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Getting under-eye concealer right can be a little more complicated than it looks. You want enough coverage to brighten and even out the area, but you also want it to stay smooth without creasing, looking dry or settling into fine lines as the day goes on. And often, the difference between concealer that wears beautifully and one that doesn’t comes down to a few small tweaks in technique.
“The biggest mistake is using too much product and then trying to set all of it with powder,” says celebrity makeup artist Shradha Luthra. Her approach is all about working in thin layers, blending well and setting strategically rather than piling on product. We asked Luthra to take us through the process, from prepping and placing your concealer to blending and setting it for a fresh, natural-looking finish that lasts.
Use thin layers of concealer and blend by gently tapping rather than dragging. Before applying powder, smooth out any existing creases and remove excess concealer with a clean sponge or fingertip. Then press a small amount of finely milled setting powder onto the areas that tend to crease.
Setting powder can help keep concealer in place, but you don’t necessarily need to powder the entire under-eye. If your skin is dry, use a very light layer or apply powder only where your concealer tends to crease.
Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder for the under-eye area. Use a small amount and tap off any excess before applying it to avoid a dry or cakey finish.
For everyday makeup, Luthra recommends setting rather than heavily baking the under-eye. Press a light layer of powder into the concealer, allow it a moment to set and gently sweep away any visible excess.
Use less concealer and powder, then gently smooth out any creasing before you set the area. This prevents powder from locking existing creases into place.
A smooth concealer finish starts well before concealer enters the picture. The under-eye area is naturally delicate, proper hydration can make a noticeable difference in how makeup sits on the skin. “Start with a lightweight eye cream or hydrating moisturiser and gently tap it into the under-eye rather than rubbing,” advises Luthra. Give the product a minute or two to settle, then check that no excess is sitting on the surface before moving on to makeup.
If your under-eyes tend to feel particularly dry, this step becomes even more important. That said, richer isn’t always better. Luthra recommends avoiding very heavy or oily creams immediately before makeup, as they can make concealer move around or crease more easily.
Once the skin is prepped, resist the urge to cover the entire under-eye in one thick layer. Instead, focus the product exactly where you need the coverage. “Start with much less than you think you need,” says Luthra. She recommends placing concealer around the inner corner, over areas of darkness and slightly below the eye rather than painting on a full triangle.
Placement can also help create a more lifted effect. Concentrating a little product towards the inner and outer corners can brighten the area without weighing it down. And if you need more coverage, build gradually. Thin layers are much easier to blend and set than one heavy application.
How you blend is just as important as how much concealer you use. Luthra prefers either a small, slightly damp makeup sponge or a soft concealer brush, depending on the finish and level of precision you want.
“The key is to tap rather than drag the product across the skin,” she says. This keeps the coverage concentrated where you placed it while softening the edges so everything blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
Once you’re happy with the blend, there’s one extra step worth adding. Lightly press over the under-eye again with your fingertip or sponge to pick up any excess. concealer. According to Luthra, this is one of the easiest ways to prevent creasing later.
“One step I would never skip is removing excess concealer before powdering,” she says. “You’ll be surprised by how much product comes off.”
With the concealer blended and any extra product removed, it’s time to set. This is where a light hand really matters. Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder, used sparingly. “You don’t need much at all,” she says. “Under the eyes, excess powder is usually what creates that dry, cakey finish.”
Pick up a small amount, then tap off the excess before the powder reaches your face. The goal isn’t to visibly coat the area, but simply to take away enough tackiness to help the concealer stay in place.
Instead of sweeping powder back and forth underneath the eyes, use controlled pressing or tapping motions. This helps set the concealer without moving the product underneath. For a softer, more natural finish, Luthra suggests using a small fluffy brush. If you prefer more precision, a small powder puff can work well too. “Whichever tool you use, the movement should be light and controlled,” she explains. “You want to set the concealer, not layer powder on top of it.”
That distinction is important. Setting should help the concealer stay put while still allowing the skin to look like skin.
