Concealer may be our best ally for erasing too short nights, but we still need to know how to tame it. Because by wanting to camouflage everything, we sometimes have too heavy a hand: the material shifts, the small wrinkles are highlighted and the eyes ultimately appear more tired than before. The faux pas we all make? Going too fast.
To help us see things more clearly, we met Harold James, international makeup artist and L’Oréal Paris ambassador, backstage at the fashion show, organized on September 28 at Place Joffre, in Paris. This show placed under the sign of emancipation, self-confidence and sorority brought together Charlotte Cardin, Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell and Jane Fonda, before a surprise appearance by Céline Dion. Harold James, who also does makeup for celebrities like Naomi Watts and Angelina Jolie, gave us a simple tip to better camouflage dark circles. And it lasts in a few seconds of patience.
Concealers: this botched step prevents the product from adhering to the skin
It’s a habit that almost everyone has: apply your concealer, then blend it immediately with broad strokes of a brush or sponge. Yet, according to Harold James, this is precisely the problem. His advice? Place the material under the eyes, wait a few moments, then begin to work with it.
he explains. This little break allows the formula to adhere better to the skin. Result: the product stays in place more and covers more effectively the areas that you want to camouflage. , he adds. There is therefore no need to multiply the layers to try to achieve the result. Sometimes a few seconds of patience is better than a second coat of concealer.
Before or after foundation: what is the right order to apply concealer?
Another debate that divides makeup fans: should you apply concealer before or after foundation? For Harold James, both methods exist. It all depends on the desired result and your mastery of brushes.
explains the makeup artist. The idea is to correct the areas that need it first, then apply foundation sparingly, only where needed. A professional technique that allows you to maintain a light complexion.
But if you’re not an expert with a brush, it’s better to go the other way.
The best concealers for a fresh look: our selection
The one from L’Oréal Paris: for those who like hybrid formulas, this concealer combines makeup and skincare. It contains 1.5% hyaluronic acid and caffeine, two interesting ingredients for hydrating the eye area and visually reducing signs of fatigue. Its medium coverage is buildable and it comes in 18 shades. We like its luminous finish and its light texture, which allows you to correct without giving the impression of having superimposed layers.
We also like the latest novelty from Embryolisse. Designed with makeup artist Olivier Tissot, this ice cube-effect concealer stick works on two fronts: it neutralizes bluish dark circles thanks to its beige shade with apricot undertones and provides an immediate feeling of freshness. Its formula contains niacinamide, yeast extract, organic cucumber and aloe vera. According to tests communicated by the brand, it displays +23% radiance, a reduction of 15% in the area of dark circles and 8% in bags after 28 days of use. We like its portable format, its natural finish and its 97% ingredients of natural origin. It will be available in pharmacies, parapharmacies and on the brand’s website from January 2027 (indicative price: $21).
Like Hailey Bieber, we also validate Kosas’s. The latter has been accompanying her fresh and natural makeup for several years. Its hybrid formula combines hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine and squalane. Enough to camouflage dark circles and small redness while providing comfort and luminosity to the eye contour. We love its creamy texture, its buildable coverage and its luminous finish, which avoids the material effect. A good candidate for those who want a worked complexion without looking too made up.
And so without hesitation, our favorite remains Hourglass. A true bestseller for the brand, a copy is said to be sold every 9 seconds worldwide. Its waterproof liquid formula promises up to 16 hours of wear and resists creases. Enriched with microspherical powders, it visually blurs fine lines and pores for a smooth, filter-like result. We like its pigmentation, which allows you to work with very little product, only one to three points under each eye depending on the brand. Its natural finish and high coverage make it ideal for concealing dark circles without multiplying layers.
