Why Isn’t Your Concealer Covering? How to Apply It Effectively

When covering a larger area, apply concealer before foundation. Let it air-dry for a few minutes, then apply setting spray. Allow that to dry for a little longer before moving on to your base.

Avoid overly moisturizing concealers, except under the eyes. For dark spots on the cheeks, start by setting the concealer with a pressed powder that provides coverage, then use loose powder to set the entire face.

For pimples, dot a green cream concealer onto the area. For dark spots, first cover them with a concealer one shade darker than the spot, then layer a lighter shade over it. Allow the concealer to set firmly before applying foundation.

The technique will vary depending on the color and texture of the blemish.

For flat, lightly pigmented marks, apply liquid concealer before foundation. Add a few small strokes directly over the mark, then blend with a powder puff or makeup sponge using straight pressing motions. Keep the blending within the affected area as much as possible. Wait one to two minutes for the concealer to dry, then press foundation onto the skin without rubbing back and forth.

For flat, darker marks, such as dark post-acne marks, use a brush to pick up a small amount of cream concealer before applying foundation. Work with a “dot, press, and drag” motion, as demonstrated in detail in @勇仔’s video, then blend the edges. Once the concealer has dried, gently press liquid foundation over it.

For raised blemishes, such as pimples with intact skin, choose the formula according to how dark the discoloration is. Use liquid concealer for lighter areas and cream concealer or a richer liquid formula for darker ones.

If a pimple has broken skin, avoid makeup where possible. It is difficult to cover effectively, and makeup can interfere with its recovery. If makeup is unavoidable, a cream concealer can help press down flaky skin.

For indented acne scars, use a pointed concealer brush to dot and gently dab a small amount of product into the depression. Keep the application minimal.

For dark spots, dot a slightly darker concealer directly onto the discoloration. Let it form a film, then set it. If some spots still show through, gently press a concealer close to your skin tone over them for a second layer of coverage.

For dark circles, choose a salmon-toned concealer, adjusting the shade to suit your coloring. After picking up the product, work off any excess so that only a small amount remains before applying it to your face.

Place the concealer below the natural fullness directly beneath the lower lash line, keeping it within the darkened area. Gradually blend outward with a fingertip or brush. If you use a brush, finish by pressing a small powder puff straight down over the area to remove any brush marks.

For tear troughs, use a brightening concealer. Place it directly along the deepest part of the hollow, then blend with a brush or fingertip.