We are all making the same exact mistake when it comes to concealer — and it’s not our fault.
For some time now, if you’ve been watching makeup and beauty tutorials, you may have noticed that many influencers do their makeup in a similar manner that includes products and applications like contour powders, bronzer, winged eyeliner, and one very specific and ubiquitous way of applying concealer. Unfortunately, it’s also a way that can draw even more — and not less — attention to fine lines and texture under the eyes.
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As one TikToker Shannon Bryant graciously pointed out, this is the biggest concealer mistake you’re making over 40 and what to do instead.
Mistake: Applying Concealer All Over the Under-Eye Area
Are you guilty of applying your concealer all the way from the inner corner or your eye to the outer corner? Or perhaps, similarly, you’ve been faithfully following another popular concealer application method of drawing a filled-in triangle beneath your eye and blending it in? Both of these concealer techniques are NOT advisable, especially if you have the very (very) common signs of aging beneath your eyes that include fine lines and wrinkles.
Before you say, “but wait, I’m using only the best concealer brands!”, I’m sorry to say the cost of your concealer doesn’t matter when it comes to over-application. Whether you purchased your concealer at the local drugstore or spent three figures on one that perfectly matches your skin tone, the effect of too much facial makeup on mature skin is the same: it becomes cakey and settles into fine lines and pores. And this means it can actually enhance the effects of aging beneath the eyes so that instead of concealing imperfections, you’re throwing a spotlight on them.
Solution: Apply Concealer To Inner Corners
The solution isn’t expensive or complicated – it actually couldn’t be easier. Instead of applying concealer all over the under-eye area, only apply a few dots to the inner corner of your eyes. This area often shows the most shadows and brightening it can automatically enhance your skin’s radiance and glow. Choose a shade that’s only one to two shades lighter than your skin tone and be sure to blend it very well with your fingers or a damp makeup sponge.
Other Tricks
Some other concealer tricks to keep in mind include not forcing your concealer to do everything. While concealer is a product that can definitely hold its own when it comes to its usefulness, it should not take the place of color-correcting makeup. Applying a primer, followed by color corrector, topped off with concealer, is a better way to minimize discoloration. If you have a ton of redness under the eyes, try applying a green color corrector that can neutralize redness. If blue or purple discoloration is present, an orange or peachy tone will help conceal it.
Set Your Concealer
Finally: set your makeup so that it doesn’t slide around and become cakey throughout the day. Your best bet here is a pressed or translucent powder in the same shade as your skin tone (if it’s not translucent). Pat some powder onto your skin after you’ve applied and blended color corrector and concealer to set your makeup so that it lasts longer and looks better.
