Is foundation or concealer better for under eyes?

Author: Ahmad Beer  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

Concealer is typically thicker in consistency and meant to provide additional coverage to specific areas versus being applied to the entire face. For example, you can use concealer to brighten dark circles under your eyes, spot-conceal pimples or camouflage dark spots or redness from hyperpigmentation.

Should you put concealer or foundation under your eyes?

Concealer has higher levels of pigment than foundation. It works well to cover up spots/other blemishes/dark circles on the skin. If you used it all over your face like a foundation, the coverage may be too heavy for you.

What makeup is best to cover dark circles under eyes?

Shade: Opt for a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. For very dark circles, a peach or orange-toned corrector can neutralize the blue or purple tones before applying concealer. Moisturize: Use an eye cream or moisturizer to hydrate the under-eye area.

Do I need both concealer and foundation?

Yes, you can definitely wear just foundation without using concealer. Many people choose to do this for a more natural look or to save time. If your foundation provides enough coverage for your skin concerns, such as redness or minor blemishes, you may not need concealer at all. Here are a few tips:

Should under eye concealer be lighter than foundation?

The rule is that you should put on a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation. As it will cover your dark circles, spots etc and it will also help in highlighting.

HOW TO CONCEAL DARK CIRCLES & PREVENT UNDER EYE CREASING ON MATURE SKIN | Do's & Don'ts!

What is the best under eye concealer for mature skin?

Our favorite concealer for mature skin is the Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer, which has a lightweight feel and glowy finish and is packed with skin-loving ingredients.

What goes on first, concealer or 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.

Can you just wear concealer without foundation?

The trick to using concealer in place of foundation is to follow a less is more mentality. Once you've chosen your preferred concealer formula, apply it with a very targeted application to only the areas that need it.

What is the best foundation for mature skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Foundation for Mature Skin Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $69.
  • Best Light-Coverage Foundation: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $49.
  • Best Medium-Coverage Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, $54.
  • Best Full-Coverage Foundation: Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Foundation, $42.

Should I use BB Cream or foundation?

Consider your skin concerns and preferences. If you have minimal imperfections and prefer a natural look or want to simplify your routine, BB cream might be the perfect choice. For those seeking more coverage or needing to address specific skin issues, foundation would be a better fit.

What concealer won't crease under eyes?

Tarte Cosmetics' Creaseless Creamy Concealer is a game-changer for anyone seeking full coverage without the creases. What it is: A creamy, full-coverage concealer that has a natural finish for smoother, brighter, crease-proof under-eyes.

Does anything really work for dark circles under eyes?

Laser therapy or chemical peels can be helpful to some people. Injectable fillers can smooth the hollows that cause shadows. Other options are platelet-rich plasma injections and surgery to reduce puffy lids.

How do I stop bags under my eyes?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. ...
  2. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. ...
  3. Don't smoke. ...
  4. Get enough sleep. ...
  5. Sleep with your head slightly raised. ...
  6. Reduce allergy symptoms. ...
  7. Use cosmetics.

How to properly apply concealer under eyes?

Apply From the Inner Corner of the Eyes and Move Outward

“Usually it's the inner third of the eye and a bit at the outer corner.” When it comes to application, she likes to deposit the product with a small synthetic bristle brush and then use the pads of her fingertips to blend it in carefully.

Should I buy concealer or foundation?

Depending on the formula of each that you use, this can vary, but concealer having a thicker feel is typically the norm. Foundation is meant to even everything out at once and then concealer can be used as extra coverage on any spots that foundation didn't completely cover.

In what order do you do your makeup?

  1. Step 1: Moisturizer. Before you begin applying your makeup, take the time to prep your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. ...
  2. Step 2: Primer. ...
  3. Step 3: Liquid Foundation. ...
  4. Step 4: Concealer. ...
  5. Step 5: Foundation Powder. ...
  6. Step 6: Bronzer. ...
  7. Step 7: Blush. ...
  8. Step 8: Highlighter.

What do makeup artists use to fill in wrinkles?

– Hollywood's top makeup artists use Dermaflage Topical Filler to turn back time. This innovative silicone wrinkle filler was expertly developed by special effects makeup pros who demand the best wrinkle filler with results that look like real skin, even up-close and in real life.

How do you get flawless makeup on older skin?

How to Apply Makeup on Mature Skin
  1. Less is more with eye makeup. ...
  2. Swap black eyeliner for brown eyeliner. ...
  3. Use eyeliner to “shape” your eyes. ...
  4. Pair the right moisturizer with your foundation. ...
  5. Prioritize lightweight, hydrating foundation formulas. ...
  6. Blend your foundation with a makeup sponge. ...
  7. Don't forget about blush.

Does mature skin look better without foundation?

Although it may be counterintuitive, it is better to apply less makeup as you age, rather than more. You may feel like more lines and wrinkles need more coverage, but heavy foundations and cream blushes tend to sink into creases in the skin, thus exaggerating their appearance.

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.

Do you put foundation under your eyes?

To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.

How to find the right concealer shade?

"My general rule of thumb is to choose something a hair lighter than your foundation but not too different. You want a concealer that blends well with your skin and the rest of your makeup for the most natural finish."

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.

Should foundation be lighter or darker?

Your foundation should ideally not be lighter or darker than your skin—you want to find a perfect match. If you only have a lighter foundation on hand, however, you may be able to make it work by adding warmth and depth with bronzer and contour, respectively.

Do you want your concealer darker than your foundation?

To hide imperfections and blemishes, concealer should match your skin tone and undertone, seamlessly blending into the skin. To reduce the appearance of dark circles, though, apply a concealer that is 1 shade lighter than your skin tone.

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