How to Apply Powder Concealer

Co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

While not quite as well-known as its liquid counterpart, powder concealer is still an easy and effective addition to your makeup routine. Like liquid or cream concealers, this powder helps provide a sleek, smooth finish to your everyday look. Whether you’re applying a full face of makeup or just doing a quick touch-up, powder concealer is up to the task!

1

Apply primer and foundation first for a full look.

Powder concealer is a great addition to your usual makeup routine. Grab your primer of choice and massage it into your skin—this helps create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup.^{[1]
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Research source} Then, apply a layer of liquid or powder foundation onto your primed skin. Both liquid and powder foundations work well with a powder concealer, as long as you apply them beforehand.^{[2]
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- If you’re using liquid foundation, wait several minutes for the product to dry completely. Powder concealer is a lot trickier to blend on a damp surface.^{[3]
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- Applying your foundation first helps you pinpoint spots that need a little extra coverage.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Alicia D'Angelo
  Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.}

2

Pick a product that’s lighter than your skin tone.

Concealer masks the uneven parts of your complexion. To create a really seamless look, pick a powder concealer that’s at least 1 shade lighter than your actual skin tone.^{[5]
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- Powder concealer adds a bright, highlighting touch to your skin. Unfortunately, the product may look a bit muddy if it’s too dark.

3

Apply loose powder with a concealer brush.

Concealer brushes have small, tapered bristles. Pour and sift a pea-sized amount of concealer powder into the concealer lid. Then, twirl your concealer brush in the powder, tapping away any excess along the lid’s rim.^{[6]
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- Some people prefer using fluffy contour brushes to apply their powder concealer.^{[7]
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- Many concealer powders come loose in a sifter jar, but some are pressed into a compact, similar to a pressed powder.

4

Brush powder concealer directly under your eyes.

Powder concealer provides great coverage over dark circles and bags. Guide your concealer brush in long, quick motions beneath your lower lash line. Then, apply the product along the curve of your eye to help disguise any dark circles or other uneven spots. Additionally, work the brush in short, diagonal motions toward your cheekbones, so you’re also covering your under-eye bags.^{[8]
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- You can re-dip your brush into the sifter jar lid at any time if you run out of powder.

5

Tap the powder over any blemishes or discolored spots.

Concealer powder offers a quick fix if you’re in a rush. Grab a concealer brush, lightly guiding it over the problem spot. For a really smooth, cohesive look, tap the powder into place as you go. Continue applying the powder in short, quick motions until the problem spot looks smooth and is completely covered.^{[9]
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6

Highlight the high points of your face.

Brighten your complexion with a fluffy contour brush. Dab the brush into the concealer powder, whisking it back and forth beneath your eyes. As you apply the powder, gently guide the brush up and around your outer corners. Additionally, work the brush onto your cheekbones, diffusing the powder with a gentle, buffing motion.^{[10]
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- The powder helps brighten your cheekbones, as well as the outer corners of your eyes.

7

Buff the powder anywhere else that needs extra coverage.

Scan your complexion for any other problem spots. With your concealer brush, blend the powder above your Cupid’s bow, along your brow bone, or any other spot that could use a little more support.^{[11]
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- Use powder concealer to disguise redness around your nose, or use it to hide scars and breakouts.^{[12]
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8

Don’t apply any cream or liquid products on top.

Powder-based products don’t sit well beneath creams or liquids. Instead of blending into a seamless finish, your makeup will actually flake and curl. To be safe, stick to powder products for the rest of your makeup routine.^{[13]
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- For instance, don’t use a cream or liquid blush on top of a powder concealer.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How much powder concealer should I apply?

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.

Alicia D'Angelo

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Use a light hand when you're applying the concealer—if you apply powder products too heavily, they'll start to look cakey.
Question

Should I put on concealer before or after foundation?

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.

Alicia D'Angelo

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I prefer to put on concealer after foundation so I can pinpoint exactly what I need to cover. Also, if you put on the concealer first, it might move when you put on the foundation.

Warnings

Powder concealers appear matte on your skin, and won’t give you a dewy complexion.^{[17]
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