That's why your concealer gets patchy (and how to prevent it)
You might know it: you neatly apply your concealer in the morning, even in those inner corners of your eyes that are often forgotten (while it’s often darkest there), and an hour later you suddenly see spots, dry patches, or a concealer that seems to disappear exactly where you need it. So annoying, because concealer is supposed to make your skin look fresher and more even.
Fortunately, the solution is surprisingly simple. It’s about time, right? There are actually several reasons why a concealer can become patchy, you just need to know them. Here they come;
What often happens is that the products you use are not a good combination. For example, are you using a water-based concealer over a primer or day cream with a lot of silicones? Then the products can literally repel each other. Think of it like a glass of water with a layer of oil on top: that doesn’t mix either. The result is a patchy finish that only gets worse throughout the day. There’s a good chance that your concealer will also sit on the surface of the skin instead of blending nicely with it. So check the ingredients of the products you use if you notice that your concealer keeps getting patchy. This applies not only to concealer but also to foundation.
A dry or dehydrated skin can also cause patches. And yes, that’s something different. A dry skin lacks fats (sebum), while a dehydrated skin actually lacks moisture. Do you have a dry skin? Then a gentle oil or nourishing cream around the eyes can help. Is your skin dehydrated? Then ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides can help retain moisture better. When the skin under your eyes is dry or dehydrated, it literally pulls all the nourishing ingredients out of your concealer. What remains is mainly the dried-out pigment that provides the color. Concealers are often full of nourishing ingredients, but if your skin is really craving that, you’d better get that nourishment from your skincare rather than your makeup. A good hydrating eye cream or moisturizer beforehand can therefore make a big difference. Just make sure to let it absorb well before you start with concealer. If you don’t have time to let your skincare work in, then apply a very thin layer. This applies to all skincare steps in your routine.
Another mistake many of us make: using too much product. More concealer doesn’t automatically mean more coverage. In fact, a thick layer often dries less nicely, settles into lines faster, and becomes patchy sooner. It’s better to apply a small amount and build up the coverage in thin layers if necessary. Letting it dry in between also helps. Do you feel like your coverage is lacking? Then the concealer you’re using might not be the right one for you. Opt for a concealer with a bit more coverage, but even then, apply it in thin layers. Building up always looks much nicer than applying too much at once.
The way you apply concealer also matters (also read: this is the best concealer tip ever.) By rubbing, you actually move the product away from the area you want to camouflage. Dabbing works much better. Use your ring finger, the softest of the bunch, or a small brush and gently press the product into the skin for a natural look.
A patchy concealer doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy a new product, thankfully. Often, the problem lies in the preparation of the skin, the combination of products, or the way you apply the concealer. So take a critical look at your skin up close. Yes, even in that confronting ten-times magnifying mirror. Is the skin around your eyes dry, sensitive, or flaky? Then you’ve probably already found the cause. Small adjustments can make a surprisingly big difference.