Leaving a thick layer of powder under the eyes for several minutes might be common in makeup tutorials, but it isn’t always the most flattering approach for everyday makeup.
“I wouldn’t recommend leaving a thick layer of powder sitting under the eyes for several minutes just for the sake of ‘baking’,” says Luthra. Once you’ve lightly pressed powder into the area, let it sit for a short moment, then sweep away any visible excess with a clean, soft brush. As Luthra puts it, “The idea is to set, not bake.”
The result should feel secure without looking overly matte or powdery.
There isn’t one setting method that works identically for everyone, so it helps to tweak the technique depending on what your under-eye area needs. If fine lines are your main concern, use less concealer and less powder. After blending, look upwards and gently smooth out any creasing before setting. Otherwise, you risk fixing that crease in place.
For dry under-eyes, focus even more on hydration and use the smallest amount of powder possible. You can also set only the areas that tend to crease rather than powdering the entire under-eye.
If puffiness is a concern, placement becomes especially important. Luthra suggests avoiding too much bright or reflective concealer directly over the most prominent part of the puffiness. Instead, keep the coverage targeted and use the areas around it to create a more balanced finish.
Ultimately, the technique comes down to restraint. As Luthra explains, “The thinnest amount of product that gives you the coverage you need will almost always give you the most beautiful finish.” When the prep, placement and setting are all working together, the under-eye looks fresher, smoother and far more natural throughout the day.
A smooth concealer finish starts well before concealer enters the picture. The under-eye area is naturally delicate, proper hydration can make a noticeable difference in how makeup sits on the skin. “Start with a lightweight eye cream or hydrating moisturiser and gently tap it into the under-eye rather than rubbing,” advises Luthra. Give the product a minute or two to settle, then check that no excess is sitting on the surface before moving on to makeup.
If your under-eyes tend to feel particularly dry, this step becomes even more important. That said, richer isn’t always better. Luthra recommends avoiding very heavy or oily creams immediately before makeup, as they can make concealer move around or crease more easily.
Once the skin is prepped, resist the urge to cover the entire under-eye in one thick layer. Instead, focus the product exactly where you need the coverage. “Start with much less than you think you need,” says Luthra. She recommends placing concealer around the inner corner, over areas of darkness and slightly below the eye rather than painting on a full triangle.
Placement can also help create a more lifted effect. Concentrating a little product towards the inner and outer corners can brighten the area without weighing it down. And if you need more coverage, build gradually. Thin layers are much easier to blend and set than one heavy application.
How you blend is just as important as how much concealer you use. Luthra prefers either a small, slightly damp makeup sponge or a soft concealer brush, depending on the finish and level of precision you want.
“The key is to tap rather than drag the product across the skin,” she says. This keeps the coverage concentrated where you placed it while softening the edges so everything blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
Once you’re happy with the blend, there’s one extra step worth adding. Lightly press over the under-eye again with your fingertip or sponge to pick up any excess. concealer. According to Luthra, this is one of the easiest ways to prevent creasing later.
“One step I would never skip is removing excess concealer before powdering,” she says. “You’ll be surprised by how much product comes off.”
With the concealer blended and any extra product removed, it’s time to set. This is where a light hand really matters. Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder, used sparingly. “You don’t need much at all,” she says. “Under the eyes, excess powder is usually what creates that dry, cakey finish.”
Pick up a small amount, then tap off the excess before the powder reaches your face. The goal isn’t to visibly coat the area, but simply to take away enough tackiness to help the concealer stay in place.
Instead of sweeping powder back and forth underneath the eyes, use controlled pressing or tapping motions. This helps set the concealer without moving the product underneath. For a softer, more natural finish, Luthra suggests using a small fluffy brush. If you prefer more precision, a small powder puff can work well too. “Whichever tool you use, the movement should be light and controlled,” she explains. “You want to set the concealer, not layer powder on top of it.”
