Concealer is one of the most versatile tools in your grooming arsenal. Whether you're looking to cover a blemish, hide dark circles, or even out your skin tone, the right concealer can make a huge difference in looking fresh and put-together without feeling overdone. But if you're new to makeup or just starting to explore what works best for you, figuring out which shade to choose can feel intimidating.
Don't worry—finding the right concealer shade is easier than you think. This guide will walk you through the basics of picking a shade that complements your skin tone and meets your specific needs, so you can use concealer with confidence.
1. Understand What You Want to Conceal
First things first: What do you need the concealer for? Different goals might require slightly different shades or undertones. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Dark Circles: If you're aiming to cover dark circles, look for a shade that’s slightly warmer than your skin tone. Peach or orange undertones help counteract the blue or purple hues of dark circles, giving you a more natural and bright-eyed look.
- Blemishes and Redness: For pimples, acne scars, or general redness, go for a shade that matches your skin tone exactly. This ensures that the coverage blends seamlessly, making the blemish disappear without drawing attention to it.
- Brightening and Evening Out: If you want a quick pick-me-up to look more awake or even out your complexion, go just one shade lighter than your skin tone. This can give you a fresh, natural highlight effect without looking too noticeable.
2. Determine Your Skin Tone and Undertone
Getting the shade right starts with understanding your skin’s natural tone and undertone. Here’s how to figure it out:
- Skin Tone is the surface color of your skin, ranging from fair to deep. It can change slightly with exposure to the sun, so if you tan in the summer, you might need to adjust your concealer shade seasonally.
- Undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin's surface, which can be:
- Cool (pink, red, or bluish undertones)
- Warm (yellow, golden, or olive undertones)
- Neutral (a balance of both cool and warm undertones)
Quick Tip to Find Your Undertone: Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they look blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If they appear greenish, you’re probably warm-toned. If you can’t really tell, you may have neutral undertones.
3. Match the Concealer to Your Skin Tone
Once you know your undertone and what you’re aiming to conceal, it’s time to pick the actual shade. Here’s a simple guideline to follow:
- For Dark Circles: Look for a concealer with a warm undertone, even if your skin is neutral or cool. Warm tones counteract the dark, cool shadows under the eyes and make your skin look brighter.
- For Blemishes and Redness: Match your exact skin tone as closely as possible, with the same undertone as your natural skin. A perfect match ensures that the concealer will disappear into your skin rather than standing out.
- For Brightening: Choose a shade that’s one level lighter than your skin tone and keep the undertone the same. This shade can be lightly applied to the high points of your face (like under the eyes, down the nose, or on the chin) to subtly lift and brighten.
If you’re buying concealer online, look for shade descriptions that mention “warm,” “cool,” or “neutral” undertones to make sure you’re selecting the right match.
4. Test in Natural Light
Once you’ve picked a concealer shade, the real test is in the application. The best way to check if you’ve got the right color is to test it in natural light. Indoor lighting, especially fluorescent lights, can distort color, making it harder to see if it’s a good match. Apply a small amount of the concealer to your jawline or under your eyes, and head to a window or step outside to see how it looks in daylight.
5. Apply Sparingly for a Natural Look
Concealer is all about enhancing, not hiding. To keep things looking natural:
- Use less than you think you need. Start with a small dab and blend it out. You can always add more if needed, but it’s harder to take off excess.
- Blend well. Use your fingertip, a makeup sponge, or a small brush to tap and blend the edges of the concealer until it’s seamless with your skin. A light touch helps it melt into the skin, making it virtually undetectable.
- Set with a powder (optional). If you have oily skin or need long-lasting coverage, a light dusting of translucent powder can help keep your concealer in place all day without looking cakey.
6. Choose a Natural-Finish, Skin-Friendly Formula
Finally, don’t forget about the quality of the concealer itself. A natural-finish concealer will blend more seamlessly into your skin, giving you coverage without looking heavy or obvious. Look for formulas that are:
- Vegan and cruelty-free (like all MATTR products!)
- Free of parabens and harsh chemicals to keep your skin healthy (like all MATTR products!)
- Hydrating if you have dry skin, or oil-free if you’re prone to shine
MATTR’s concealer is specifically designed for a natural finish that suits all skin types. Whether you’re covering a blemish, hiding dark circles, or just giving yourself a little boost, a good concealer should feel weightless and look like your skin—just a little more even and polished.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Routine
Using concealer doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right shade and a little practice, you can add concealer to your grooming routine as easily as you would a moisturizer or a shave. It’s about looking and feeling your best, not hiding who you are.
So go ahead—experiment, find your shade, and discover what a touch of concealer can do. A few seconds with the right product can help you look more awake, feel more confident, and be ready to take on the day with a fresh face.
Looking for the Perfect Concealer?
At MATTR, we believe in makeup that’s made for everyone—simple, sustainable, and suited to real life. Our concealer is formulated to blend seamlessly, so you can enjoy coverage that feels natural and looks like you. Embrace the power of concealer and see the difference a well-chosen shade can make!
