How should one apply one’s tinted under-eye concealer?

The use of a tinted concealer is not the most demanding part of a full makeup routine but, if you desire an even and natural result, certain steps should be observed. First and foremost, the skin must be prepared, specifically hydrated. Indeed, as the eye contour is particularly susceptible to dryness, we recommend that you apply a thin layer of moisturising cream or gel beforehand formulated for this area. Allow the hydration a few minutes to absorb to prevent it from mixing with the concealer and compromising its coverage.

Explanation : Pre-moisturising the under-eye area ensures a smooth surface. This facilitates concealer application and delivers a more natural result by preventing fine lines or dry patches from becoming highlighted.

Once your skin is hydrated, you can move on to applying your tinted under-eye concealer. This application can be done with your finger, a brush or a sponge, each offering a different finish. Finger application uses body heat to soften the texture and facilitate its blending with the skin. After thoroughly washing your hands to prevent any bacterial contamination, take a small amount of product on your finger, then apply it in tiny dabs, from the inner corner of the eye to the midpoint, without smoothing or pulling on the skin, in order to preserve its elasticity and avoid the product migrating into fine lines. There is no need to go beyond this zone: dark circles generally do not extend further, and applying the product too far could give the complexion a greyish cast.

Regardless of the tool selected, the fundamental principle is to work the concealer in fine layers, taking the time to fuse the formulation with the skin to achieve a natural appearance and optimal long-lasting wear throughout the day.

The flat, fine brush enables more precise application, particularly in the inner corner of the eye. If you opt for this method, deposit a drop of concealer on the tip of the brush, then apply the formula with small, targeted presses. Movements should remain short and precise to prevent product build-up. Concerning the make-up sponge, especially the blender type, it should be pre-moistened and then wrung out to retain its flexibility and avoid excessive absorption. You can use it after applying concealer with your finger or brush to blend the formula, or apply a small amount of product directly onto the sponge before gently tapping it onto the area to achieve a uniform, natural finish.

Tip : A favoured technique is the so-called inverted triangle. In addition to concealing dark circles and under-eye bags, it illuminates the entire midface region. The method involves drawing a small inverted triangle, its base lying just beneath the eye and its apex pointing slightly towards the upper cheek.

Is tinted concealer intended solely for dark circles?

Tinted concealer can also be used to conceal localized imperfections, such as mild redness, healing blemishes or hyperpigmented spots. In this scenario, it is advisable to use a fine brush or the tip of a sponge to deposit the product precisely, solely on the affected area. The formulation should then be blended through light tapping, avoiding any stretching of the skin, to ensure adequate coverage while rendering the correction virtually imperceptible.

It is a question that frequently arises: should one apply concealer before or after foundation, BB cream or CC cream? There is no universal answer but, in the majority of cases, it is more effective to apply it afterwards. Since the foundation has already evened out the complexion and partially reduced dark circles, concealer is applied only where necessary, which prevents any overly heavy finish and reduces the risk of emphasising fine lines. Moreover, by applying concealer afterwards, one benefits not only from its corrective action but also from its illuminating effect on the skin.

Nevertheless, applying a tinted concealer before foundation remains possible, especially if you use a colour corrector to neutralise very pronounced dark circles or if your foundation provides light coverage. However, you must ensure to blend gently so as not to shift the product when applying foundation.