Because of the uniqueness of each person's own coloring– both skin tone and undertones, it can be a challenge to find complexion products that match perfectly. This goes for foundations and also concealers. While the growing number of brands,shade options, and formula types is great to see, they introduce some new issues. Especially, if you don't know what you're looking for. Because of that, finding the right concealer match can take a lot of trial and error.
Whether it's because you don't know how to find your undertones or didn't take into account what you'd be using the concealer for, it's easy to end up with a bottle that winds up going unused. There are many factors to consider before shopping that will guarantee you're picking a shade that fully matches your face and needs. If you're not sure where to start, fear not—ahead, pro makeup artists Katie Mellinger, Neil Scibelli, and Tobi Henney offer their top tips on how to pick the right concealer color for dark circles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and beyond.
Keep reading to learn more and find the concealer shade that's right for you.
Meet the Experts
- Katie Mellinger is a bi-coastal celebrity and editorial makeup artist. Her clients include Amy Poehler, Emma Watson, and Naomi Watts.
- Neil Scibelli is a New York-based editorial and celebrity makeup artist. He received his training under brands like Kevyn Aucoin and Laura Mercier.
- Tobi Henney is a bi-coastal makeup artist from Sydney, where she was previously the L'Oréal Paris Makeup Director for Australia.
How to Choose a Concealer Shade
When you're color-matching concealer, you'll want to think about what you're trying to conceal—both shade and undertone are important factors in covering pimples, concealing dark under-eye circles, and more. "People often make the mistake of using the same concealer that they might cover a pimple with to cover their dark circles, and this doesn’t usually work," Mellinger tells us.
For Under-Eyes
When choosing a concealer for the under-eye area, Mellinger suggests using a formula with a peach or orange undertone in your eye area to help with color correction. "For under the eyes, I always recommend something with a peach undertone (for lighter skin) or an orange undertone (for darker skin) to cover," she says. "The orange in the concealer will cancel out the blue in the dark circles, making a more seamless transition into [your] general skin tone."
Henney adds that she "Always uses a shade lighter than [the] skin tone to really brighten that area and give that awake feel to the eyes."
For Acne and Dark Spots
Looking to conceal breakouts or dark spots? Scibelli says to mix in a bit of green—which sits across from red on the color wheel—to counteract the redness associated with your pimples. "I would suggest color-correcting with a green-based primer or concealer first, then applying your complexion color concealer over it," he explains. "Green really counteracts redness and is great for target areas on the skin."
Undertone
Skin undertone is the color hue underneath the surface of your skin. "Skin undertones fall into warm, cool, and neutral categories," Henney says.
How to find your undertones: Checking the color of your veins is a great way to determine your undertones in a pinch. Look specifically at the veins in and around your face and neck to truly identify. "You have cool undertones if you can see blue veins in your skin. If your veins appear green on the skin (olive), you're warm. Neutral is a mixture of both warm and cool undertones," explains celebrity makeup artist, Daniel Martin.
The Best Method for Color Matching Concealer
Whenever you have the chance, the best way to pick your ideal concealer color is to try out a few options in real life. Also, make sure to test concealer in natural lighting when possible, as artificial lighting can yield the wrong shade. Wondering where to swatch? Skip the top of your hand and instead, Scibelli says to try the product along your jawline or inner wrist–this will give you the most accurate color match.
Liquid Concealer
Liquid formulas are among the most popular types of concealers. They typically come in a small tube with an applicator wand.
Benefits
- Suits all skin types: Liquid concealer is the most versatile formula and is suitable for normal, oily, and dry skin types.
- Buildable: When it comes to coverage, liquid concealer is on the thinner side and can either take on a more sheer appearance or be built up to fuller coverage without looking cakey.
- Has many finishes: Liquid concealer comes in a slew of finishes, such as dewy, matte, or satin. With this range of options, you can choose a formula that works well with your skin type and helps you achieve your desired result.
Best For
- Dark circles
- Blemishes
How to Color Match Liquid Concealer
First, determine your undertones, overall skin tone, and what you're trying to cover, whether that's acne, uneven pigmentation, or dark circles. For color correction, choose an undertone on the opposite end of the color wheel from what you're trying to cover. Most concealers are classified from dark to light as well as in warm, neutral, and cool variations, and liquid formulas have some of the most options available.
Stick Concealer
Stick concealers are solid formulas that work well for easy, precise application to any area you choose to target.
Benefits
- Good for dry skin types: Stick concealers are often available in satin finishes, making them hydrating enough for dry skin types.
- Full coverage: A stick concealer typically has full coverage, making it ideal for those with particularly dark under-eye circles or discoloration.
Best For
- Spot concealing
- Dark Circles
- Blemishes
- Discoloration
How to Color Match Stick Concealer
As with any concealer, you'll want to choose an option that best matches your skin tone, undertones, and the area where you want coverage. Mellinger suggests looking for concealers with peach and orange undertones if you're looking to conceal under-eyes, while more general stick concealers feature a wider range of shades to match your overall skin tone. If you're trying to counteract redness or other warm-toned discoloration, either try a cooler undertone or apply your concealer over a color-correcting primer.
Cream Concealer
If you want something between liquid and stick formulas, a cream concealer is the best of both worlds. These typically come in a compact format, and they allow for precise spot treatment with a brush or your finger.
Benefits
- Gives medium to full coverage: Cream concealers are lauded for their coverage and can be built up to full coverage if necessary.
- Camouflages discoloration: Because cream concealers have a thicker consistency, they work well with your foundation to cancel out any discoloration.
Best For
- Spot concealing
- Discoloration
How to Color Match Cream Concealer
Since cream concealers are best for spot-concealing, you'll want to look for undertones that counteract what you're trying to cover and are similar in shade to your other makeup. For example, if you're covering hyperpigmentation spots that skew somewhat purple, look for a formula that adds some golden or peachy tones and is otherwise similar to your go-to foundation shade.
