How to find the correct concealer shade?

Author: Cayla Schmidt Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

The rule of thumb for picking your concealer shade is based on your foundation shade. Beauty experts advise that everyone should have two shades of concealer in their arsenal, one lighter and one darker since daily sun exposure means your skin tone shifts slightly all the time.

How do I know my concealer shade?

A foolproof way to pick a highlight concealer shade is to choose something w/ the same undertone as ur foundation match and simply go 2 shades lighter. If that pushes u into another undertone choose something lighter but neutral or cooler since a warmer shade could read as too light or ashy.

Should concealer be lighter or darker than your shade?

Concealer should usually be a shade lighter than your foundation to effectively cover imperfections and brighten your complexion. Choose a concealer that is close to your skin tone or slightly lighter so it blends better with your makeup and creates a natural glow.

How can I find the perfect concealer?

Go One Shade Lighter: Choose a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone. This helps in brightening the under-eye area and counteracting dark circles effectively. Test in Natural Light: Always test the concealer on your skin in natural light to ensure a perfect match and seamless blend.

How to pick color corrector shade?

Here's a quick cheat sheet on which color-corrector shade to use:
  1. For redness: Neutralize red and pink tones with a green color corrector.
  2. For dark circles and dark spots: Use a peach color corrector if you have fair skin, or a deeper orange shade if you have medium to dark skin.

HOW TO MATCH YOUR CONCEALER SHADE | NINA UBHI

How do I find my correct shade?

Swatch on your jawline: Apply a small amount of foundation on your jawline and blend it towards your neck. The right shade should seamlessly blend into your skin. Consider your skin type: Different formulas work better for different skin types (e.g., matte for oily skin, dewy for dry skin).

What color concealer should I use for dark circles?

According to Quinn Murphy, a celebrity makeup artist and host of In My Chair podcast, the best way to counter dark circles is to apply some variation of orange. "The key is to apply it only where there is darkness, so that you don't see the orange hue," he says.

How do I choose true match concealer?

Picking a concealer with coordinating undertones usually yields the most harmonious match. For example, if you have warm skin, you'll want to pick a warmer-toned concealer; those with cool skin should opt for a cooler concealer shade.

How do I choose the best under eye concealer?

Here is our color corrector guide to help you determine what shade to use: To find your shade, take a look at the discoloration under the eye. If it's bluish-purple, choose a bisque shade. If it's greenish-brown, choose a peach shade. If it's a mix of both, choose the peach bisque shade.

How do I find my undertone?

White Cloth Test: Put a white cloth next to your bare face and observe how your skin appears under that lighting. Skin with warm undertones will look yellowish, while skin with cool undertones will seem blueish or pinkish.

Should concealer go on before or after foundation?

The Takeaway. While the majority of experts recommend applying a light layer of foundation before concealer, we admit there are instances where you benefit from a concealer first, like: If you're getting photographed. If your concealer shade isn't the same as your foundation.

What is the best concealer for mature skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Buildable: Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover All in One Foundation, $52.
  • Best Budget: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Concealer, $11.
  • Best Glowy Finish: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Concealer, $95.
  • Best for Dark Circles: Sisley Paris Phyto-Cernes Éclat Eye Concealer, $130.

How to find your contour shade?

Selecting the correct shade ensures your contour looks natural rather than overly dramatic. Those with fair to light skin should stick to soft, cool-toned browns to prevent an orange effect, while deeper complexions benefit from rich, warm brown hues that add depth without appearing grey.

How to use concealer for beginners?

How to Apply Concealer in 6 Simple Steps
  1. Step 1: Cleanse the skin. For a smooth and even application of concealer, a cleansed and toned face is essential. ...
  2. Step 2: Hydrate the face and undereye area. ...
  3. Step 3: Prime the skin. ...
  4. Step 4: Assess where to put concealer. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply concealer. ...
  6. Step 6: Set with powder.

Which drugstore concealer is the best?

Our top picks for drugstore concealers in 2024:
  • Best Drugstore Concealer Overall. Maybelline New York Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Concealer. ...
  • Best Long-Wear Drugstore Concealer. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Matte Concealer. ...
  • Best Drugstore Concealer for Acne.

How do I know my exact concealer shade?

Begin Swatching on Your Lower Cheek

Through systematic elimination, you'll pinpoint the concealer shade that seamlessly compliments your complexion. If you're looking for the perfect brightening shade, simply go one or two shades lighter than your perfect match within the same undertone family.

How do I find my foundation shade?

Find My Shade
  1. Click the FIND MY SHADE button on any foundation product page.
  2. Find the brand of foundation you currently use.
  3. Choose the formula you're using.
  4. Select the shade you wear.
  5. Get your match in your new foundation!

What concealer doesn t look cakey?

NARS Cosmetics Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Don't be put off by the 'matte' name, it isn't the slightest bit cakey. Staying power: It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day. Shade range: 16 shades that cover most skin tones.

Should concealer be lighter or darker than foundation?

Your concealer and foundation should both match your skin tone. But this doesn't mean they always need to be the same shade. In fact, for concealers,it's best to pick a shade lighter than your foundation if you're applying it under your eyes.

What is the best under-eye concealer?

Our Top Undereye Concealers
  • Best Light Coverage: Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days Concealer, $32.
  • Best Full Coverage: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Concealer, $31.
  • Best for Dry Skin: Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, $42.
  • Best for Mature Skin: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer, $40.

Which concealer is best for heavy dark circles?

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD is the best pick for both beginners and experts, with a crease-resistant, opaque coverage in a creamy yet lightweight texture, it camouflages darkness under the eyes, redness and skin imperfections. Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer is perfect for flawless, natural coverage.

How do I know my skin tone?

If your skin burns easily and doesn't tan, you have a fair skin tone. If your skin burns as well as tans a little, you have a light tone. If your skin tans easily but rarely burns, you have a medium tone. Finally, if your skin never burns but tans during prolonged exposure, you have a dark skin tone.

Why doesn't concealer cover my dark circles?

The reason concealer alone cannot address dark circles is that it often creases and makes the issue much worse. Moisturizing and applying color corrector can help minimize the look of dark circles.

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