How to apply concealer

Before you start

Start with clean, moisturised skin and give it a minute to settle. Concealer grips better on skin that is not slippery with excess cream, and a light layer of moisturiser keeps the under-eye area comfortable. If you wear foundation, apply it first unless you are using a corrector, which goes underneath. A peach corrector like our Peach Color Correcting Concealer is made to settle tone before concealer.

Think about the finish you want. A fluid formula such as the Dual-Ended Liquid Concealer gives a light, buildable layer for shadows and small patches. The Full Coverage Liquid Concealer suits a single dot that evens tone or sculpts cheekbones. If shine is your concern, the Liquid Matte Concealer, Four Shades settles to a soft matte finish.

Shade matching matters more than the name on the tube. Test a dot on the jaw or under the eye in daylight, not under a warm bathroom bulb. For dark circles, a peach corrector can do the quiet work first, then a concealer close to your skin tone. The 15-Shade Concealer Palette lets you blend and layer tones, and the Waterproof Three-Color Concealer Palette lets you wear one shade alone or mix them.

Keep tools simple. Fingertips warm the product, a damp sponge presses it in, and a small brush places it precisely. A little goes further than a full pump or a heavy swipe.

Step by step

Begin with a small amount on the back of your hand. Warm it between your fingertips, then dot it where you need it: under the eyes, around the nose, or over an uneven patch. The Dual-Ended Liquid Concealer has two applicator ends, so you can place the product with one and blend with the other. For a cushion product, press the applicator into the BB cream and tap evenly over the face, starting at the centre and blending outward.

Blend with a tapping motion rather than a sweep. Tap with your fingertip, a damp sponge, or a small brush, working from the centre of the face outward. If you are using a liquid concealer foundation, dot a small amount onto the centre of the face and blend outward. Thin layers give you control, so let the first layer settle before you add more.

For spot coverage, place a dot on the spot and press the edges inward. Do not rub the centre, or you will wipe away the coverage you just placed. If you are colour correcting, apply the peach corrector first, then conceal over it. The Peach Color Correcting Concealer is creamy and silky, so it glides over skin without dragging.

Set only where you need it. A light press of powder under the eyes or down the centre of the face helps makeup stay comfortable. If you want a matte look, the Liquid Matte Concealer, Four Shades settles without shine. For long days, the Waterproof Liquid Concealer Foundation is made for waterproof wear.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Too much product is the usual reason concealer looks heavy. Start with one dot and build in thin layers. If you have already applied too much, press a clean tissue over the area, then tap the edges with a fingertip or a damp sponge. Do not add more powder to fix a thick layer; that can make the area look dry.

The wrong shade can make the under-eye area look grey or too bright. Match close to your skin for everyday coverage, and use a lighter shade only where you want to highlight. A deeper shade can define cheekbones and jawline. The Liquid Concealer with Highlight and Contour has 22 shades for concealing, highlighting and contouring, and the 15-Shade Concealer Palette lets you mix a closer match.

Sweeping the product sideways can leave streaks and settle into lines. Tap instead, and work in small sections. If concealer gathers in a crease, press it with a fingertip to lift the excess, then set with a small amount of powder. Under the eyes, use less than you think you need. The skin there is thin, and a light layer looks fresher.

Do not use a corrector as a full-coverage concealer unless the tone is close to your skin. A peach corrector is there to settle colour before concealer. If you are using a double-ended product, keep the cream end for redness and small marks, and the liquid end for the under-eye area. The Double-Headed Cream and Liquid Concealer is built for that split.

Hygiene, storage and shelf life

Wash your hands before you apply makeup, and keep the back of your hand clean if you use it as a mixing palette. Wipe the applicator of a liquid concealer after use if it has touched your skin. Close every compact and tube firmly. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sun.

Clean sponges and brushes regularly. A damp sponge should be washed after use and left to dry fully before it goes back in a bag. Brushes need a gentle wash with soap and water, then left to dry with the bristles pointing down. If you use a cushion compact, keep the applicator clean and close the lid so the product does not dry out.

Follow the shelf life on the packaging, and check the product itself. If the texture changes, the colour separates, or the smell turns, stop using it. The 15-Shade Concealer Palette is slim and flat, which makes it easy to store closed and out of the way.

Do not share applicators, especially ones that touch the eyes or a spot. If you are using a product on both the eye area and a blemish, use a clean fingertip or a separate brush for each. Keep the cap on a pen like the Double-Headed Cream and Liquid Concealer when it is in your bag.

Standout pieces

• Peach Color Correcting Concealer: A creamy peach corrector that settles dark circles and uneven tone before concealer, so foundation has less to hide.
• Waterproof Three-Color Concealer Palette: Three shades can be worn alone or mixed to flatter your skin, with a moisturising, waterproof finish for long days.
• Dual-Ended Liquid Concealer: Two applicator ends make quick work of touch-ups under the eyes or around the nose, in a light, buildable layer.
• Full Coverage Liquid Concealer: A single dot evens tone or sculpts cheekbones and blends into skin for a natural finish.