what is concealer

Concealer is a cream or liquid product that helps cover blemishes and visually correct uneven tone in specific areas of the face. It is usually applied under the eyes, around the nose, on redness, breakouts, or post-acne marks.

Compared to foundation, concealer is typically more concentrated and gives extra coverage in specific areas. Some formulas are lightweight and hydrating, while others are designed for fuller coverage.

You can use concealer to not only cover imperfections, but also to brighten under-eye areas and help skin look fresher and more rested.

concealer types

There are three main forms of concealer:

color-correcting concealer

Designed to neutralize specific tones before makeup. It is one of the most recognizable concealer formats thanks to unusual shades like green, peach, yellow, or lavender. Use this concealer before foundation to visually balance certain tones in the skin. Green shades help soften redness, while peach shades make dark circles look less noticeable. And lavender can help dull skin appear fresher.

under-eye concealer

The skin around the eyes is thinner and tends to crease more easily, so concealers designed for this area are often made with a softer, hydrating texture. Their main purpose is to brighten tired-looking eyes. Darling* Bright Future, for example, combines medium coverage with skincare-inspired ingredients like squalane and artichoke extract to help the under-eye area appear smoother and brighter.

blemish and dark spot concealer

Any concealer can be used as a blemish and dark spot concealer, but these formulas are designed specifically for this purpose. Usually this type of product has creamier textures because they provide more noticeable correction without needing multiple layers. RAD Zero Zits Concealer focuses on flexible coverage that helps blur imperfections, while 3INA The 24H Concealer offers longer wear and a buildable formula with a natural matte finish.

how to choose concealer shade

The right shade depends on your purpose.

For the under-eye area, choose a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone to brighten the face.

For redness or pigmentation, a concealer usually looks more natural when it closely matches the skin tone.

Texture matters too. Lightweight hydrating formulas tend to look better under the eyes, while denser textures usually work better for spot concealing.

how to apply concealer

Skin prep is the first step to achieving a flawless base. Apply skincare like moisturizer or primer.

A little product is often enough. Under the eyes, apply concealer closer to the inner corners and blend outward with fingers, a sponge, or a brush.

For blemishes or redness, it works best when applied only where extra coverage is needed rather than across larger areas of the face.

To make concealer last longer and crease less throughout the day, many people lightly set it with powder, especially under the eyes.