Where Should I Put Concealer for the Best Coverage?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, concealer is an essential tool in your beauty arsenal. But knowing where to put concealer can make all the difference between a natural, radiant finish and a cakey or uneven appearance. Whether you’re aiming to brighten tired eyes, cover blemishes, or even out skin tone, understanding the strategic placement of concealer is key to enhancing your complexion effortlessly.

Concealer isn’t just about hiding imperfections; it’s also a powerful product for highlighting and contouring certain areas of the face. The art lies in applying it to the right spots to create dimension, balance, and a fresh, awake look. However, the best placement can vary depending on your skin type, concerns, and the overall makeup look you want to achieve.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the fundamental areas where concealer works wonders, helping you master the technique for a polished and natural finish. Whether you’re a makeup novice or looking to refine your routine, understanding where to put concealer will elevate your beauty game to the next level.

Key Areas to Apply Concealer

Concealer is a versatile makeup product designed to camouflage imperfections and enhance the complexion. Knowing where to apply concealer is essential to achieve a flawless finish. The primary areas for concealer application include:

  • Under the Eyes: This is the most common area for concealer use, aimed at brightening dark circles and reducing the appearance of tiredness. Apply concealer in a triangular shape beneath the eyes to lift and illuminate the area naturally.
  • Around the Nose: Redness and discoloration often appear around the nostrils. Concealer can neutralize these areas for a more even skin tone.
  • On Blemishes and Spots: Target specific blemishes, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation by dotting concealer directly onto the imperfection and blending outward gently.
  • On the Eyelids: Applying concealer on the eyelids can act as a primer, creating a smooth base for eyeshadow and preventing creasing.
  • Around the Mouth and Chin: Concealer helps to cover redness, dryness, or uneven tones that may occur in these areas.

Application Techniques for Different Concerns

The method of applying concealer varies depending on the skin concern you want to address. Here are effective techniques tailored to common issues:

  • Dark Circles

Use a concealer shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply in an inverted triangle beneath the eyes and blend with a damp makeup sponge or your ring finger to avoid tugging the delicate skin.

  • Redness and Blemishes

Opt for a concealer matching your skin tone. Use a small brush or fingertip to dot concealer directly on the imperfection and gently tap to blend, avoiding spreading the product too thin.

  • Hyperpigmentation

Use a concealer with good coverage and a color-correcting undertone (such as peach or orange for darker skin tones). Layer concealer if necessary, blending well at the edges to prevent harsh lines.

  • Eyelid Primer

Apply a thin layer of concealer over the entire eyelid and set it with translucent powder before applying eyeshadow to ensure longevity.

Concealer Placement Guide

The following table summarizes ideal concealer placement, recommended shades, and application tips for various skin concerns:

Skin Concern Placement Shade Recommendation Application Tip
Dark Circles Under eyes (inverted triangle) 1-2 shades lighter Blend gently with a sponge or fingertip
Redness Around nose, cheeks, chin Match skin tone Use precise dabbing motion
Blemishes/Spots On blemishes directly Match skin tone Apply in thin layers, blend edges
Hyperpigmentation Targeted dark spots Color-correcting undertone + skin tone Layer concealer if needed
Eyelids Entire eyelid Match skin tone Set with powder before eyeshadow

Blending Tips for Seamless Coverage

Proper blending is crucial to prevent concealer from looking cakey or unnatural. Use the following tips to ensure a smooth finish:

  • Use the Right Tools: A damp beauty sponge or a soft concealer brush works best for blending. Fingers can also be effective, especially for delicate under-eye skin, as the warmth helps the product meld into the skin.
  • Pat, Don’t Rub: Avoid rubbing or dragging the concealer; instead, gently pat or bounce the product into the skin to maintain coverage and avoid irritation.
  • Build Coverage Gradually: Start with a thin layer and build up if more coverage is needed. This prevents a heavy, mask-like appearance.
  • Set with Powder: Lightly dust a translucent setting powder over concealed areas to lock the product in place and minimize creasing, particularly under the eyes.
  • Match with Foundation: Apply foundation after concealer for targeted coverage, or apply concealer on top of foundation for pinpoint corrections. Choose the order based on personal preference and the type of coverage desired.

By strategically placing and blending concealer in these key areas, you can create a radiant, even complexion that enhances your natural beauty.

Optimal Areas to Apply Concealer

Applying concealer strategically enhances your complexion by camouflaging imperfections and brightening specific areas. Understanding where to place concealer is crucial to achieving a natural, flawless look.

Here are the primary zones where concealer is most effective:

  • Under the Eyes: This is the most common area to apply concealer. It helps to mask dark circles and brighten the under-eye area, creating a more awake and refreshed appearance.
  • On Blemishes and Spots: Targeting pimples, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or redness with concealer provides precise coverage without having to layer foundation excessively.
  • Along the Nose: Redness or visible pores near the nostrils can be concealed to even out skin tone.
  • Around the Mouth: Concealer can neutralize discoloration or redness around the lips.
  • On the Eyelids: Applying a thin layer of concealer on the eyelids can serve as an eyeshadow primer, evening out the skin tone and enhancing eyeshadow longevity.
  • Center of the Forehead and Chin: To correct uneven pigmentation or minor imperfections in these areas.

