How to make your concealer last longer

makeup tips — this post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a small commission at no cost to you if you buy any products through them.

I have suffered with dark circles all my life so concealer has always been my holy grail product. Throughout my teens and early adulthood I have tried so many concealers I’ve lost count. The one thing I find most frustrating about using concealer is how quickly it fades in comparison to the rest of my makeup. This frustration led to me researching ways to make my concealer last longer, here’s some tips that helped me along the way.

Make sure your face is clean

Makeup lasts longest on clean skin as it has a clear base to settle on. Try to get in a routine and clean your face morning and night with a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Alternate with a exfoliator so you can remove all the oils, impurities and dead skin cells that can cause dullness and break outs.

Hydrate your skin

If you don’t apply moisturiser your skin will get really dry, especially in winter. Once you’ve washed your face use a good moisturiser to give your skin the moisture it deserves. Opt for a moisturiser that suits your skin type and try to aim for one with a high SPF. A good place to start is Alpha-H Daily Essential moisturiser with SPF50+ and Vitamin E.

Concealer first or primer?

Makeup primers are essential for getting your concealer to last longer. By applying primer first your makeup has a base to cling to which will avoid it sinking straight into your skin. I recommend Nars Smooth and Protect primer which helps to blur imperfections whilst helping your makeup last longer.

How to choose the right concealer

There are so many concealers on the market it’s probably quite overwhelming trying to find the right one. Try to find a product that is branded as long lasting and suitable for your skin type. The best way to see if it’s right for you is to try it out in store or ask for a demonstration. Find out which concealer will suit your skin type below:

If you have dry skin opt for a liquid concealer.
If you suffer from acne or combination skin, cream concealers are good as they’re normally medium to full coverage.
If your skin is oily you’ll want to choose a matte concealer that won’t add extra moisture.

Applying concealer

Once you’ve find the perfect concealer it’s time to apply it. You can use a concealer brush or your fingers depending on which you find easiest. Apply a small amount of concealer and blend along the problem area. If you’re applying concealer to dark circles aim for one shade lighter so the area looks brighter. If you’re covering acne you’ll want to aim for a concealer that matches your skin tone.

Set concealer with powder

The best way to set your makeup is using a face powder that will give your makeup sticking power and prevent shine. Use circular motions to blend the powder in.

Resist the touch!

Nothing ruins your makeup quicker then having dirty fingers running over it. It’s so easy when you’re at work to scratch, itch or touch your face without even thinking about it. I know I do it all the time!
Try to resist this as it can cause your makeup to smudge and transfer oil and dirt onto your skin.