That distinction is important. Setting should help the concealer stay put while still allowing the skin to look like skin.
Leaving a thick layer of powder under the eyes for several minutes might be common in makeup tutorials, but it isn’t always the most flattering approach for everyday makeup.
“I wouldn’t recommend leaving a thick layer of powder sitting under the eyes for several minutes just for the sake of ‘baking’,” says Luthra. Once you’ve lightly pressed powder into the area, let it sit for a short moment, then sweep away any visible excess with a clean, soft brush. As Luthra puts it, “The idea is to set, not bake.”
The result should feel secure without looking overly matte or powdery.
There isn’t one setting method that works identically for everyone, so it helps to tweak the technique depending on what your under-eye area needs. If fine lines are your main concern, use less concealer and less powder. After blending, look upwards and gently smooth out any creasing before setting. Otherwise, you risk fixing that crease in place.
For dry under-eyes, focus even more on hydration and use the smallest amount of powder possible. You can also set only the areas that tend to crease rather than powdering the entire under-eye.
If puffiness is a concern, placement becomes especially important. Luthra suggests avoiding too much bright or reflective concealer directly over the most prominent part of the puffiness. Instead, keep the coverage targeted and use the areas around it to create a more balanced finish.
Ultimately, the technique comes down to restraint. As Luthra explains, “The thinnest amount of product that gives you the coverage you need will almost always give you the most beautiful finish.” When the prep, placement and setting are all working together, the under-eye looks fresher, smoother and far more natural throughout the day.
Use thin layers of concealer and blend by gently tapping rather than dragging. Before applying powder, smooth out any existing creases and remove excess concealer with a clean sponge or fingertip. Then press a small amount of finely milled setting powder onto the areas that tend to crease.
Setting powder can help keep concealer in place, but you don’t necessarily need to powder the entire under-eye. If your skin is dry, use a very light layer or apply powder only where your concealer tends to crease.
Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder for the under-eye area. Use a small amount and tap off any excess before applying it to avoid a dry or cakey finish.
For everyday makeup, Luthra recommends setting rather than heavily baking the under-eye. Press a light layer of powder into the concealer, allow it a moment to set and gently sweep away any visible excess.
Use less concealer and powder, then gently smooth out any creasing before you set the area. This prevents powder from locking existing creases into place.
Use thin layers of concealer and blend by gently tapping rather than dragging. Before applying powder, smooth out any existing creases and remove excess concealer with a clean sponge or fingertip. Then press a small amount of finely milled setting powder onto the areas that tend to crease.
Setting powder can help keep concealer in place, but you don’t necessarily need to powder the entire under-eye. If your skin is dry, use a very light layer or apply powder only where your concealer tends to crease.
Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder for the under-eye area. Use a small amount and tap off any excess before applying it to avoid a dry or cakey finish.
For everyday makeup, Luthra recommends setting rather than heavily baking the under-eye. Press a light layer of powder into the concealer, allow it a moment to set and gently sweep away any visible excess.
Use less concealer and powder, then gently smooth out any creasing before you set the area. This prevents powder from locking existing creases into place.
A smooth concealer finish starts well before concealer enters the picture. The under-eye area is naturally delicate, proper hydration can make a noticeable difference in how makeup sits on the skin. “Start with a lightweight eye cream or hydrating moisturiser and gently tap it into the under-eye rather than rubbing,” advises Luthra. Give the product a minute or two to settle, then check that no excess is sitting on the surface before moving on to makeup.
If your under-eyes tend to feel particularly dry, this step becomes even more important. That said, richer isn’t always better. Luthra recommends avoiding very heavy or oily creams immediately before makeup, as they can make concealer move around or crease more easily.
Once the skin is prepped, resist the urge to cover the entire under-eye in one thick layer. Instead, focus the product exactly where you need the coverage. “Start with much less than you think you need,” says Luthra. She recommends placing concealer around the inner corner, over areas of darkness and slightly below the eye rather than painting on a full triangle.
