If you ask us, concealer is one of the most useful products to keep in your makeup toolkit—and learning how to choose a concealer color is the first step to getting the most out of it. In addition to helping hide imperfections (arguably its most common use), the right concealer shade can brighten your complexion and give your base a smooth, even finish. Some concealers can even double as contour or highlighter. The key, as it usually is with makeup, is choosing a concealer shade (and formula) that truly suits your needs.
Whether you prefer cream or liquid concealer, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for your match. Ahead, we’ll break down the different types of concealer and their uses, then walk you through how to pick a concealer shade that works for you. Plus, you’ll find a few of our favorite application tips and tricks along the way.
What Is Concealer?
Concealer is a type of makeup product designed to help hide (or, well, conceal) imperfections, such as dark circles, blemishes, or dark spots. It’s often used alongside foundation to help create a base for your makeup. While concealers come in a range of different finishes and textures, they typically offer more coverage than foundation. For this reason, they’re usually used to spot-correct problem areas rather than even out your entire complexion.
What Are the Different Types of Concealer?
There are a few different types of concealer to choose from, but most fall into one of two categories: liquids or creams. Each formula comes with its own benefits; figuring out which is right for you ultimately depends on how much coverage you want and how you plan to use it.
Liquid Concealer
When you picture concealer, you’re probably thinking of liquid—the kind that comes in a tube with an attached applicator wand. These formulas are typically easy to apply and blend, making them a go-to for makeup artists and beginners alike. Liquid concealers come in matte, natural, or dewy finishes and can offer anything from medium to full, buildable coverage depending on the formula. Our favorite liquid option, the Wonder Snatch Concealer, provides up to 24 hours of lightweight, buildable wear with a natural-looking finish.
Serum Concealers
Serum concealers fall under the liquid category but have a few standout differences. Most notably, they’re infused with skincare benefits—our Bare With Me Concealer Serum, for example, provides up to 24 hours of hydration. They also have a thinner, more fluid texture than traditional liquid concealers. Otherwise, their uses are similar: They can help cover blemishes, brighten the under-eye area, and smooth over any imperfections your foundation didn’t fully conceal.
Cream Concealers
Cream concealers are thicker than liquid formulas, with a texture more similar to a balm or putty. Because of this, they typically offer more coverage than liquid or serum concealers. You’ll usually find them in jars, palettes, or compacts, and they often require a tool—like a brush or sponge—for application.
Concealer sticks
If you’re looking for something in between a cream and a liquid, a stick concealer is a great option. These convenient options boast a creamy formula akin to a classic cream concealer, but come in a stick format for an easy application. The Pro Fix Sticks Correcting Concealer is our favorite in this category—the hyaluronic acid-infused formula comes in 24 shades that offer buildable coverage with a smooth, crease-resistant finish.
How To Pick the Right Concealer Formula
The concealer formula you choose should be guided by a few key factors, starting with your skin type. If you have dry skin, we recommend reaching for hydrating, blendable formulas that won’t cling to dry patches or emphasize uneven skin texture. Liquid and serum concealers are often great options here, especially those with skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or shea butter. Those with oilier skin, meanwhile, may prefer matte liquid or cream concealers that help balance out unwanted shine.
That said, your skin type isn’t the only thing to consider. Your desired finish (think: dewy vs. matte), coverage level, and how you plan to use your concealer all play a role. A lightweight, radiant formula might be perfect for brightening, while a thicker, more pigmented option could be better suited for spot-concealing blemishes. Ultimately, the best concealer is the one that fits seamlessly into your routine and delivers the look you’re going for.
Why Choosing the Right Concealer Shade Matters
The shade of your concealer plays a big role in how well it actually works. Even the best formula can miss the mark if the color isn’t quite right. Going too light can create a noticeable cast and draw attention to the area you’re trying to camouflage or conceal. Using a shade that’s too dark, on the other hand, can leave the skin looking muddy or patchy rather than smooth and even.
Picking the right undertone is just as important. A concealer that’s noticeably cooler or warmer than your skin can make dark circles or redness stand out more, rather than canceling them out. It’s also worth keeping oxidation in mind—some formulas deepen slightly after application, so a shade that looks like a perfect match at first can shift once it sets. If you can, try to do a quick test run before committing to a shade to make sure what you see in the tube (or pan) is what you actually get on your skin.
How To Find the Right Concealer Shade
Choosing a concealer color depends on what you plan to use it for (the shade you use for brightening, for example, may not be the same shade you use to conceal dark circles). Below, we’ll explain how to choose the right concealer shade for camouflaging blemishes, brightening dark areas, and sculpting your features.
For covering blemishes
If you plan to use your concealer to cover up blemishes (such as dark spots or acne), you’ll want it to match your foundation as closely as possible. To find your concealer color, first identify your skin tone—usually, it can be characterized as light (or fair), medium, or deep. Then, determine whether you have cool, neutral, or warm undertones. That’ll help narrow down your options to a handful of shades that closely match your skin.
Once you’ve shortlisted a few potential matches, swatch them along your jawline right next to your everyday foundation. The right shade should essentially disappear into your skin—blending smoothly into your foundation without looking lighter, darker, warmer, or cooler. When it matches in both depth and undertone, you’ve found your best fit.
