accurate match. With the right shade, your concealer won’t just cover—it should disappear into your skin! Want an even deeper dive on finding your perfect concealer match? Head to our guide on finding the right concealer shade for you.

Common Concealer Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’re set on how to find the right shade of concealer for your skin tone and you understand how and where you want to wear it… let’s get into some common mistakes to avoid when you’re applying concealer.

Using too much product: More isn’t always better. A little goes a long way, so start small and build if needed. Too much concealer can crease or look cakey (and nobody wants that!).

Wrong shade: Using one that’s too light or too dark can draw more attention to what you’re trying to hide. Match your skin tone for blemishes and go one to two shades lighter for brightening.

Poor blending:  Harsh lines are a dead giveaway. Use a damp sponge, brush, or fingertip to gently tap and blend until everything melts into your skin seamlessly.

Applying in the wrong order: Concealer comes after foundation — otherwise, you’ll just smudge it away. Avoid these slip-ups, and you’ll be a concealer pro in no time!

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