How to Fix Concealer Creasing Under the Eyes, For Good
In the world of makeup woes, few things are as universally frustrating as concealer creasing under the eyes. You start your day with a flawless finish, everything perfectly blended and brightened, and by lunchtime? Fine lines, smudges, and that dreaded cakey look that says, “Hey, I didn’t sign up for this.”
It’s a beauty letdown as old as the concealer itself. But here’s the good news: you’re not doomed to live in the vicious cycle of applying, creasing, and reapplying. With the right techniques and products, it’s totally possible to keep your under-eye area smooth, fresh, and crease-free, all day long.
Why Does Concealer Crease Anyway?
Creasing is basically your concealer settling into the natural fine lines and folds under your eyes. The under-eye area is delicate, thin, and often a bit dehydrated, which means it doesn’t always play nice with heavier or poorly matched formulas.
But creasing isn’t just about product, it’s also about prep. And we don’t mean just slapping on your usual moisturizer. Getting that smooth, crease-proof base takes intention, layering, and yes, a little patience.
Step 1: Start with Skin Care
Think of concealer like you would paint. You wouldn’t paint a wall without priming it first, right? The same logic applies to your skin. A well-prepped under-eye area makes all the difference.
Here’s your prep routine:
Hydrate like you mean it: Use an eye cream that’s lightweight but deeply moisturizing. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for hydration), peptides (for plumpness), and caffeine (to reduce puffiness). Think of it like a morning coffee for your eyes.
Try: Clinique All About Eyes ($66 on Amazon), or The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream ($11 on Amazon).
Wait a beat: Give your eye cream a minute or two to absorb. If your concealer is slipping and sliding, chances are your skin’s still too damp.
Optional, but golden, use a blurring primer: If you struggle with deep creases or makeup breakdown, tap a pea-sized amount of silicone-based primer under your eyes. This can help fill in fine lines and give your concealer something to grip onto.
Step 2: Choose the Right Concealer
Not all concealers are created equal, and not all are meant for the under-eye area. Thick, heavy formulas that are great for spot concealing blemishes? They can look cakey and dry under the eyes.
For a crease-resistant finish, opt for concealers that are:
Lightweight
Hydrating
Medium coverage (buildable)
Luminous or satin finish
Avoid: Ultra-matte, drying formulas unless you have super oily under-eyes (which is rare).
Best picks: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($26 on Amazon), Kosas Revealer Concealer ($32 on Amazon), or Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (budget-friendly and seriously effective) ($9 on Amazon).
Step 3: Application
Less is more: Start with a tiny amount, like, a pinhead. You can always build coverage where you need it.
Apply strategically: Don’t smear it everywhere. Apply concealer to the inner corner of your eye (where darkness lives), and a dot or two just beneath the outer corner. Then blend.
Use the right tool: Blend with a damp beauty sponge or the warmth of your ring finger. Brushes can sometimes create streaks or overwork the product.
Let it sit (aka “bake,” gently): Let the concealer sit on your skin for 30 seconds before blending. This gives the formula a chance to set slightly and grip better.
Step 4: Set with Powder
Powder can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to creasing. Too much? You get dryness and cakiness. Too little? Your concealer creases by noon.
The sweet spot:
Choose the right powder: Go for a finely-milled translucent powder, something light, soft, and flashback-free.
Great picks: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Cult fave for a reason) ($43 on Amazon), Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder ($44 on Amazon), or Kosas Cloud Set (great for dry skin) ($36 on Amazon).
Use a puff or sponge: Dip a powder puff or damp sponge lightly into the powder, tap off excess, and press it into the skin, don’t sweep.
Focus only where needed: Set the under-eye area only, not the entire cheekbone. You want to lock in your concealer, not dry out your whole face.
Step 5: Refresh, Don’t Reapply
Even with perfect prep, a long day can wear on your makeup. But instead of adding more concealer (which leads to cakiness), try a refresh strategy.
Use a hydrating face mist or a setting spray midday to revive your under-eyes.
Lightly tap with a clean sponge or your finger to re-blend any creasing.
If needed, dust a touch more powder, but only a whisper.
Concealer Creasing Fixes from the Pros
Color correct before concealing: If your under-eyes are super dark, neutralize with a peach or orange color corrector before concealer. That way, you don’t need as much product—aka, less chance to crease.
Use less on mature skin: If you have more pronounced fine lines or mature skin, stick to ultra-hydrating formulas and cream-based correctors. Think “second skin,” not “concealed.”
Try undereye patches pre-makeup: For special occasions or long wear days, pop on cooling hydrogel eye patches for 10–15 minutes before your routine. They de-puff, hydrate, and make concealer glide on like a dream.
Final Thoughts
Creasing concealer isn’t just a product problem, it’s a process problem. But once you fine-tune your prep, pick the right formulas, and learn how to apply like a makeup artist, the game changes.
Because at the end of the day, concealer should feel like a confidence booster, not a midday touch-up chore. And when it stays smooth, bright, and crease-free? That’s the kind of magic we’re all here for.