Fact: The way you apply your concealer is just as important as the concealer itself. You can have the best one in the world, but if you apply it wrong, it does more harm than good. Think: Flaky patches, exaggerated fine lines, and big red pimples that show up an hour after you spent just as much time trying to hide them. Trust us, we’ve been there, and it’s third circle of hell (right behind a chipping your polish right after a mani and a bad haircut).

Whether you’re covering up a breakout or trying to make dark circles disappear, there’s a specific way to do it for maximum success. We tapped the experts to reveal some tricks of the trade for perfecting your concealer game. Here’s how to use concealer to…

Cover up undereye circles…

Repeat after us: Order is everything. “One of my favorite tips to hide unwanted dark under eye circles is using liquid foundation first before applying an undereye concealer,” says celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller. “It provides a base to blend with the concealer for the perfect amount of coverage.” After that you want to apply your concealer in a patting motion, then press it in with a concealer brush or Beautyblender. But don’t smear or drag it! It’ll keep your concealer from caking and creasing.

Also advises Geller: “Make sure you also apply it on the inner corners of your eyes, too, not just underneath And avoid using concealer past your smile line, as this will enhance any crow’s feet you may have.” Last step: Sweep on a light, oil-absorbing setting powder to set your concealer in place so that it lasts all day.

Conceal redness around your nose…

No matter how many times we dab concealer here, it never seems to stick—and we’re sure we’re in good company. That’s where setting powder comes in. “Again, my trick is to always use an oil-absorbing setting powder after you apply your concealer,” says Geller. “Makeup tends to come off the nose area more quickly, especially for me around allergy season. So you want to make sure the concealer is properly set in place to keep any redness hidden throughout the day.”

Hide breakouts…

This one is probably the most common cover-up concern, and often the hardest. The good news: Urban Decay founder Wende Zomnir has a nifty layering trick to get smooth coverage on breakouts, and yes, it truly works. “I put Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion on blemishes before applying concealer, she says. “The primer restores the velvety texture to the blemished skin, so concealer has something to stick to.”

Start by sanitizing the zit with a blue light device or (if you don’t have one) hand sanitizer, recommends makeup artist Daniel Martin. Follow that with the primer, then concealer, then foundation. Yeah, it’s a lot of extra steps, but if it means your pimple won’t show up during a midday makeup meltdown, we say it’s worth it.

Cover up scars…

First thing’s first: “Assess what type of scar it is—raised or flat,” says Geller. That’ll determine what kind of formula you should be using. “If your scar is raised, I always recommend using a creamy, lightweight concealer,” she says. “For flat scars, you want to use a thicker, more matte formula.” Two we love: Glossier Stretch Concealer is a great lightweight option and Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Crème gives you thicker, creamier coverage. And remember, for both, always use a setting powder to keep it in place.

Source: www.glamour.com