Placement can also help create a more lifted effect. Concentrating a little product towards the inner and outer corners can brighten the area without weighing it down. And if you need more coverage, build gradually. Thin layers are much easier to blend and set than one heavy application.
How you blend is just as important as how much concealer you use. Luthra prefers either a small, slightly damp makeup sponge or a soft concealer brush, depending on the finish and level of precision you want.
“The key is to tap rather than drag the product across the skin,” she says. This keeps the coverage concentrated where you placed it while softening the edges so everything blends seamlessly into the surrounding skin.
Once you’re happy with the blend, there’s one extra step worth adding. Lightly press over the under-eye again with your fingertip or sponge to pick up any excess. concealer. According to Luthra, this is one of the easiest ways to prevent creasing later.
“One step I would never skip is removing excess concealer before powdering,” she says. “You’ll be surprised by how much product comes off.”
With the concealer blended and any extra product removed, it’s time to set. This is where a light hand really matters. Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder, used sparingly. “You don’t need much at all,” she says. “Under the eyes, excess powder is usually what creates that dry, cakey finish.”
Pick up a small amount, then tap off the excess before the powder reaches your face. The goal isn’t to visibly coat the area, but simply to take away enough tackiness to help the concealer stay in place.
Instead of sweeping powder back and forth underneath the eyes, use controlled pressing or tapping motions. This helps set the concealer without moving the product underneath. For a softer, more natural finish, Luthra suggests using a small fluffy brush. If you prefer more precision, a small powder puff can work well too. “Whichever tool you use, the movement should be light and controlled,” she explains. “You want to set the concealer, not layer powder on top of it.”
That distinction is important. Setting should help the concealer stay put while still allowing the skin to look like skin.
Leaving a thick layer of powder under the eyes for several minutes might be common in makeup tutorials, but it isn’t always the most flattering approach for everyday makeup.
“I wouldn’t recommend leaving a thick layer of powder sitting under the eyes for several minutes just for the sake of ‘baking’,” says Luthra. Once you’ve lightly pressed powder into the area, let it sit for a short moment, then sweep away any visible excess with a clean, soft brush. As Luthra puts it, “The idea is to set, not bake.”
The result should feel secure without looking overly matte or powdery.
There isn’t one setting method that works identically for everyone, so it helps to tweak the technique depending on what your under-eye area needs. If fine lines are your main concern, use less concealer and less powder. After blending, look upwards and gently smooth out any creasing before setting. Otherwise, you risk fixing that crease in place.
For dry under-eyes, focus even more on hydration and use the smallest amount of powder possible. You can also set only the areas that tend to crease rather than powdering the entire under-eye.
If puffiness is a concern, placement becomes especially important. Luthra suggests avoiding too much bright or reflective concealer directly over the most prominent part of the puffiness. Instead, keep the coverage targeted and use the areas around it to create a more balanced finish.
Ultimately, the technique comes down to restraint. As Luthra explains, “The thinnest amount of product that gives you the coverage you need will almost always give you the most beautiful finish.” When the prep, placement and setting are all working together, the under-eye looks fresher, smoother and far more natural throughout the day.
Use thin layers of concealer and blend by gently tapping rather than dragging. Before applying powder, smooth out any existing creases and remove excess concealer with a clean sponge or fingertip. Then press a small amount of finely milled setting powder onto the areas that tend to crease.
Setting powder can help keep concealer in place, but you don’t necessarily need to powder the entire under-eye. If your skin is dry, use a very light layer or apply powder only where your concealer tends to crease.
Luthra recommends a finely milled, lightweight loose setting powder for the under-eye area. Use a small amount and tap off any excess before applying it to avoid a dry or cakey finish.
For everyday makeup, Luthra recommends setting rather than heavily baking the under-eye. Press a light layer of powder into the concealer, allow it a moment to set and gently sweep away any visible excess.
Use less concealer and powder, then gently smooth out any creasing before you set the area. This prevents powder from locking existing creases into place.
