How to Apply Concealer: Tips and Step-by-Step

How to find your concealer shade and type

Our first piece of advice for applying concealer effectively is ensuring that you’ve picked the right shade and type for your skin.

You’ll need to select a concealer that mimics your skin’s undertone and works best for the specific task at hand. For example, concealer for brightening the under-eye area may differ from one that covers blemishes.

If you’re trying to cover dark eye circles, then opting for a peach undertone will help in cancelling out the common blue colour under the eye. Concealers with hints of green work best for hiding red spots caused by blemishes. If you’re not sure which undertone you have, try applying a touch of concealer on your wrist in natural light to determine the best shade for you.

As well as the shade, determining the right type of concealer is also key to achieving the best outcome. So read on to learn about two of these concealer types – medium and full coverage – below.

Medium coverage, radiant concealers

For those seeking a balance between natural and full coverage, medium coverage concealers offer the perfect solution. They effectively blur imperfections while maintaining a lightweight feel, making them ideal for everyday wear.

These concealers are versatile, providing enough coverage to conceal dark circles and blemishes without masking the skin's natural texture. Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Concealer is a prime example. Formulated with an 81% serum base, it combines skincare benefits with makeup, offering up to 24 hours of hydration. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, this concealer not only covers imperfections but also helps to strengthen the skin moisture barrier and ensure skin comfort alongside coverage.

Full coverage and long-lasting concealers

For longer-lasting coverage, stick or cream-based concealers are a great option. These formulas are generally thicker and better suited to targeting more visible concerns such as blemishes or discolouration. Full coverage doesn’t have to mean drying, either – many long-wear concealers now include hydrating ingredients to support skin comfort.

If you're seeking full coverage with added hydration, Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer offers breathable, 24-hour wear with a creamy, natural finish. Infused with a hydrating botanical complex, it helps conceal dark circles and imperfections without clogging pores or drying out the skin.

How to apply concealer under the eyes

For advice on how to apply concealer under the eyes, we consulted Lancôme Australia’s Beauty Director Lara Srokowski for her expert advice.

“To brighten the under-eye area without creasing, start with a lightweight eye cream to hydrate and smooth the skin,” Lara says. “Apply a small amount of concealer to the inner corners and gently tap to blend outward using your fingertip or a sponge. A hydrating formula like Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Serum Concealer offers radiant, medium coverage that won’t settle into fine lines. For extra longevity, lightly set with translucent powder if needed.”

How to apply concealer onto your t-zone

If you suffer from an oily t-zone, consider using concealer on top of your foundation or mattifying primer and setting it with powder to help control oil throughout the day. After applying your base, choose a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin. This can help to highlight and brighten oily areas without shine.

How to apply concealer to hide pimples

Concealer with green tones works to offset any redness that spots may have. This is because green shade variants work to neutralise redness for light to medium skin tones.

After applying your foundation base, dab a very small amount of concealer onto the spot in question. If you are using your hands, ensure that they have been washed and sanitised to prevent the spread of dirt and oil.

Once you have applied the green hue concealer, place a thin layer of another concealer that matches your skin tone over the top, then blend.

How to apply concealer in your makeup routine: 5 simple steps

Concealer plays a key role in enhancing your complexion; but often, the way you apply it can make all the difference. Whether you're aiming to brighten under-eyes, cover blemishes, or highlight certain areas of the face, applying concealer in the right order – and with the right technique – is essential for a smooth, glowing skin.

1. Start with skincare

Begin with clean, hydrated skin. Apply your usual moisturiser and eye cream to ensure your concealer blends seamlessly and doesn’t settle into fine lines.

2. Apply your foundation

For most looks, you’ll need to apply your foundation before concealer. This helps even out your skin tone, so you’ll need less concealer overall and avoid layering too much product.

3. Add concealer where needed

Now, it’s time to start applying concealer as part of your makeup routine.

• Under the eyes: Dot concealer in an inverted triangle or along the inner corner and blend outward for a brightening effect.
• Blemishes and redness: Dab directly onto the area and gently blend with a brush or your fingertip.
• Highlighting: Use a lighter concealer on the high points of the face – like the centre of the forehead, down the nose, and on the chin – for a lifted look.

4. Blend thoroughly

Use a damp makeup sponge, brush or fingertip to gently press and blend the product into the skin, avoiding rubbing or dragging.

5. Set (if needed)

If you have oily skin or want your concealer to last all day, set it lightly with a translucent powder – particularly under the eyes and around the t-zone.

By learning how to apply concealer with care and intention, you can enhance your complexion, while maintaining a natural-looking makeup look.

Now you’ve nailed the art of applying concealer, explore our guide to choosing a concealer colour that matches your skin undertone.