CONCEALER 101

15 TIPS ON HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER

• Concealer is a unique makeup formula that helps deliver a more even complexion —among other things! So, if you're wondering how to apply concealer, you've come to the right place! We've got you and your skin concerns covered thanks to help from Maybelline Makeup Artists Grace Lee and Vincent Oquendo. Read more to discover Maybelline New York's best tips for applying concealer.

• TIP #1: MOISTURIZE

  Before you apply concealer, make sure skin is clean and moisturized. "Taking the time to massage skin with moisturizer will help the makeup look and wear better, especially when it comes to concealer," says Lee. "When moisturized properly, concealer will adhere to the skin much better."

• TIP #2: APPLY FOUNDATION FIRST

  When it comes to knowing how to apply concealer and foundation, use foundation first, then apply concealer. When you apply concealer first, you remove most of it when you sweep on your foundation or powder. If you start with foundation, you'll need way less concealer overall and get a more full-coverage finish.

• TIP #3: TAP TO APPLY

  "In general, you want to make sure that you blend your concealer and not wipe it away," adds Lee. "That's why soft tapping or stippling motions are best. I always recommend setting your concealer with an effective powder, so it stays put."

• TIP #4: APPLY CONCEALER ON ALL SKIN TYPES

  Regardless of your skin type, concealer can work for you! Want to know how to apply concealer to dry skin? Choose a concealer with a hydrating, ultra-blendable formula for a more radiant eye area. Apply directly to skin and blend in an outward motion. Want to know how to apply concealer to mature skin? We recommend Super Stay Active Wear Long-Lasting Concealer because its lightweight formula does not crease or feel cakey. Apply a thin layer to skin using the comfort-curve flex applicator.

• TIP #5: MIX SHADES WITH BB CREAM

  When blending two concealer shades, use bb cream and a sponge to create a seamless-looking finish. Light and hydrating, bb cream serves as the perfect "bridge" between the two shades, so you don't have any noticeable lines of demarcation.

• TIP #6: TECHNIQUE IS KEY FOR UNDER EYE CONCEALER

  When asking how to apply under-eye concealer, technique is key. "I suggest using soft blending motions or soft stippling motions as the eye area is sensitive," says Lee. "I like to use my fourth finger to apply as it also warms up the concealer. You can press the concealer underneath the eyes so it adheres and conceals." After applying it, try blotting the area gently with a tissue to prevent it from settling into fine lines and creases if you're oil-prone. BONUS TIP: For perfect, sculpted under-eye circle coverage, here's a trick straight from Vincent: Use two shades of concealer, one a shade lighter than your natural skin tone, one a shade darker. Apply the more lightweight concealer under eyes and at the brow bone. Then, take the deeper shade and apply right underneath the lighter shade and up to the temples. Blend by patting the two together with a dollop of bb cream and a sponge. Keep in place by setting with a dusting of loose face powder and a spritz of setting spray.

• TIP# 7: APPLY A DARKER SHADE FOR BLEMISHES

  When covering up blemishes like pimples, for example, dot a full coverage concealer on the pimple ONLY (i.e., not on the skin around it, too), then very, very gently, pat until it blends into skin. "I suggest using a slightly darker concealer when covering blemishes to block out the color of the pimple," says Lee. "After, use a lighter concealer or a concealer that matches your skin tone to blend the two."

• TIP #8 APPLY A LIGHTER SHADE FOR DARK CIRCLES

  If you want to know how to apply concealer for dark circles, just know that dark under-eye circles need lighter, light-reflecting concealer formulas for the most natural-looking coverage.

• TIP #9: USE TO COLOR CORRECT

  Color correcting with a dab of contrasting color concealer is a great way to help fix a range of skin tone concerns. Combat redness and improve dark circles with a do-it-all concealer like Maybelline New York's Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer. For the best color correcting results, try using Instant Age Rewind in shade 150 (Neutralizer) and 160 (Brightener).

• TIP #10: APPLY CONCEALER ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE

  Typical application areas are under the eyes, around the nose, and directly on blemishes...BUT "you can apply concealer anywhere you need added coverage," says Grace Lee. Concealer has so many uses!" And when applying concealer, you can use tools such as a soft bristle brush, sponge—or just good old fingertips.

• TIP #11: APPLY CONCCEALER FOR DARK SPOTS

  If you want to know how to apply concealer for dark spots, just remember to always apply concealer that matches your skin color. Maybelline New York's Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer with cushion-tip applicator quickly cover up dark spots.

• TIP #12: APPLY CONCEALER FOR SCARS

  Help minimize the look of scars by applying a bit of concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone. Completely fill in scar using your finger or a brush, then dust skin with translucent powder. For raised scars, dab it with a concealer that matches your skin tone, then set with powder.

• TIP #13: HOW TO USE CONCEALER TO CONTOUR

  Get the look of a more chiseled appearance by contouring and shading with concealer! Reach for a multi-use concealer and apply to cheekbones, jawline, under the cheekbones, or anywhere you want a more defined look!

• TIP #14: HOW TO USE CONCEALER TO HELP LIPS LOOK FULLER

  Concealer can help give the illusion of fuller lips! After you've applied your foundation and before you've applied your lipstick, trace the area around your lips with concealer using a fine lip brush. Add your favorite lipstick, and voila!

• TIP #15: HOW TO USE CONCEARLER AS PRIMER & HIGHLIGHTER

  Concealer makes for a great eyeshadow primer: Just dot a bit directly on clean, bare lids, then blend with fingertips before applying eyeshadow. It makes a great highlighter, too. "To use a concealer as a highlighter, you can simply apply a lighter shade where you naturally want highlighted," says Lee. "For example, top of cheekbones, under the brow bone, middle of the forehead, bridge of nose and chin."

• ALL-IN-ONE CONCEALER

  Find yourself a concealer that can do it all! Conceals? Yes! Contours? Yes! Corrects? Yes! Maybelline New York's Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer is our superstar concealer that conceals, contours, and corrects in just one click! And talk about hydrating; this vegan, non-comedogenic formula gives crease-resistant coverage for up to 12 hours of moisturizing wear! Like you, it does it all!