Concealer: how to choose, apply and wear it safely

Choosing it for deep skin

For dark marks, match your skin exactly. A concealer 2–3 shades lighter turns grey on deep skin.
For under-eye darkness, use an orange or red corrector first, then concealer in your shade or one shade lighter.
For under the eyes, choose "ophthalmologist-tested" and fragrance-free.
Never use creams sold as "correctors" that are really lightening products.

How to apply

Prepare the skinUse a light moisturiser under the eyes and sunscreen on the face.
Correct first if neededTap a thin layer of corrector only on the darkest part.
Tap concealer on topTap a small amount over the area with a fingertip or small brush. Do not rub.
Blend only the edgesSoften the edges so the coverage stays where you need it.
Set lightlyPress a little powder in your shade on top. Skip white powders.

How long to wear it

Under-eye concealer creases in heat. A thin layer and a little powder help.
Touch up by tapping, never dragging the thin skin under the eyes.
Remove every night. Hold remover on the area for a few seconds, then wipe gently.

Don’t use it if

Over a cold sore, open spot or broken skin.
Under the eyes during eyelid eczema, a stye or an eye infection.
A wand concealer you used near your eyes during an eye infection. Throw it away.
Any "corrector" that promises to lighten, bleach or tone skin.

Safety and the evidence

Never use a "lightening", "whitening" or "toning" product as makeup. NAFDAC caps hydroquinone at 2% in cosmetics and bans mercury.
Evidence C — case reports; regulation · Voice of Nigeria 2025 — NAFDAC hydroquinone limit
Fragrance (parfum, aroma) and botanical extracts are the commonest cosmetic allergens; choose fragrance-free if your skin reacts easily.
Evidence B/C — patch-test series
Thick waxy concealers crease under the eye; shimmery ones can flash back in photos.
Evidence D — expert opinion
Picking spots or scrubbing makeup off leaves darker marks on deep skin (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Evidence D — expert consensus

Evidence grades: A systematic reviews or several trials; B at least one trial or consistent controlled studies; C observational studies, surveys or case reports; D expert opinion.

Keep it clean

Keep it out of heat and sun: not in a parked car, on a sunny dressing table or in a handbag left outside. Heat spoils makeup before its date.
Wipe the wand and the bottle neck. Use a clean spatula or brush for pots.
Throw away any concealer used near the eyes during an eye infection.

Important

See a doctor if

See a dermatologist if your eyelids or under-eyes become itchy, red or scaly; patch testing can find the cause.
See a doctor about dark circles that come with new puffiness, or dark marks that keep spreading.
See a doctor for eye pain or redness after using it. Go to an eye clinic or emergency the same day for eye pain, a change in vision or new sensitivity to light.

Emergency in Nigeria: call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

Doctor review pending. Education only, not a diagnosis. Product types, not brands.

At a glance