3 Makeup Artist Approved Ways to Use Concealer for Contouring

Concealers are a versatile product, as not only can you use them to hide dark circles, blemishes, redness, and more, but you can also use a concealer for contouring. And that's pretty cool if you like the contoured look but also want to keep things minimal with your makeup products. You won't need to buy another product strictly for contouring.

Celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí says that using a concealer as a contour is a play of light and shadow to brighten and shape the features. "You can use a concealer several shades darker than your skin tone to create dimension and contour the face," celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney adds. "By placing it under the jawline, cheekbones, temple, and side of the nose will create a more defined structure to the face." And the best part? Dali says that using a concealer to contour means the coverage stays put and lasts longer.

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(Image credit: @tylauren)

Tips for Using a Concealer to Contour

1. Use a cream concealer: Both Dalí and Henney suggest using cream concealers for contouring since they're buildable, easy to blend, and give you the most seamless, true-to-skin finish.

2. Blend with a brush: Henney recommends blending the concealer out with a makeup brush.

3. Work with different concealer shades: Dalí suggests choosing three different concealer shades. "One that's a shade or two lighter than your skin tone to brighten," she explains. "One that's the exact shade of your skin to conceal imperfections. One that's a few shades darker than your skin tone to add warmth/shadow and shape your features. Use a brush to shape, for target application, and to blend.

Want to put some concealers to the contouring test? Try these below.

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer

Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

Tom Ford Emotionproof Concealer

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

E.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat All-Over Brightening Concealer Pen

Nyx Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin High Coverage Multi-Use Concealer

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer

Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer

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(Image credit: @joannacoops)

More Makeup Products for Contouring

Next: Curious About Contouring Your Body With Makeup? Here's a Crash Course

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.