Concealer works serious magic on dark under eye circles and covers annoying blemishes like a champ, but if that’s all you’re using it for then you’re missing out big time. From contouring with concealer for a subtly chiseled effect to using just a touch as lip concealer for clean lines and a full pout, this versatile makeup item can work overtime for you in so many unexpected ways—especially as you create a gorgeous holiday makeup look.
What better time of year to dabble in concealer makeup hacks than the holidays when calendars are ringing with festive parties? Check out these three inventive places where to put concealer and flex your new concealer makeup skills at your next event.
Where Should I Put Concealer on My Face?
Concealer is used for camouflaging discoloration on your face to create a more even-looking complexion. It can hide blemishes, dark circles, redness, blue/gray tones, and yellowing. Along with the under eye area and on top of pimples, you can apply concealer makeup to minimize redness around your nose, brighten the inner eye corners, and illuminate shadowy areas.
Our Best Concealer: Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer features a highly pigmented, smooth and creamy formula. Put this best-selling* concealer anywhere on your face that needs a little color-correcting TLC. For extra precision, apply and blend with the Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2, a plush, dual-ended brush that delivers airbrushed perfection.
Can You Use Concealer as Contour?
Using concealer as contour is one of our favorite makeup hacks. Not just because it’s so clever but because the trick works so well. Follow these steps to learn how to contour with concealer:
Contour Like a Seasoned Pro
- Apply your foundation.
- Determine what shade of concealer you should use for contour. Simply select a shade of Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than your complexion for your highlight, and another that’s one to two shades darker for your contour.
- Apply the darker shade to the hollow areas of your face that you want to enhance, including under your cheekbones, sides of your nose, along your hairline, and along your jaw.
- Use the lighter shade to highlight areas you wish to brighten, including your under eye area, cupid's bow, down the center of your nose, tip of your chin, and center of your forehead. You can also apply it under your browbone.
- Use a foundation brush to blend your concealer, beginning with the highlighted areas and then working your way into the contour. Continue blending until there are no obvious lines.
How to Use Concealer to Accentuate Your Lips
Applying concealer to your lips might sound weird at first, but try this concealer makeup hack once and you’ll be a believer. This trick helps create an ultra-crisp line for a lipstick look that’s ready for everything from holiday selfies to smooches under the mistletoe. Here’s how to apply concealer to lips.
“Seal” It With a Kiss at Midnight
- Apply your favorite shade of Pillow Lips Solid Serum Gloss.
- With a stiff, tapered makeup brush (we’re using our Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2), warm one dot of Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer on the back of your hand.
- Use the tapered end of the makeup brush to lightly outline the border of your lips, then carefully blend to create a seamless line and define your lips.
- Pucker up and party the night away!
Can You Use Concealer as Eye Primer?
Yep, you can use concealer as an eye primer, too! Whether you’re aiming for a glittery eye look that seriously sparkles or a natural look, this eye makeup hack creates a base that’ll help keep your eyeshadow in place all night long.
Make Your Eyeshadow the Life of the Party
- Warm a small dot of Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer on the back of your hand using your Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2.
- Apply the concealer all over clean, dry lids. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds for the concealer to set.
- Grab your favorite eyeshadow and apply it across your lids. We love the Superhero No-Tug Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, which comes in festive hues such as Gallant Gold, Epic Amethyst, and Passionate Pearl.
- Define your eyes with Superhero No-Tug Retractable Eyeliner and a coat or two of the Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara.
All the above goes to show that you can get creative when thinking about where to put concealer. For more beauty tips, check out these 7 Retro Makeup Tricks That Stand the Test of Time, which includes how to make peach fuzz disappear and the perfect shade of blush to brighten your complexion.
*#1 concealer formula for IT Cosmetics brand in the US.