This is how you really apply concealer correctly.

As simple as it seems, applying concealer is secretly quite complicated.

Because a thick concealer line here and a line there doesn't necessarily lead to the best result. I caught myself noticing how concealer accumulated in my fine (laugh) lines. That's not the point and it doesn't look good either. Concealer is supposed to cover and conceal without being visibly on the skin – so without settling into wrinkles. How do you apply concealer correctly? Luckily, it's easier than you think.

Top makeup artist and influencer explains how to apply concealer correctly

I've been following Katie Jane Hughes on TikTok for a long time and find her videos more interesting every day. She loves the no-makeup look just like I do and occasionally goes for a bit more (like smoky eyes or red lips). I particularly like her explanation of how to build a beautiful base on the face. Recently, she shared her golden tip for applying concealer correctly.

Katie Jane Hughes’ golden concealer tip: Less is more

Top makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, known for her work with celebrities like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber, recently shared a groundbreaking tip for applying concealer on Instagram and TikTok. Her advice? Use less product and apply it with a small, pointed brush for precision. Instead of applying concealer directly to dark circles or fine lines, she recommends putting some on the back of your hand and then picking it up with a brush. By gently tapping and applying in layers, you avoid accumulation and wrinkling, which I suddenly struggled with.

Use less concealer, with a brush

Katie's advice? Use much less concealer than you think and apply it with a small, precise brush. Put some concealer on the back of your hand and apply it to the skin from there. Gently tap and build up if necessary. This way, you prevent the product from settling into fine lines.

Choose the right color: Look at your cheeks

Finding the right concealer color seems complicated, but fortunately, it isn't. Instead of matching the area under your eyes, which is often darker, she recommends looking at the area between your nose and the apple of your cheek. This part of your face has a neutral undertone and helps in selecting a concealer color that matches your skin tone well. The color may seem a bit darker, but it ultimately blends perfectly with the rest of your face.

The best concealer tip of all time (and why you'll never want to do it differently again)

The best concealer tip of all time? We discovered it through a makeup tutorial that has since gone viral. Because as easy as it seems to apply concealer without it settling into your lines or becoming too visible – that remains tricky. I mean: Concealer is there to cover something up, not to draw extra attention to your dark circles or laugh lines.

Fortunately, there is a technique that works so well that you'll wonder why you didn't know it sooner. It comes from top makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, who is known worldwide for her fresh no-makeup look (and rightly so). Her concealer tip? Brilliant in its simplicity – and we’ll explain exactly how to apply it.

The golden concealer tip: Less is more

Where it often goes wrong when applying concealer? We use too much. And then hope it works wonders. Spoiler: It doesn't. Katie's concealer tip is therefore crystal clear: Use much less product than you're used to and apply it with a small precision brush.

Here's how to do it right:

Put a mini drop of concealer on the back of your hand
Use a small brush (like an eyeliner or lip brush)
Work in micro-movements: Tap the product exactly where you really need it (think: inner corners of the eyes, a shadow, or a red spot)
Then blend it with your ring finger or a soft brush into the skin
Result: A natural coverage that doesn't settle, doesn't flake, and seamlessly blends with your skin. As if you woke up with a well-rested look. Without needing half a tube of concealer for it.

Choose your color like a pro: Not under your eyes, but on your cheeks

Katie Jane Hughes gave another brilliant tip in her viral video: Don't match your concealer to the color of your dark circles (because they are often grayer or cooler), but to the area between your nose and the apple of your cheek. This is the neutral point of your face in terms of undertone.

Yes, it may feel a bit strange when this concealer initially appears a bit darker than usual, but trust us: When you blend, you get a much more natural result. And you avoid the „light spots under your eyes“ that are anything but flattering in neon light.

Additional tips from Katie Jane Hughes (that will change your makeup life)

First, use a moisturizing eye cream – concealer adheres better and lasts longer.
Apply concealer after your foundation so you can see better where you really need extra coverage.
Use powder only if you shine quickly, and then really minimal (think: „setting“, not „baking“).
Our favorite concealers to apply this

For everyone who wants to get started with this best concealer tip of all time, here’s a list of concealers that are perfect for this subtle technique:

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – iconic and beloved by makeup artists worldwide
ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer – lightweight and serum-like, perfect for everyday use
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer – a bit more coverage, but still natural
Wander Beauty Dualist Concealer – Katie's favorite
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – budget tip that really works
Tip: Use a fluffy brush like the Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer or a small detail brush for the best precision.

Why this concealer tip really works

Because it's simple, quick, and effective. No three