The Six Main Concealer Types

Liquid Concealer

The most versatile and widely available type. Ranges from sheer coverage (for general brightness) to full coverage (for blemishes and significant discolouration).

Best for: Under-eye dark circles, general brightening, light blemish coverage, spot application across multiple concerns.

Finish: Natural to dewy in lighter coverage. Matte to natural in full-coverage formulas.

Application: A small flat concealer brush or the ring fingertip. For under-eye application, press rather than drag to avoid disrupting the delicate skin.

Longevity: Variable. A setting powder pressed lightly over liquid concealer extends wear by 3 to 4 hours and prevents creasing in the under-eye area.

Top performers: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Tarte Shape Tape, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Concealer.

Stick Concealer

A solid or semi-solid formula in stick form. More coverage than most liquid concealers but requires more blending to prevent a streaky finish.

Best for: Spot concealing on individual blemishes. On-the-go application without a brush.

Finish: Natural to matte.

Application: Press the stick directly to the concern, then blend the edges with a fingertip or sponge. Do not drag the stick; press and lift.

Limitation: Not ideal for the under-eye area; the thicker formula settles into fine lines more readily than lighter liquids.

Cream Concealer (Pot or Palette)

A thick, pigment-rich formula with high coverage. Requires a brush for application and blending.

Best for: Tattoo coverage, severe hyperpigmentation, vitiligo areas, full-coverage colour correction.

Finish: Full coverage; often matte.

Application: Use a flat, dense synthetic brush. Apply in thin layers, building coverage gradually rather than one heavy application. Set immediately with a translucent powder.

Top performers: Dermablend Full Coverage Concealer, KVD Beauty Lock-It Concealer Crème, Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer.

Colour-Correcting Concealer

Not a standard concealer but a correcting underbase. Addresses the undertone of a concern before coverage is applied.

Types and uses:

  • Peach/salmon/orange: Under-eye dark circles (blue-grey undertone)
  • Green: Red blemishes and rosacea patches
  • Yellow: Purple bruising and dark veins
  • Lavender: Sallow, yellow complexions

Application: Apply a small amount of corrector to the specific concern, press in (do not blend widely), then apply standard concealer over the top.

Waterproof Concealer

Formulated to resist water, sweat and humidity. Standard concealers transfer with moisture; waterproof formulas remain in place.

Best for: High-activity days, swimming, events with potential for crying or sweat, humid climates.

Limitation: Requires an oil-based or dedicated makeup remover for full removal. Standard cleansers leave residue that irritates the skin over time.

Application and removal: Apply normally; remove thoroughly with an oil-based cleanser or dedicated makeup remover.

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Shade Matching for Concealer

The shade relationship between your concealer and your foundation depends on where you are applying it.

Under the eyes: 1 to 2 shades lighter than your foundation. This reflects light out of the dark area. More than 2 shades lighter produces an obvious grey or chalky circle.

Blemishes and hyperpigmentation: Match your foundation shade exactly. A concealer lighter than your foundation applied over a blemish draws attention to it by creating a lighter spot on the face.

The test: Apply two concealer shades to the inside of your forearm. The shade that disappears into your skin within 30 seconds is the correct match for blemish concealing. The shade one step lighter is your under-eye shade.

Application Techniques by Concern

Under-eye dark circles:

Apply concealer in an inverted triangle shape below the eye (not just directly under the lash line). The inverted triangle base sits at the outer corner; the apex points down toward the cheek. This shape provides the most natural brightening effect and avoids the panda-eye look of a narrow strip under the lash line only.

Blemishes:

Apply a small amount of full-coverage concealer directly on the blemish using the tip of a brush. Stipple (press and lift) rather than blend outward. Blending outward spreads the thinned concealer across a wider area where it looks patchy. Concentrate the coverage on the red centre of the blemish rather than the entire surrounding area.

Large areas of discolouration:

Apply colour corrector first. Allow to set for 60 seconds. Apply concealer over with a damp sponge using stippling motions. Build coverage in 2 to 3 thin layers.

Setting Concealer

Set concealer with a translucent or colour-setting powder pressed (not dusted) into the skin with a powder puff or small brush. Pressing sets without disrupting the product beneath.

Under-eye setting: The baking technique (applying a generous amount of setting powder over concealer for 5 to 10 minutes, then brushing away) sets concealer thoroughly and prevents creasing under the eye during a long day. Works best on non-dry skin types; very dry skin shows the powder more obviously with this technique.