Concealer is one of those beauty staples we all rely on. A few dabs under the eyes, a quick touch over a blemish, and suddenly you feel more awake, more polished—just more you. But if your concealer still creases, looks patchy, or disappears before lunch, the issue might not be the product—it could be the technique.
Here are five common concealer mistakes that might be holding you back, and how to gently tweak your routine to get a smoother, more natural finish.
1. Skipping Skin Prep
If your concealer is clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines, your skin might be asking for a little more care before makeup. A clean, hydrated base makes all the difference. Start with the Perfect Foam Cleanser to remove any residue, followed by a light layer of Light Facial Cream to smooth and hydrate the surface. Let it sink in for a minute or two before applying makeup.
2. Using the Wrong Shade
Choosing the right shade isn’t always straightforward. If your under-eyes look grey or dull after applying concealer, it might be too light. If you’re covering redness or blemishes and the colour looks off, it could be too dark.
For a more seamless match, the Colour Match Quiz is a great starting point. Under-eye concealer should be slightly lighter than your base, while spot-concealing should match your skin tone exactly.
3. Applying Too Much
More concealer doesn’t mean more coverage. In fact, layering on too much can draw attention to the very thing you’re trying to conceal. A light touch with the Concealer, tapped gently into place with your ring finger or the Perfect Blender, often gives better results than a thick swipe. You can always build a second layer if needed.
4. Skipping Colour Correction
Trying to cover blue-toned under-eyes or redness without a corrector is like painting over a bright wall with one coat of neutral—it might not stick. For stubborn tones, the Perfect Cover Colour Concealer can help balance things out before your regular concealer goes on top. Use peach or salmon tones under the eyes and green around areas of redness for a more even, natural finish.
5. Not Setting It
If your concealer is sliding off or creasing throughout the day, setting it gently can help it stay put. Press a touch of Perfect Stay Finishing Powder over your concealer using a soft brush or sponge. Focus on areas that move often, like under the eyes or around the mouth, to lock everything in without dulling the glow.
When your products and technique are working with your skin—not against it—everything feels easier. Concealer should brighten, not frustrate.
Curious about the concealers mentioned?
You can explore them all in our makeup collection, where skin-loving formulas meet easy-to-use finishes that look and feel like real skin.