According to Gerstein, applying powder on top of your concealer sets the look and minimizes creasing throughout the day. That is if you don't overdo it. "Use a light powder like this one from Laura Mercier sparingly," says Ma.
While it's understandably tempting to pile on layers of concealer to mask dark circles, packing on product might be the cause of your creasing. “Applying too much concealer is the number-one culprit of creasing; your skin simply can't handle the amount of product,” says Deenihan.
Too Much Concealer
This is how creasing happens! If you're still applying your under eye concealer in large triangle patches, we suggest easing up on your technique. Instead, try applying a small amount of concealer toward the tear duct, lightly blending with a brush or damp makeup sponge.
Exfoliate at least once a week to eliminate dry skin cells so that the makeup can sit well on top of the skin. Apply a lightweight moisturizer and let it set before applying foundation. Use a smoothing primer to help to blur fine lines and wrinkles. Don't forget that less is more when it comes to applying foundation.
L'Oréal Paris Infalliable Full Wear Concealer
This drugstore favorite has a waterproof, full-coverage formula that won't budge or seep into creases and dry patches for a full 24 hours. This matte finish concealer comes in 25 shades to utilize for color correction, concealing breakouts, and even contouring.
Under-Eye Primer
These primers are ideal for people who have dry under eyes as they help to hydrate and smooth the area. They help the concealer to go on smoothly and prevent it from creasing.
Add Setting Powder
For the final step in your concealer application process, dust fine, loose powder over your face with a fluffy brush to set your concealer. "I am a big believer in setting your under-eye with super-light translucent powder.
To “bake your makeup” means to let your concealer sit on your face for 10 to 20 minutes before blending it, so that your own body heat enables the makeup to melt into your skin and cause it to change color and texture. This allows for the concealer to be blended more easily for a flawless coverage.
Finish with Loose Powder
Loose powder over top of concealer helps to set it in place and goes one step further to even out skin tone—especially under your eyes. Simply use a translucent powder with a large, fluffy brush to sweep powder over the concealer.
Opt for a sponge for finishing touches, like cleaning up streaky bronzer or absorbing excess foundation or concealer. Sponges work wonders in applying a light layer of blush or highlighter, and can be used with cream products for a more natural finish.
Fingers: They're so handy and never require brush cleaner. Totally get it. And using them to apply concealer can work just fine. In fact, when it comes to the delicate skin under your eyes, the warmth of your finger can help warm makeup so it blends on more easily and seamlessly.
“You can't have a concealer that's too light,” she said, adding that women should choose concealer that's one to two shades lighter than the color of their foundation. “One to two shades … the right color blends itself. It makes a big difference."
"Always go a shade lighter than your foundation." The lighter tone will cancel out dark discoloration, but be careful not to go too fair. Concealers that are more than one shade lighter than your skin tone can leave you with a ghostly shadow.
Primer should always be the first step in your makeup routine. Simply put, investing in a primer ensures your foundation and concealer look better for longer! After you apply your moisturiser, grab your primer. It'll gloss over any fine lines and visible pores.
So, do you use concealer before or after foundation? The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
It scored a flawless 5/5 for texture, feel, coverage, and staying power; our testers agreed that the concealer didn't crease or cake after hours on the go. We also loved the product's wide range of shades.
If you're looking for a lighter-weight alternative to foundation but don't want to rely on a tinted moisturizer or CC cream, we recommend using concealer alone. It's true, with the right long-wearing or hydrating concealer formula, you'll be able to cover imperfections, even out and keep your complexion looking fresh.
Since concealers have a higher coverage and a different formulation than foundations, applying a concealer all over your face might make your face makeup look cakey and patchy. Instead, mix your concealer with your face cream or moisturizer to make it easy to blend.
It's also essential to apply and blend concealer into the inner corners of the eyes. These inner corners can be just as dark as the circles—using concealer as a highlighter can brighten your face and make you look more awake (even if you only had a few hours of sleep the night before).
Apply less product directly on wrinkles to help avoid creases. Set: Make sure to set your makeup so it stays in place all day without creasing into your smile lines. Use a loose setting powder that isn't heavy on the skin. Use a non-drying alcohol-free setting spray as a finishing touch.