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How to apply your tinted under-eye concealer?

Concealer is an essential component of makeup. It diminishes signs of under-eye fatigue and brightens the gaze. However, to ensure its effectiveness, it must be applied properly. How should you proceed, and what mistakes should you avoid? Discover our tips.

Summary
Published June 23, 2022, updated on August 14, 2025, by Sandrine, Scientific Editor — 5 min read

How to use a tinted concealer?

Using a tinted concealer is not the most challenging part of a full-face makeup routine, but if you want a uniform and natural result, you should follow certain steps. First, the skin must be prepared, specifically hydrated. Indeed, the eye‐contour area is particularly prone to dryness, so we recommend that you apply a thin layer of cream or hydrating gel formulated for this area. The hydration should be allowed to absorb for a few minutes, to prevent the product from blending with the concealer and compromising its coverage.

Explanation : Pre-hydrating the eye‐contour area helps create a smooth surface. This facilitates the application of concealer and provides a more natural result, preventing the accentuation of fine lines or dry patches.

Once your skin is hydrated, you can move on to applying your tinted concealer. This can be done with a finger, a brush, or a sponge, each offering a unique finish. Finger application harnesses body heat to soften the formula and facilitate its integration with the skin. After thoroughly washing your hands to prevent any bacterial contamination, take a small amount of product with your fingertip, then deposit it using light tapping motions from the inner corner of the eye toward the center, avoiding smoothing or pulling the skin to preserve its elasticity and prevent product migration into fine lines. There’s no need to extend beyond this area: dark circles typically do not spread further, and overapplication can impart a grayish cast to the complexion.

Regardless of the tool chosen, the critical factor is to apply the concealer in fine layers, allowing enough time for the formulation to integrate with the skin’s surface to achieve a natural finish and optimal longevity throughout the day.

The thin, flat brush allows for more precise work, particularly in the inner corner of the eye. If you choose this method, place a drop of concealer on the brush tip and then distribute the product through small, focused presses. The movements should be short and precise to avoid product buildup. Regarding the makeup sponge—especially the “blender” type—it should be thoroughly moistened and wrung out to remain flexible and prevent excess absorption. You can use it after applying concealer with your finger or brush to blend the formula, or apply a small amount of product directly onto the sponge before gently tapping on the area to be covered for a uniform, natural finish.

Tip : A popular technique is the so-called inverted triangle. In addition to camouflaging dark circles and under-eye bags, it adds luminosity to the entire midface area. The method involves drawing a small inverted triangle whose base runs along the underside of the eye and whose apex extends slightly toward the upper cheek.

Is tinted concealer used exclusively for dark circles?

The tinted concealer can also be used to conceal localized imperfections, such as minor redness, healing blemishes, or pigmentation spots. In this case, it is advisable to use a fine brush or the tip of a sponge to deposit the product precisely, focusing only on the affected area. The formula should then be blended with gentle tapping, avoiding stretching the skin, to ensure good coverage while rendering the correction virtually invisible.

Under-eye concealer: before or after foundation?

This is a frequently asked question: should you apply concealer before or after foundation, BB cream, or CC cream? There is no universal answer but, in the majority of cases, it is more effective to apply it afterward. Since foundation has already evened out the complexion and partially reduced dark circles, concealer is applied only where needed, which prevents a cakey appearance and limits the risk of emphasizing fine lines. Moreover, by applying concealer afterward, you benefit not only from its corrective action but also from its illuminating effect on the skin.

Nevertheless, applying a tinted under-eye concealer before foundation remains possible, especially if you are using a color corrector to neutralize very pronounced dark circles or if your foundation is lightweight. However, you must take care to blend delicately to avoid shifting the product when applying foundation.

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