How to apply concealer

When and where to apply concealer, you ask? We've got you and your skin concerns covered thanks to Maybelline Makeup Artists Grace Lee and Vincent Oquendo.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #1 - MOISTURIZE BEFOREHAND

To start, make sure skin is clean and moisturized. "Taking the time to massage skin with moisturizer will really 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."

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #2: TAP TO APPLY

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

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #3: APPLY FOUNDATION FIRST

Use foundation first, then apply concealer. When you apply concealer first, you actually end up removing 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.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #4: USE A DARKER SHADE FOR BLEMISHES

When covering up blemishes, 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 pimple," says Lee. "After, use a lighter concealer or a concealer that matches your skin tone to blend the two together."

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #5: USE A LIGHTER SHADE FOR UNDER EYE CIRCLES

Dark under eye circles need lighter, light-reflecting concealer formulas for the most natural-looking, easy-to-do coverage. Technique is key for under eyes. "I just 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 you've applied it, try blotting the area gently with a tissue to prevent it from settling into fine lines and creases if you're oil-prone.

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #6: MIX SHADES WITH BB CREAM

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

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #7: USE IT 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 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 forehead, bridge of nose and chin."

HOW TO APPLY CONCEALER TIP #8: USE IT ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE

Typical areas of application are under the eyes, around the nose and directly on blemishes...BUT "you can apply concealer anywhere where you need added coverage," says Grace Lee. "You can also use concealer to highlight, act as a primer, to color correct and hide blemishes! 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.

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 lighter 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.