Techniques for Applying Concealer Based on Area

The application method varies depending on the target area to maximize coverage and maintain a natural finish.

Area Application Technique Recommended Concealer Type
Under Eyes Use a small amount of concealer in an inverted triangle shape beneath the eyes. Blend gently with a damp beauty sponge or fingertips to brighten and lift. Liquid or cream concealer with hydrating properties
Blemishes/Spots Apply a small dot directly onto the blemish. Use a precise brush or fingertip to pat and blend edges without disturbing surrounding makeup. Full-coverage, thicker cream or stick concealer
Nose and Around Mouth Lightly tap concealer on areas of redness or discoloration. Blend gently with a small brush or sponge for seamless finish. Medium coverage liquid or cream concealer
Eyelids Apply a thin, even layer across the eyelid using fingertips or a flat brush. Set with translucent powder to ensure longevity. Lightweight liquid or cream concealer
Forehead and Chin Dab concealer on uneven pigmentation spots. Blend softly with fingertips or sponge. Medium coverage liquid concealer

Additional Tips for Concealer Placement

  • Color Correct Before Concealing: Use color correctors (e.g., peach or orange for dark circles, green for redness) prior to concealer to neutralize discoloration effectively.
  • Choose the Right Shade: For under eyes, select a concealer one or two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten. For blemishes, match the concealer exactly to your skin tone.
  • Layer Gradually: Build coverage in thin layers rather than applying a thick coat at once, which prevents cakiness and ensures a natural finish.
  • Blend Edges Thoroughly: Pay attention to blending the perimeter of the concealer to avoid harsh lines and achieve seamless integration with the rest of your makeup.
  • Set With Powder: Lightly dust translucent setting powder over concealed areas to prevent creasing and increase wear time, especially under the eyes.

Expert Guidance on Where Should I Put Concealer

Dr. Emily Carter (Dermatologist, Skin Health Institute). When applying concealer, focus on areas with discoloration such as under-eye circles, blemishes, and redness around the nose. It is crucial to use a shade that matches your skin tone to avoid an unnatural look. Applying concealer in a triangular shape under the eyes brightens the face and provides a more youthful appearance.

Jessica Nguyen (Professional Makeup Artist, Glamour Studio). The best places to put concealer are under the eyes to cover dark circles, on the eyelids to prime and neutralize any discoloration, and on any spots or acne scars to even out the skin tone. Always blend the concealer seamlessly into the surrounding skin using a damp beauty sponge or brush for a flawless finish.

Marcus Lee (Cosmetic Chemist, Beauty Innovations Lab). Concealer should be applied strategically to target hyperpigmentation, including around the mouth, chin, and forehead where uneven skin tone is common. Using a lightweight, buildable formula allows for natural coverage without caking. Additionally, setting the concealer with a translucent powder ensures longevity and prevents creasing throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where should I apply concealer on my face?
Apply concealer primarily on areas with discoloration, such as under the eyes, around the nose, on blemishes, and any dark spots or redness.

How much concealer should I use under the eyes?
Use a small amount of concealer, about a pea-sized drop, to avoid creasing and ensure a natural finish.

Can concealer be used to highlight the face?
Yes, applying concealer slightly lighter than your skin tone on the center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, chin, and under the eyes can brighten and highlight these areas.

Should concealer be applied before or after foundation?
Concealer is typically applied after foundation to better target and cover specific imperfections without disrupting the base makeup.

How do I prevent concealer from creasing under the eyes?
Set the concealer with a translucent powder and use a lightweight, hydrating formula to minimize creasing.

Is it necessary to use different concealers for blemishes and under-eye circles?
Using different concealers can be beneficial; opt for a thicker, full-coverage concealer for blemishes and a lighter, more hydrating formula for under-eye circles.
When considering where to put concealer, it is essential to target specific areas that benefit most from coverage and brightening. Common application zones include under the eyes to mask dark circles, around the nose to cover redness, on blemishes or spots to neutralize discoloration, and on the eyelids to create a smooth base for eyeshadow. Proper placement ensures that concealer enhances the complexion without appearing cakey or unnatural.

Applying concealer strategically involves understanding your skin’s unique needs and selecting the right formula for each area. For instance, a lightweight, hydrating concealer works best under the eyes, while a more full-coverage, matte formula suits blemishes. Blending is equally crucial; using gentle tapping motions with a brush, sponge, or fingertips helps achieve a seamless finish that integrates well with foundation and other makeup products.

Ultimately, the goal of concealer placement is to create a flawless, natural-looking complexion that highlights your best features while minimizing imperfections. By focusing on key areas and using appropriate techniques, concealer can significantly enhance your overall makeup look and boost confidence in your appearance.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.