For brightening under eyes
If you’re using concealer to brighten the under-eye area, choose a shade that’s about one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. This helps lift and illuminate the area, making you look more awake and refreshed. Just be careful not to go too light—overly pale concealer can create a stark contrast, emphasize texture, or cause a white cast in photos (often referred to as flashback).
Editor’s note: If you have prominent dark circles, you may want to consider color correcting to neutralize discoloration before applying your concealer. Usually, this is done with a peachy, orange, or red-toned concealer. The warmth of these shades helps counteract the bluish or purple tones in under-eye circles, so they appear less noticeable once you apply concealer. For a full breakdown on color correction, check out The Ultimate Color Corrector Guide: How To Use Color Correction Makeup.
For contouring
When using concealer for subtle contouring or adding dimension, opt for a shade that’s one to two shades deeper than your skin tone. This creates natural-looking shadow and helps define features without looking harsh. Cream concealers are often ideal for contouring because of their blendability and skin-like finish, but liquid formulas can work well too if you prefer something more lightweight and easy to sheer out. A word of note: If you’re using concealer to contour, be sure to pick a shade with neutral or cool undertones. Anything that skews too warm can make your complexion look muddy rather than sculpted.
How To Apply Concealer
Once you’ve found your perfect shade (or shades), you’re ready to apply your makeup. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you’ll want to follow for an even, natural-looking base.
1. Start with a clean, fresh face
Start your routine by washing and moisturizing your face. This little bit of skin prep can help ensure your makeup applies smoothly and may prevent your foundation and concealer from clinging to any dry patches on your skin.
2. Apply face primer
Once your moisturizer has fully absorbed, apply a makeup primer to help your base grip and wear more evenly throughout the day. We love The Face Glue Gripping Primer, which provides up to 24 hours of wear while keeping the skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
3. Apply your foundation
Next, apply foundation as you normally would, starting at the center of your face and blending outward for an even finish. For flawless-looking skin, try the Make ‘Em Wonder Soft Matte Buildable Foundation. The liquid formula is available in 45 shades spanning cool, neutral, and warm undertones, and provides buildable coverage with a velvety, soft-matte finish. Plus, it’s infused with skincare ingredients—including hyaluronic acid and guarana seed extract—to help keep your skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
4. Brighten your under-eye area
Once your foundation is in place, grab your preferred concealer and use a small brush or sponge to apply it to your under-eye area. If you’re using a color-correcting concealer shade to help neutralize dark circles, apply that first. As soon as it sets, you can go over it with your flesh-toned concealer.
5. Conceal imperfections
Next, use a concealer that matches your foundation to cover blemishes, dark spots, and redness. For more targeted correction, you can also use color correcting shades here—just be sure to choose the right hue for your concern and allow it to set before applying concealer over it.
6. Set it all in place
Once you’re done, set your look in place with setting spray to prevent smudging, transferring, and fading. If you need a recommendation, we recommend The Face Glue Setting Spray, which provides up to 24 hours of waterproof wear with a natural, lightweight finish.
FAQs About Concealer
Should concealer be lighter than foundation?
Generally speaking, concealer should be the same color as your foundation. A close match helps ensure your concealer blends seamlessly into your base and camouflages imperfections rather than accentuating them. However, if you plan to use concealer to brighten your under-eyes, it’s best to use a shade slightly lighter than your foundation. On the other hand, you can use a darker shade to sculpt and define your features, similar to how you’d use contour.
Should concealer be lighter than your skin?
Under-eye concealer can be lighter than your skin, but only slightly. A lighter shade can help add brightness and offset the look of dark circles, but anything too light can draw attention to your under-eye area and make it look overly “done.” If you’re wondering “How much lighter should concealer be for brightening?”, remember that less is more—it’s best to opt for a color no more than one to two shades lighter than your base.
How do you choose a concealer shade that matches your skin?
Even if your concealer looks perfect in the tube, it’s always a good idea to swatch it on your skin to make sure it’s really your best match. We recommend swatching your chosen hue along your jawline to gauge how well it blends with your skin tone. If possible, let it sit for at least half an hour before assessing the match—if the formula turns darker or warmer (in other words, oxidizes), you may want to select a cooler or lighter shade.
Next Up: How To Underpaint Makeup for a Natural Sculpted Look
We’d love to see how you use our concealers! Share a pic on social and tag us @nyxcosmetics.
PRODUCTS USED
WONDER SNATCH™ CONCEALER
Up to 24HR Hydration, Waterproof, Fade-Resistant
Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Medium-Coverage Hydrating Concealer for Face and Body
PRO FIX STICK CORRECTING CONCEALER
Color-correcting & buildable medium coverage concealer stick in 24 shades
THE FACE GLUE GRIPPING PRIMER
Up to 24h hydrating and gripping makeup prepping glue
Make ‘Em Wonder™ Soft Matte Buildable Foundation
Meet Make ’Em Wonder™ Soft Matte Foundation, a skincare-infused weightless foundation that delivers pro-level, buildable coverage with a real-skin finish for all-day comfort.
THE FACE GLUE SETTING SPRAY
Up to 24h makeup lock and shield, waterproof setting spray
