How to Set Under-Eye Concealer For a Crease-Free Finish

Close up of a woman adding setting powder to her under-eye area — Ashley Rebecca

In This Article

Hydration Is Key Find the Right Formula Layer the Application

The Power of the Right Powder Spray and Set

Our under-eye area can truly make or break how rested and refreshed we look. As such, concealer is often one of the most utilized products in a makeup arsenal. But whether you're a makeup novice or a total pro, we've all found ourselves struggling with creasing, smudging, caking, or all the above.

So what can be done when concealer won't stay put or dark circles begin to feel impossible to conceal? There's a good chance your woes come down to how you're setting all your hard work. We asked celebrity makeup artist Tim Quinn to share all his best tips and tricks for setting under-eye concealer—and tried them out. Keep reading for your best under-eye concealer ever.

Meet the Expert

Tim Quinn is a celebrity makeup artist who has painted notable faces such as Christie Brinkley, Diane Lane, Glenn Close, and Megan Fox. He is the co-founder of Halo 42 Official.

01 of 05

Hydration Is Key

close up photo of an eye with eye cream applied in tiny dots around the bottom portion — Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Before you apply concealer, you have to prep your skin—a step you shouldn't skip, says Quinn. "Hydration is key when it comes to applying concealer and makeup in general," he tells us. "I spend a few moments massaging the eye area pre-concealer application with hydrating products that will get the job done."

To prep my skin, I applied Protéger's Dermal Sérum on my face and under my eyes. Thanks to the thin consistency and inclusion of hyaluronic acid, it hydrates my under-eye area without a greasy cream finish. After the serum was fully dried, I followed up with Ilia's Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream under the eyes, massaging it until absorbed. Since I have some deeper circles, I love a prep product that brightens from the start.

Because the skin under the eyes is thinner than everywhere else on the face, allow proper time for your prep products to absorb and fully dry before moving on to the next step. Another tip to remember? Be gentle with your prep and massage—there should be no pulling or tugging of the skin under the eyes.

02 of 05

Find the Right Formula

up close photo of an eye with concealer applied in the inner corner, under the eye and outer corner — Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Concealers come in different formulas with different levels of coverage, so it's imperative to find the right formula for you. It's best practice to test a few before committing to one. That way, you can get an idea of the consistency and coverage and if the product will cater to your specific needs. (Check out some of our favorite under-eye concealers here.)

I like products that can be layered and look natural, so I opt for concealers I can continue to apply and blend without a thick residue. Here, I used Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer.

03 of 05

Layer the Application

up close photo of an eye and concealer brush blending concealer underneath the eye area — Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

"Taking the less-is-more approach to conceal is best," says Quinn, who usually starts with the inner corners, covering darkness as needed, before moving to the outer edges of the eyes. "I will apply the product with a concealer brush and then either gently press it in with a damp BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge or use my fingertips to smooth it out and blend." I followed Quinn's directions—starting at the inner corners and moving outward—blending with Anisa Beauty's Angled Concealer Brush.

Those with more mature skin might want to add a little more hydration during this step. "When it comes to mature skin, I will take the same approach, although I add a drop of Halo42 Anti-Aging Eye Oil to the concealer to keep it dewy, giving it that lit-from-within look."

Whether you've got mature skin or not, Quinn's pro tip is to keep a bottle of eye oil in your bag. "If your eye area starts to crease later in the day, a tiny drop applied with your ring finger and gently tapped onto the area will refresh and brighten without [having to add] more concealer or powder."

Byrdie Tip

If you need to color-correct anything, a color corrector should be applied in layers before the concealer and lightly pressed into the skin.

04 of 05

The Power of the Right Powder

up close photo of an eye applying powder to under the eye area with an orange and pink sponge — Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Powder, whether pressed or translucent, can be incredible at setting and mattifying makeup and skin without leaving it looking heavy. "I use powder as a last step in the concealing process," says Quinn. "I'll take a translucent or pressed formula and use a velvet puff to gently press and roll over where I've applied the concealer. This process removes excess makeup and concealer delicately for a seamless finish."

Here, I used Quinn's favorite, Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in Natural. If a loose translucent powder is more of your speed, Quinn says that's perfectly fine; he suggests lightly dusting and blending under the eyes with a fan brush.

To blend out the powder, I used Real Techniques' Miracle 2-in-1 Dual-Sided Puff, lightly pressing it under the eyes and working through any creasing. This compact can also be kept in your bag and used as a touch-up product if needed, as the finish and texture are thin enough for reapplication.

05 of 05

Spray and Set

up close photo of an eye with concealer blended underneath — Ashley Rebecca / Byrdie

Setting spray can work wonders, so this is an imperative last step in this tutorial. Once you've concealed to your heart's desire and have finished the rest of your makeup look, a setting spray will help set your makeup and prevent smudging throughout the day. (For even more makeup insurance, check out our favorite waterproof setting sprays.)

Hold a setting spray like MAC Cosmetic's Fix+ Stay Over Alcohol-Free 16HR Setting Spray at least 6-8 inches away from the face and spray generously all over, making sure to let the product fully dry.

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