Should Concealer Be Lighter or Darker Than Foundation?: 1 Minute to Discover the Perfect Concealer Shade

Choosing the right concealer shade is an essential step in achieving a flawless makeup look. Generally, makeup artists recommend that your concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your foundation if you're using it to brighten under the eyes or highlight certain areas of your face. A lighter concealer helps to cover dark circles and brings light to the center of your face, enhancing your features. However, when concealing blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation elsewhere on the face, it's best to use a concealer that matches your foundation as closely as possible. This approach ensures a seamless blend and avoids drawing attention to those areas.

As a designer, I often think about color contrast and harmony. Just as you'd select complementary colors to balance a room, balancing your concealer and foundation shades creates a harmonious "canvas" for the rest of your makeup. It’s like choosing the right base tones in a design project—subtle choices make a big difference in the final outcome.

Tips 1:

Test different concealer shades in natural light to ensure the most accurate color match for your skin. Always blend well at the edges, both for under-eye and targeted spot concealment, to avoid harsh lines and ensure the most natural finish.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the same concealer for under eyes and blemishes?

A: It's better to use a lighter concealer for under eyes and a shade matching your foundation for blemishes for best results.

Q: How do I avoid cakey concealer?

A: Use a thin, buildable formula and apply in light layers. Set with a small amount of powder if needed.

Q: What undertone should my concealer have?

A: Match the undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) of your foundation for consistency and natural blending.

Q: Should concealer be applied before or after foundation?

A: Apply foundation first, then add concealer to only the spots that need extra coverage.

Q: How can I prevent my concealer from creasing?

A: Hydrate the under-eye area before application and set the concealer lightly with a translucent powder.