How to Choose the Right Concealer Shade and Formula
By Tarte Cosmetics | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to match concealer shade to undertone and pick a formula for dry, oily, or combination skin, plus how to set it so it lasts all day.
Quick answer
Choose your concealer shade by matching your undertone first, then go one shade lighter only for under-eyes. For formula, pick hydrating and creamy for dry skin, oil-free and long-wear for oily skin, and a flexible middle for combination skin. If you have dry under-eyes and dark circles, a hydrating, peach-toned concealer works best.
Start With Undertone, Not Just Shade Depth
Most concealer mistakes happen because people match depth (light, medium, dark) but ignore undertone. Look at the inside of your wrist or jawline in natural light. If your veins look blue or purple, you are cool-toned; green means warm; a mix means neutral. For under-eye circles, use a corrector or concealer with a peach or orange undertone to cancel blue and purple. For redness or blemishes, a yellow or green undertone can neutralize. If you are neutral, a true beige works well. Always test on your jawline, not your hand, and let it sit for a few minutes before deciding.
Match Formula to Your Skin Type and Coverage Needs
Formula matters as much as shade. Dry skin needs emollients like hyaluronic acid or oils to prevent creasing and flaking. Oily skin needs oil-free, long-wear formulas that resist breaking down. Combination skin can use a hydrating formula on the under-eyes and a matte, long-wear formula on blemishes. For dark circles, a peach-toned, hydrating concealer with medium to full coverage works best. For blemishes, a matte, full-coverage formula that dries down is ideal. If you want a natural finish, choose a lightweight, buildable formula. Always check if the concealer is labeled non-comedogenic if you are acne-prone.
How to Test and Apply for a Seamless Finish
Swatch three shades that look close to your skin tone: one lighter, one matching, and one slightly darker. Apply a small dot on your jawline and blend. The right shade should disappear into your skin. For under-eyes, go one shade lighter than your foundation, but no more, or you will look ashy. Apply concealer in a triangle shape under the eye, then blend with a damp sponge or fingers. Set with a light dusting of powder only where you crease. For dry skin, skip powder or use a hydrating setting spray. For oily skin, set with a mattifying powder. If you have texture, use a smoothing primer first.
Decision Rules for Concealer Shade and Formula
- If you have dry under-eyes and dark circles: Choose a hydrating, peach-toned concealer with medium to full coverage. Avoid matte, long-wear formulas that can emphasize dryness. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oils.
- If you have oily skin and blemishes: Choose an oil-free, long-wear, matte concealer with full coverage. Set with a mattifying powder to prevent sliding. Avoid creamy, hydrating formulas that can break down.
- If you have combination skin: Use a hydrating concealer under the eyes and a matte, long-wear concealer on blemishes. You can mix two formulas. Test both in natural light before committing.
- If you are unsure about undertone: Swatch a peach, yellow, and neutral shade on your jawline. The one that disappears is your match. For under-eyes, go one shade lighter max. Always test in daylight, not store lighting.
Product Facts
- tarte™ x Amber Massey glow pot: Limited-edition tarteTM x Amber Massey glow pot is a face highlighter that brings golden hour vibes and a radiant, lit-from-within glow. Use it to add a warm, golden shimmer to your look after concealing, but it is not a concealer.
- FULLfill framer™ brow pencil: FULLfill framerTM brow pencil is a 2-in-1 waterproof brow tool that defines and fills brows with long-lasting, smudge-proof wear, available in five shades including ash blonde, taupe, and medium. A waterproof brow pencil helps balance your face after concealing, and the shade range can guide your undertone matching.
Who This Guide Is For
Best for
- Anyone unsure how to match concealer to their undertone
- People with dry, oily, or combination skin who need a formula that lasts
- Shoppers looking for a concealer for dark circles or blemishes
Not for
- Those looking for a full-coverage foundation instead of a concealer
- Anyone wanting a tinted moisturizer or skin tint
