Creased, cakey concealer? We’ve all been there. You spend time blending your makeup to perfection, only to catch a glimpse in the mirror a few hours later and see fine lines, dry patches, or product settling around your eyes, nose, and mouth. It’s frustrating—especially when you’re aiming for a smooth, flawless finish.
The truth is, creasing can happen for a number of reasons. Maybe your skin is naturally dry, and your concealer clings to rough patches. Maybe your formula is too thick, or you’re using too much product. Even the way you prep your skin and set your makeup can make or break your look. But don’t worry—creased concealer can be fixed with the right technique.
Today, we’re cracking the case on creasing concealer with tips and tricks for your most hydrated, seamless finish. From choosing the right concealer formula, to mastering the art of blending and setting, we’ve got the solutions to keep your makeup looking fresh all day. When it comes to your complexion, you deserve nothing but smooth, glowing, crease-free perfection. Let’s dive in!
How to Prep Your Makeup to Avoid Creasing
Prepping your skin is everything when it comes to keeping your concealer smooth, fresh, and crease-free. Naturally drier areas—like around the eyes—tend to be more sensitive and prone to creasing, so skipping your skincare routine isn’t an option. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, your concealer can settle into fine lines and cling to rough patches. The fix? Hydration and the right base.
Start with Holy Hydration! Eye Cream to keep the under-eye area soft and moisturized—this helps prevent dryness that can lead to creasing. Next, lock in moisture and create a smooth canvas with Stay Cool Primer Stick or the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide , for extra hydration and grip. If you have discoloration, a color corrector can help to even-out skin tone so you don’t over-apply concealer. Taking these steps to prep are a fool-proof way to ensure creasing is nowhere to be seen!
Why Applying too Much Product Can Lead to Creasing
Sometimes the secret to keep concealer and makeup from creasing is to keep it simple! Embracing the philosophy of "less is more" can work wonders for your look. Applying too much product can lead to a cakey finish, especially with concealer, which can easily crease, particularly in the delicate areas around your mouth and nose.
It’s tempting to follow trends you see on social media, with influencers showcasing bold and exaggerated applications. However, this can result in a finished makeup look that looks heavy, washed out, or dull. Instead of crafting huge triangles or layering countless dots under your eyes, start with a small amount—we’re talking just a few dots—of concealer. You can always build up coverage where needed to get that natural, radiant finish. The goal is to enhance your beauty, not mask it! Keep it simple, and let your skin shine through.
Find the Right Makeup Application Tools
So you’re all clear on using too many products, but creaseless makeup is also about using the right tools! Using the wrong applicators can sometimes lead to makeup creasing and uneven application. However, it really all comes down to personal preference and the unique formulas of your concealers.
To ensure your concealer glides on seamlessly, we recommend this dynamic duo: the Camo Concealer Sponge and the Flawless Concealer Brush. The pointed ends of the Camo Concealer Sponge are perfect for blending into those hard-to-reach areas, like around the eyes and nose, leaving your skin looking radiant and even. Meanwhile, the Flawless Concealer Brush provides the precision needed for that perfect finish. Experiment with both tools to find your ideal combination and unlock your own version of smooth, creaseless skin.
Read more on understanding which makeup tools are best to use with different makeup products.
Find the Best Concealer Formula For Your Skin Type
Perhaps one of the most crucial components of crease-free makeup is finding the right concealer formula. You know—the kind that blends seamlessly into your skin, covers the right amount, and delivers that your-skin-but-better finish. Not all concealers are created equal—your skin type plays a major role in finding the perfect formula.
If you’re dealing with dry skin, a hydrating, creamy concealer is your best friend. The Hydrating Camo Concealer delivers a satin finish with skin-loving ingredients to keep your complexion fresh and smooth, never cakey. If you’re more of an oily or combination skin type, opt for a long-wear, matte option like the 16-Hour Camo Full Coverage Concealer —it’s lightweight yet ultra-pigmented and delivers all-day coverage that won’t budge. For extra coverage (or to tackle dark circles), the Putty Color-Correcting Eye Brightener is a must-have. This viral favorite neutralizes discoloration—just tap it on before your concealer for a seamless, wide-awake effect.
Still unsure whether to choose our hydrating concealer or 16-Hour concealer? Read more on how to choose the right camo concealer for you.
Selecting the Right Setting Products
Locking in your look starts with the right setting products—because what’s the point of flawless concealer if it creases or fades? The key is pairing your setting powder with your concealer. If you used a hydrating or brightening formula, reach for Halo Glow Setting Powder —its silky, finely-milled texture sets makeup without looking dry or cakey.
For precision, the Halo Glow Pinkie Powder Puff Set is a must! These mini puffs fit perfectly under the eyes and around the nose for a smooth, airbrushed finish. Plus you can pop them in your purse for easy, on-the-go touch-ups. Sometimes powder alone isn’t enough—an ultra-fine setting mist can help prevent creasing while keeping your skin looking fresh. Lock everything in with Stay All Night Mist for an all-day wear that stays put. All you need is a few spritzes to keep your concealer flawless and your glow in place!
Frequently Asked Questions About Concealer Creasing:
Q: Does Face Primer Prevent Concealer from Creasing?
A: Yes! Perfecting your base is the first step in preventing your concealer from creasing. Before starting off your makeup, make sure to complete your entire skincare routine (don’t forget eye cream!). Then, grab your favorite grippy primer and apply a light, even coat before applying your concealer.
Q: What Is a Concealer Used For?
A: Concealer is generally used to cover up any imperfections or insecurities ranging from redness, to blemishes, to dark spots. It can also be used to brighten certain areas of the face such as the under the eyes. It can also be used to sculpt or clean-up certain features such as the brows.
Q: How to Apply Concealer So It Doesn't Crease?
A: To ensure your concealer doesn’t crease, apply less than you’ll think you need. A little bit of concealer, can go a long way- so for this step, less is more! Luckily, concealer is also super buildable, so you can always add more product if you prefer more coverage. After laying down your product, we recommend blending using a sponge first and then going over it with a brush to get that flawless, filtered effect.
Q: Why Does My Under eye Concealer Pill?
A: Unfortunately, the under eye area can be super sensitive, which means there can be a number of reasons your concealer is pilling. Your under eye concealer could be pilling due to factors such as dry skin, layering incompatible products, applying too much product, not allowing enough time for skincare to absorb into the skin, or not using the right base & setting products.
Q: Should Concealer be Lighter or Darker?
A: If you can’t find your perfect shade match, it’s a general rule of thumb to go a shade lighter. Since you usually apply concealer to the under eye, chin, and t-zone areas, it’s best to go a shade lighter to soften and highlight those sections of the face.