When it comes to essential makeup, under-eye concealer is a top pick. It’s great for covering up dark circles and making your skin look more awake, especially after a night of not-so-great sleep.
Putting on concealer under your eyes is quite straightforward, but sometimes it can gather in the fine lines around your eyes and create creases. According to celebrity makeup artist, “You can try to minimize creasing, but since we’re living, breathing humans, it’s not always possible to stop it completely. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Most of the time, a few swipes with a damp Beautyblender or your fingertip can fix it.”
How to Prevent Concealer From Creasing Under Eyes
Preventing concealer from creasing under the eyes involves a combination of proper skincare, product selection, and application techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve a crease-free under-eye concealer:
1. Prep With an Eye Cream
Here’s a lesser-known trick for keeping your concealer crease-free: start by prepping the under-eye area with an eye cream or serum that absorbs easily. A good option is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream – Hydrating Serum ($50). To avoid smearing or running of your eye makeup, artist suggests waiting a few minutes after applying eye cream before putting on concealer. She prefers doing this step first, followed by the rest of the makeup, and then returning to the under-eye concealer to make sure the product has had time to settle.
2. Choose a Lightweight Concealer
As mentioned by Makeup artist, the texture of your concealer plays a role in how much it creases. Dry concealers have a higher tendency to crease because they are less flexible and may stick to the natural folds of your skin. If you’re still on the lookout for the right formula, consider trying TULA Skin Care Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Concealerr ($32) for a potentially crease-free experience.
3. Use the Right Tools
The tools you choose for applying under-eye concealer are important. If you’re going for a natural, no-makeup look, only apply concealer where you need it to appear like you’ve had a good rest. Our makeup artist suggests using a small, pointed synthetic brush to apply the concealer where you see shadows and then pat it into place with your fingertip. “The warmth of your skin will melt the product and blend it in, making it look like real skin.” To be gentle on the delicate skin around your eyes, use your ring finger, as it has the lightest pressure.
4. Be Strategic About Your Placement
“Focus on the triangle part at the inner corner of the eyes where we usually have the most darkness,” recommends Claire. “This area tends to be smoother, leading to less creasing.” Concentrate the majority of the product in this darker region and blend it outward toward your orbital bone for a seamless, traceless finish.
5. Slowly Build Up Product
Striking the right balance between too much and too little concealer is crucial. You aim to apply enough to cover the entire area without it becoming splotchy or too thin, but you also want to avoid caking it on the delicate eye area.
Consider a less-is-more approach: Instead of starting with a thick coat, build up the concealer as necessary. Mary advises, “I like to work in thin layers to achieve a realistic finish and only apply as much as needed.” This method helps prevent the application of excessive product all at once, reducing the likelihood of caking and creasing, especially with heavier formulas.
6. Avoid Getting Too Close to the Lashes
For full coverage, there’s no need to apply concealer all the way up to your lash line. Just as you blend the edges of your concealer towards the orbital bone for a smooth transition, apply the same technique in the opposite direction. Blend upward toward your lash line instead of directly applying the product along the line. According to Suzy Gerstein, if you bring the concealer too close to the bottom lashes, it might gather and crease in that area.
7. Remove Excess Product With Blotting Papers
Recall the technique of blotting lipstick on tissue to remove excess product? Apply a similar concept for achieving creaseless, long-lasting concealer. Once you’ve applied your concealer, lightly press a sheet of blotting paper over the under-eye area. According to Claire Fountain, this method “blots off excess oil, leaving just the pigment behind, which ensures long wear.” It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain a flawless look throughout the day.
8. Minimize Creasing With a Setting Powder
To set your concealer and reduce creasing throughout the day, follow Claire Fountain’s advice and apply a light powder on top. However, it’s crucial not to overdo it. “Use a light powder sparingly, like Dermablend Loose Setting Powder ($30),” suggests Mary. Allow it to sit on the skin for two to three minutes, then gently dust off any remaining powder that hasn’t set in, leaving you with a smooth and set look.
For optimal results, use a small, fluffy powder shadow brush, such as the LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Blending Brush ($14), to apply and dust off the powder.
FAQs
Q1: How do I choose the right shade of concealer?
A: Choose a concealer shade that matches your skin tone or is one to two shades lighter for brightening. Avoid shades that are too light, as they can accentuate fine lines.
Q2: Can I use concealer without foundation?
A: Yes, you can use concealer without foundation for targeted coverage. Concealer can be applied to specific areas like under-eye circles or blemishes.
Q3: How do I prevent concealer from creasing under my eyes?
A: To prevent creasing, hydrate the under-eye area, choose a creamy concealer, apply in thin layers, blend gently, set with a small amount of powder, and blot excess oil throughout the day.
Q4: Should I apply concealer before or after foundation?
A: It depends on personal preference. Some prefer applying concealer before foundation to target specific areas, while others apply it after foundation for an overall even complexion.
Q5: Can I use concealer to cover blemishes?
A: Yes, concealer can effectively cover blemishes. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and apply it directly onto the blemish, blending the edges for a seamless look.
Q6: How do I cover dark circles with concealer?
A: Choose a concealer with peach or orange undertones to counteract dark circles. Apply the concealer in a triangular shape, extending from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner and blending well.
Q7: Can I use a makeup sponge to blend concealer?
A: Yes, makeup sponges are effective for blending concealer. Dampen the sponge slightly for a more natural and seamless application.