Choosing the right concealer shade can feel confusing.
Should it match your foundation exactly? Be lighter? More yellow? More pink?

The truth is: the best concealer shade depends on what you’re trying to cover—dark circles, blemishes, or brightening.

Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the perfect concealer shade for a natural, flawless finish.

Should Concealer Be Lighter Than Foundation?

Sometimes yes—but not always.

• For blemishes: concealer should match your skin tone

• For under-eyes: concealer can be slightly lighter

• For brightening: go 1–2 shades lighter (only in small areas)

The goal is balance, not contrast.

How to Choose Concealer Shade for Blemishes

Match Your Skin Tone Exactly

When covering acne, spots, or redness, concealer should blend seamlessly into the foundation.

👉 If the concealer is too light, it can make blemishes look more obvious.

Best tip: Choose a shade that matches your foundation or natural skin tone.

How to Choose Concealer Shade for Dark Circles

Dark circles often have blue, purple, or brown undertones.

Use a Slightly Lighter Shade

A concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation helps brighten the under-eye area.

Consider Undertone

• Bluish circles → peach or warm tones

• Brownish circles → yellow/golden tones

👉 Correct undertone matters just as much as shade.

How to Choose Concealer Shade for Brightening

Brightening concealer is used for highlighting areas like:

• Center of the forehead

• Bridge of the nose

• Under the eyes

• Chin

Go 1–2 Shades Lighter (Only in Small Areas)

👉 Too light can look unnatural, especially in daylight.

Concealer Shade Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a shade too light for blemishes

• Using the same concealer for every purpose

• Ignoring undertones

• Applying too much bright concealer under the eyes

Concealer should enhance your makeup—not overpower it.

OTWOO Face Makeup Tips for Seamless Concealer Matching

A smooth concealer look starts with the right base routine:

• Lightweight foundation to even out skin tone first

• Blendable concealer shades for targeted coverage

• Fine setting powder to lock everything in naturally

Explore OTWOO’s face makeup collection for everyday concealer and base products here:
👉 Face Makeup Collection

Final Thoughts

The right concealer shade depends on your goal:

• Match skin tone for blemishes

• Slightly lighter for under-eyes

• Brightening shades for highlight points

✨ Once you understand shade purpose, choosing concealer becomes easy—and makeup looks much more natural.

Discover lightweight face makeup designed for smooth, seamless coverage →