Concealer is a must-have in any makeup bag, but do you know how to use it properly?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, your concealer won’t stay put. It starts to crease and settle into fine lines, which is the last thing you want during the day.
So, what can you do to make sure your concealer lasts all day long? In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether you should set your concealer with powder or not.
This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.
Do You Have To Use Setting Powder After Concealer?
The answer is yes and no. It depends on the type of concealer you are using and your skin type.
If you are using concealer on the under-eye area, some lightweight formulas can last well during the day without any setting powder on top. However, if you are using a full-coverage concealer, you might need to set it to prevent it from creasing.
If you are using concealer to cover blemishes on your face, you may need to set it depending on your skin type. If you have oily skin, your concealer might separate and look cakey so you will need to set it with powder.
If you have dry skin, you might be able to get away with not setting your concealer.
Pro Tip: Some pimples might feel dry after treatment, so setting your concealer will only make it look worse if you have a dry pimple. Use a creamy concealer formula on dry pimples and avoid heavy formulas as they can look cakey on the skin.
What Type Of Powder Should You Use To Set Your Concealer?
For the under-eye area, look for a translucent powder that will not add any extra coverage to your skin. Loose powders that are finely milled are ideal for this area as they will not settle into any fine lines. Make sure to use a good quality powder and apply a minimal amount so that it does not look cakey on the skin.
This brightening powder for example sets and illuminate the under eye area. It looks natural and it doesn’t emphasize fine lines. It has some tiny particles of shimmer and the key is to use a small amount as a little bit goes a long way with this product.
Some people use pressed powders under the eyes, which can work if you are careful not to apply too much. I like this setting powder, and it has a lightweight formula that doesn’t emphasize fine lines and wrinkles.
You can use a pressed or a loose powder to set your concealer for blemishes. Some powders have hydrating ingredients, which makes them a great choice for people with dry skin. Just make sure to use a small amount so that it doesn’t look cakey on the skin.
How To Apply Concealer For Beginners
Follow these steps for a flawless concealer application:
- Start with a clean, moisturized face.
Cleanse your skin with a lightweight cleanser and apply a moisturizer to help hydrate the skin. Avoid harsh cleansers as they can strip the skin of its natural oils and make it difficult for your concealer to blend seamlessly.
If you have dry skin under your eyes, apply a hydrating eye cream to the under-eye area to help the concealer glide on smoothly.
- Choose the right concealer formula.
Look for a lightweight concealer that will not crease or settle into fine lines for the under-eye area. If you have blemishes, choose a medium to full-coverage concealer to provide long-lasting coverage. Opt for a matte or semi-matte formula that doesn’t emphasize the skin flaws. If you have bumpy pimples to cover, avoid using a thick matte concealer and use a creamy formula instead. Heavy concealers can look dry on raised spots, making them appear more noticeable.
- Find the right shade for your skin tone.
The concealer can be one shade lighter than foundation for the under eyes. For the rest of the face, choose a concealer with the same shade as your skin tone or one shade darker.
Avoid using a very light color under the eyes, as it might cause your concealer to look grey. Also, using a very dark concealer can make your under eyes look orange.
- Apply your concealer with a brush or beauty sponge.
Place a few dots of concealer under the eyes. Don’t apply the concealer too close to the lower lash line, as it might cause your eyes to look smaller. Use a makeup sponge to blend the concealer into the skin for a seamless finish.
Apply your favorite foundation after concealer all over the face and blend it well.
To conceal blemishes, use a small precise brush and apply the concealer on top of any blemishes to cover them up. Blend the product by gently tapping it with your finger or a beauty sponge.
If you are new to concealer, start with a small amount and build up the coverage as needed. The key is to blend, blend, blend!
PRO TIP: Let your concealer sit for several minutes before blending. This technique allows the product to “settle” into the skin and provides better coverage.
How To Set Concealer With Powder
Use a small fluffy brush and dust a little bit of translucent powder to set your concealer for the under eyes. You can also use a damp beauty sponge to apply the powder, which works better for baking the under-eye area.
A small and fluffy brush is the best tool for setting concealer under the eyes, and it doesn’t deposit too much powder and helps blend the product seamlessly into the skin.
For blemishes, use a small precise brush and dust some powder on top of the concealer to set it in place. You can also use a makeup sponge to apply the powder.
How To Set Concealer On Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you might be able to get away with not setting your concealer. Just make sure to use a lightweight formula that won’t emphasize any dry patches on the skin.
You can still set your concealer using a finely milled powder that doesn’t emphasize dry patches. There are many powders with hydrating ingredients, making them a great choice for people with dry skin. Just make sure to use a small amount so that it doesn’t look cakey on the skin.
This loose powder, for example, is a great choice because it is lightweight, which helps to give the skin a natural look.
Do You Set Your Face Before Concealer?
Applying powder all over the face before concealer is not a good idea. A cream or liquid concealer will not work well over a powder if you are concealing blemishes.
The best way to apply concealer is on top of a foundation or BB cream applied all over the face. You can then use a small brush or your fingers to blend the product into the skin for a flawless finish.
You can use powder to set your concealer in place, but it should be applied after the concealer has been applied to the face.
Read More: Concealer Vs BB Cream
Concealers You Don’t Have To Set
These are some of the best concealers that I’ve tried. They didn’t need to be set with powder because they are long-lasting and stay in place throughout the day.
I have dry skin with dry under the eyes, and keep in mind that makeup is personal, so what works for me might not work for you. Feel free to experiment with different formulas and find the best one for your skin type.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
This concealer is one of my all-time favorites because it is affordable and does an amazing job concealing under-eye darkness. It has a lightweight consistency that doesn’t crease throughout the day. It’s available in four shades, and I usually go for the shade 10 light.
It blends easily into the skin and provides light to medium coverage.
The only thing that I don’t like about it is the smell, as it has a strong smell that thankfully goes away after a few minutes.
Revlon Photoready Candid Concealer
This is another great drugstore concealer that is available in 24 shades. It gives the skin medium to full coverage, and I like to use it on days when I need my under eyes to look bright and awake.
It has a lightweight formula that doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines, and it also doesn’t emphasize dry patches. I blend it with a makeup sponge to get a seamless finish.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
This concealer is a bit more expensive, but it provides medium to full coverage with a natural finish. It’s available in 20 shades, and it has a creamy consistency that blends easily into the skin and doesn’t look cakey.
The only thing I don’t like about it is that it has some tiny particles of shimmer, which I don’t like in a concealer. Other than that, it’s a great product.
Too faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer
This is one of the best high-end concealers on the market because it has a light formula that brightens up the area. It has a lightweight consistency that blends easily into the skin without looking cakey. It provides medium to full coverage, and it’s available in 18 shades.
The key is to use a tiny amount because a little goes a long way with this product. It will crease and look cakey if you apply too much.
What Is Baking?
Baking is a technique used to set the makeup and make it last longer. It involves applying a thick layer of translucent powder under the eyes and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before dusting off the excess. This helps set the concealer in place and prevent it from creasing throughout the day.
You don’t need to use this technique every day to get the best makeup look. If you have dry skin, baking can actually make your under eyes look worse because it will emphasize any dry patches.
Many people use this technique to create an airbrushed look. It’s a great way to achieve a flawless makeup look, but it’s unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Concealer is a great way to brighten the under-eye area and cover any blemishes. If you have oily skin, you must set your concealer with powder to prevent it from sliding off. If you have dry skin, you might get away with not setting your concealer. Ultimately, it depends on your skin type and your concealer.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
Related Articles
Why Is Your Concealer Separating?
Why Is Your Concealer Looking Grey?
Why Is Your Concealer Looking Orange?
Can Concealer Make Your Eyes Look Tiny?
The Difference Between Concealer & BB Cream
Should Concealer Be Darker Than Foundation?
Difference Between Concealer & Foundation
