Why Your Concealer Isn't Working—And How to Fix It

Blog by Dawn Maloney

Have you ever layered on concealer under your eyes only to find that your dark circles are still peeking through? Or maybe you've tried to hide a red blemish, only to make it look even more noticeable? You’re not alone—and no, it’s not that you need more concealer. You’re likely using the wrong base color.

Let’s break it down.

The Secret Behind Concealer Base Colors

Concealers are typically formulated with two distinct base tones: pink/red/rosey and yellow/beige. Understanding the purpose of each is the first step to mastering your concealer game.

• Pink/Red/Rosy Based Concealers are designed to correct dark circles. Why? Because they mimic blood flow and neutralize the bluish or purplish undertones often found in under-eye darkness. These dark areas can be caused by a variety of factors: heredity, medication, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, or reduced blood circulation. Using the right base helps to cancel out those tones, rather than just layering more product on top.

• Yellow/Beige Based Concealers are better suited for covering redness—think pimples, broken capillaries, or rosacea. The yellow undertone neutralizes red, which helps create a more even skin tone.

  
  

The Most Common Concealer Mistake

Here’s what often happens: a woman sees darkness under her eyes and reaches for a yellow-based concealer. She blends and blends… and yet, the darkness is still there. So she thinks, “I must need more!” and applies another layer. And then another. And suddenly—she’s left with visible stripes or cakey buildup under her eyes. Not flattering. Not effective.

The problem isn't the amount of concealer—it’s the undertone.

How to Choose the Right Concealer for You

1. Identify what you're trying to cover.

   • Dark circles? Go for a pink/red/rosey-based corrector.

   • Redness or blemishes? Choose a yellow/beige-based concealer.

Less is more.

• Once you're using the right base, you'll find you don’t need nearly as much product. The goal is correction, not camouflage.

Final Thoughts

Makeup should enhance your natural beauty—not make you feel like you’re constantly battling your face. By understanding the science behind concealer undertones, you can finally ditch the stripes and cakiness and achieve that fresh, even complexion you’ve been aiming for.

Tip: Next time your concealer “isn’t working,” check the base—not the amount.

Cloud Coverage Concealer (Yellow/Beige)

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Cloud Coverage Concealer (Red/Pink)

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