Beauty

This is the best concealer tip ever (less product, prettier result)

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Here’s how to apply concealer best

Applying concealer without it settling into your fine lines or suddenly appearing as a clear layer on your skin: easier said than done. Because honestly, concealer should quietly do its job and not shine a spotlight on your dark circles, crow's feet, blemishes, or red spots. The big difference between foundation and concealer is that with foundation you even out your skin and with concealer you camouflage. That’s why you usually don’t use concealer all over your face, and its packaging is therefore also a lot smaller. But the application of concealer is where it usually goes wrong, and that’s actually due to just one action. This is the best concealer tip ever, and it’s so simple. Here it comes.

This concealer technique works so well that you wonder why you didn’t know this earlier. Top makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is known worldwide for her no make-up make-up looks and her ability to apply makeup super simply and even more beautifully on your face. What I particularly like about her? Her clear and easy explanation of applying these natural makeup looks. And so also: this concealer tip that she shares with her nearly 1 million Instagram followers. And to be honest: it really works.

The best concealer tip ever (and why you’ll never want to do it differently)

Katie Jane Hughes, known for her work with celebs like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber, shared this game-changing tip about applying concealer. Where it often goes wrong with concealer? So simple: we use too much(!). And once we’ve applied that way too thick layer, we hope it works wonders. Spoiler: it doesn’t. Katie’s concealer tip is very clear: use much less product than you’re used to, and apply it with a small precision brush or a soft fluffy brush for the best result. This way it’s not only prettier, but also super simple and quick. So no triangles under your eyes, no stripes or dots, no thick layer of plaster. And thus also: no endless blending until it finally looks nice.

So how do you apply concealer correctly?

  1. Apply a mini drop of concealer on the back of your hand
  2. Use a small brush and dab it into the product until the bristles have fully absorbed it
  3. Work in micro-movements: dab the concealer on the spots where you really need it (think of the inner corner of the eye, dark circles, and red spots on your face)
  4. Blend, blend, blend – there’s really enough product on your brush to cover multiple areas of your face
  5. Not enough coverage yet? Start again with a mini drop
  6. Blend lastly with your ring finger or a clean, soft brush until everything is nicely even – this prevents creasing

This way you get a natural coverage that doesn’t settle (crease). And you’ll enjoy your concealer much longer because you need so little. Ideal, right?

Here’s how to choose the right color: look at your cheeks

Finding the right concealer color seems complicated, but fortunately it’s not. Katie Jane Hughes suggests not to match the shade with the color directly under your eyes – because that’s often darker and cooler in tone. Instead, look at the area between your nostril and the apple of your cheek. That part has a neutral undertone, making it easier to choose the right color that beautifully matches the rest of your face. The color may seem a bit different than you’re used to, but trust us: it blends perfectly with your skin and is really the right (natural) match.

Extra concealer tips

  • Always use a hydrating eye cream – concealer looks better and lasts longer when your skin is well-hydrated and cared for.
  • Apply concealer after your foundation (if you use that), so you only apply it where an extra layer is really needed.
  • Use powder (setting) only if it really has to. A thin layer is more than enough. Less is more, always.

Our favorite concealers

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
This is truly a classic among concealers with multiple awards. This concealer has medium to full coverage and the formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like magnolia extract and vitamin E, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing the concealer from settling into fine lines.

MAC Studio Fix 24H Smooth Wear Concealer
This lightweight (matte) concealer offers coverage that lasts a very long time. It feels comfortable (I’ve used it for years) and due to the light coverage, it looks very natural.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
This full-coverage concealer is really for camouflaging dark circles and imperfections. The formula is waterproof with anti-aging ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid, which ensures a smooth and hydrated skin when used longer. The tube may be small, but you really need very little for a beautiful effect. Especially with Katie Jane Hughes‘ tip.

Hourglass Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer
Hailey Bieber is a big fan of this concealer because it’s super blendable but has high coverage with that well-known Hourglass airbrush-like finish. The concealer is long-lasting and waterproof, always handy.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
A multifunctional concealer for your entire face, the name says it all ‘All Over’. I recently discovered this concealer and was surprised by the result, so beautiful. It’s suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. So that’s nice.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
This concealer brightens, evens out, and lifts the look of the eyes and face. It has medium buildable coverage and gives the skin a light glow (making the skin look lifted) and has long-lasting skincare benefits. Dark circles are reduced after 28 days of use, according to Charlotte Tilbury and her test panel. Not bad, right?

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer​
Not for nothing has this won awards in 2024. It has medium to full coverage with a natural, matte finish that is very beautiful. I use this daily and combine two different shades for the absolute best match with my skin tone, which can always be done.

Image: Instagram|margotrobbieofficial