Crease-free Coverage

Standfirst: The concealer creasing struggle is real and we feel you. From skin prep to picking the right makeup products, read on for all our tips to get long-lasting concealer.

Whether you’re covering up pesky blemishes or highlighting the right areas to add dimension, concealer is an indispensable part of most makeup routines!

Still, many of us struggle with our concealer moving throughout the day, pooling in fine lines to create unsightly creases or smudges.

While it may not always be possible to prevent creasing completely, you can definitely use certain techniques to minimise it and keep your makeup looking as flawless as possible!

Hydrating Your Skin

For long-lasting concealer, flawless skin prep is key. Regardless of your skin type, dryness can lead to concealer that won’t stay put.

Dehydrated skin lacks plumpness, making fine lines and wrinkles more visible (perfect for concealer to crease in!). Regularly use a good moisturiser and consider serums to target fine lines and elasticity.

Exfoliation is your friend! AHAs and BHAs gently remove dead skin, creating a smoother surface for makeup application. Since they increase sun sensitivity, use them at night for beautiful, makeup-ready skin in the morning.

For the delicate under-eye area, where creasing is most common, extra care is necessary.

Apply a specialised undereye serum or moisturising cream to smooth lines and restore plumpness. Use your ring finger, the gentlest one, to tap a few dots of product without pulling the sensitive skin.

Prepping Before Application

After your skincare routine, give your skin time to breathe! Don’t rush into makeup application.

Skincare products that haven’t fully absorbed can mix with makeup, causing it to slide. Let your routine sink in for a few minutes, or switch to lighter, faster-absorbing daytime products.

For stubborn areas like under-eyes, apply makeup elsewhere first, then come back to concealer. Need a speedier solution? Blot with a tissue to remove excess product.

Primers are your friend for flawless makeup application. They create a smooth base for makeup to grip onto, preventing creasing.

Look for primers with mattifying properties, skin-nourishing ingredients, and SPF for added protection. Silica is another key ingredient to seek out – it absorbs excess oil and keeps your makeup from separating or caking.

Choosing The Right Concealer

Not all concealers are created equal, and some formulas are more prone to creasing than others! So, make sure you choose the right concealer for your skin type to minimise smudging as much as possible.

For example, a sheer hydrating concealer may be too thin for oily skin and end up sliding around instead.

Meanwhile, a thick mattifying concealer might be too matte for dry skin, with a creamy formula that could inadvertently emphasise fine lines and wrinkles.

Still, all concealers have the potential to eventually crease throughout the day, especially after long hours of wear. So, using the right techniques and setting products is crucial to prevent this from happening!

Applying Your Concealer

For creaseless concealer, go light! Apply a thin layer first and build up gradually. Removing excess concealer is a pain while adding more is easy. Plus, thicker layers tend to slide around.

Focus concealer on specific areas. For under-eyes, target the inner corner and hollows, avoiding the lash line (crease central!). Use tapping motions to blend outwards, leaving the thinnest layer near the lashes.

Use your fingers for ultimate control! Their warmth helps the concealer melt into your skin. Pat the product in, but don’t swipe it to avoid smudging. Be gentle – tugging on the delicate under-eye area will worsen wrinkles and push the product into lines.

Let each layer set for a minute. This prevents overloading your skin and allows for a natural finish.

Adding Finishing Touches

Lock in your concealer with setting powder for a flawless finish! After blending your concealer, wait a few minutes to let it set. If there’s excess product, dab with a cotton bud or blotting paper to remove shine without disturbing the coverage.

Apply a light layer of loose setting powder with a fluffy brush. Tap off excess powder to avoid settling into fine lines. Gently press the powder into your skin, focusing on areas needing extra oil control like your T-zone.

For extra hold, try setting with setting spray, then loose powder, followed by another spray. There are many setting techniques – experiment to find what works best for you!

Remember, if your concealer creases later, resist the urge to pile on more product. This will only make things worse.

Concealers to Try

Peripera Double Longwear Cover Concealer Budget-friendly

This affordable concealer from Korean brand Peripera is well-loved for its sensitive skin-friendly formula.

Highly hydrating, this concealer feels lightweight and is budge-free without caking. Despite its lightweight texture, it offers a dense and firm coverage and contains ingredients to guard against skin impurities.

The only downside? It comes in only five shades and cater mainly to those with fairer skin tones.

Peripera Double Longwear Cover Concealer retails for S$10.47 on Shopee. A discount is available at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer Trending online

There’s no way you haven’t heard of this Tarte concealer if you frequently look at beauty content online.

This vegan concealer is a holy grail for many beauty enthusiasts. It’s super-blendable and delivers a brightened, smoothed, firmer, and more lifted look.

Offering full coverage, this concealer promises not to flake or crease. It is also available in 29 shades, so you’ll certainly have no trouble finding a match.

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer retails for S$47 and is available at Sephora.

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Precise Angles Concealer Worth the splurge

Sure, this is a little pricey, but it’s from YSL Beaute, which has long been known for its base products.

Suitable for all skin types, this creamy concealer promises up to 24 hours of full coverage and delivers a luminous matte finish that those with oily eye areas will appreciate.

Equipped with an ultra-precise applicator, it ensures that you can reach every spot you’d like to conceal. What’s more, its formula is enriched with Caffeine extracts and Jasmine petals, both known for their anti-dullness and soothing properties, so that dark eye circles and puffiness can improve over time.

YSL All Hours Precise Angles Concealer retails for S$68 and is available at YSL boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora.