Under-eye concealers are one of those beauty products that we have a love/hate relationship with. When we find a new holy grail product, we are overjoyed. While concealers are fantastic for making me look awake and giving the illusion of a good night’s sleep, our excitement is sometimes dashed when a noon glimpse in the mirror reveals wrinkling and cakiness.
Yes, there are undoubtedly far bigger issues facing the world today, but those issues also play a part in the reason why we initially want a solid undereye concealer routine. Don’t get us wrong: we can’t live without this product, but even with concealers designed specifically for the undereye area, it never really stays on.
Therefore, when we apply concealer, we want it to be effective and last all day. What steps must be taken to attain the flawless under-eye skin that we often see on the red carpet? According to Suzy Gerstein, a makeup artist for Honey, we asked makeup artists this and other questions. “Whether it be through makeup, lighting, or post-production, models and actresses have a crew of cosmetics artists and lighting assistants ready to smooth away creases.”
When in uncertainty, we turn to the experts, and in this case they have provided guidance on how to finally apply and set your undereye concealer so that it actually stays in place. Continue reading for seven (7) expert suggestions on how to maintain the smooth, crease-free appearance of your concealer for hours on end.
How to Prevent Concealer From Creasing Under Eyes
1. Start With Skincare
Skin care comes first, then makeup can be considered. Never would we put on moisturizer before applying foundation. Concealer will apply more easily, spread evenly, and look less cakey if the under-eye area is moisturized. “Eye serums, creams, and massaging can minimize the appearance of fine lines, dryness, puffiness, and dark circles.
Although some products can have an instant effect, being consistent with a skincare routine, having a healthy diet, and drinking water can improve your base,” says Benna D and Bhatty always begins by “hydrating the undereye area with a good eye cream.
Avoid using excessive force when applying skincare. “Let your eye cream or serum absorb for at least 10 minutes before applying your makeup. If skincare mixes with concealer, it can become slippery. If you are concealing or color correcting your eyelids, avoid applying heavy cream in that area,” according to Brenna D.
2. Choose Your Formula Carefully
Choosing the proper texture for your concealer is essential to getting a finish free of creases. Therefore, it’s crucial to select cosmetics that work with your skin type. “The type of concealer you use makes a big difference,” says makeup artist Allan Avendano.
“Anything too thin, too dry, or too moisturizing can cause creasing and “I like to have a couple of concealer formulas on hand to do different tasks. I love using a light-reflecting concealer for the under-eyes to brighten and soften, and a matte concealer to lock on to stubborn blemishes,” added Shannon Marie.
Additionally, try to choose a light-textured concealer rather than a heavier one with complete coverage. You can still get coverage if you’re worried about it. Concealers that are lightweight are more malleable and less likely to crease. Brenna D points out that how you use your concealer is equally crucial and should be deliberate.
3. Recognizing That Placement is Important
Find the perfect balance between using too little and too much concealer. You don’t want to cake the delicate eye region with product, but you also don’t want to apply too little either. You want to apply enough to cover the entire area and be able to blend it without making the coverage patchy or too thin.
Applying concealer beneath the eyes has been done in a variety of methods, from using an upside-down triangle to simply dabbing it on the inner and outer corners of the eyes. The amount of coverage you want, the texture and type of your skin, and other factors will all affect how you apply concealer. Here’s how Breanna D explains it to us:
- Apply to the inner and outer corners of the eyes for lifting and brightening.
- Apply a tiny brush exclusively to the shadow (sunken area) while camouflaging bags to provide dimension.
- Apply a small amount of color corrector to the region where you wish to eliminate darkness for dark circles (a product that dries down is best to prevent sliding or mixing). Avoid blending with a wiping motion and tap the concealer that matches your skin tone on top.
- Apply a small amount at a time and add more product as necessary for fine lines.
Applying concealer directly to your lower lash line is a surefire way to cause creases, so follow this one simple rule. Compared to the rest of your face, this area’s thin, fragile skin is unable to absorb as much makeup.
4. Build Coverage in Layers
Makeup experts advise layering concealer rather than opting for the gold’s darkness-reducing properties in a single application, even if your undereye bags require more full coverage. Even the best concealers can crease if you don’t apply them correctly, so proper concealer application technique is just as crucial as the formula you use.
Layering concealer is the best strategy for reducing creasing. “The more you prep skin and lay down sheer layers beforehand, the less likely you’ll have runny or cakey concealer,” says Bhatty and “Apply concealer one layer at a time, pausing between layers to examine the entire area in the mirror. Nobody is as close to your face as you are! Shannon Marie says, “I enjoy using a flat, little brush to press in color then a fluffy brush to remove any remaining product and soften the corners.
5. Cover Creases and Fine Lines
It can be challenging to keep concealer from settling into creases and fine lines. According to Brenna D, “One of my favorite suggestions for fine lines and wrinkles is using a fluffier brush to smooth out concealer. I use my Cozzette D240 Fusion Brush to dust on a small amount of the product after applying it to a palette in a sweeping motion.
I use a clean, fluffy brush to buff and blend the product as needed after that. “You can regulate how much and where a product is used by applying it to a palette or the back of your hand,” she continues. When I use my buffing technique to warm up the skin on fine lines and wrinkles, I especially adore this.
6. Blot Excess Product With Blotting Paper
Blotting your concealer can help to achieve an even finish to reduce creasing, just like you would when blotting your lipstick for better coverage and smoother results.
Take a sheet of your favorite blotting paper and gently press it on your under-eye area over your concealer after you have applied and blended your concealer. This will prevent any extra product or leftover oils from settling into little wrinkles and lines, resulting in a more perfect overall finish. Blotting papers might come in handy for touch-ups while you’re out and about.
7. Set it and Bake it
The baking process will help you set in your freshly crease- and cake-free undereye makeup. Powder will “ceil” in any concealer lines that are visible. To do this, dust a thick layer of setting powder over your undereye concealer to ensure that the area is blended out before setting, allow your body heat to “bake” them together for a few minutes, and then tap or roll a fluffy brush over the area to brush off the excess powder.
Since they are carefully ground, it is advised to use translucent powder with some added moisture to prevent it from adhering to any areas of dry skin. The Danessa Myricks Evolution Setting Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish, and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder are my three favorite powders to set concealer. The powder acts as a light barrier to protect your makeup from any environmental and external assaults, keeping your concealer looking fresh all day.
If you don’t have time to bake, setting powder can be applied to your concealer while it’s still wet to set it. Always make sure your concealer is blended evenly before applying setting powder with a makeup sponge, powder brush, or setting brush.
For at least 5 to 10 minutes, let the powder sit while you finish your makeup. This locks your concealer in and helps absorb any oils. After that, lightly dust everything. To absorb shine and re-set your concealer if you see any shiny areas throughout the day, lightly dust your face with powder.