As a pimply teenager, I really used to resent that concealers were so expensive and came in such little dispensers. I mean, how was I supposed to cover my whole face with so little product? In my older, wiser (less acne-d) years, I've learned that concealers are not supposed to be used wholesale on your face, no matter how tempting it is to just slather it on. But since acne and dark circles are still fair game in middle age, here are a few tips I've learned.
Are you trying to conceal acne or dark, under eye circles? If the answer is dark, under eye circles, you might be better off using a moisturizing eye cream and foundation/bb cream/bb cushion. You know what looks worse than dark circles under your eyes? Cakey, streaky foundation or concealer. Then you not only look exhausted, you also look like you don't know how to put on makeup 😉 One trick I've learned about concealing dark circles is to first apply a moisturizer that's not too greasy and absorbs well. I'm in love with Skinfood Gold Caviar Lifting Eye Serum (Amazon $19.00). It's a serum, not a cream, which means it's more watery. I prefer serums for eyes because they absorb better and plump up wrinkles longer than a cream. My eyes are also super sensitive and look for any excuse to break out in little red bumps... this product doesn't make them do that. Anyhow, put this one, press it all around your eyes, let it absorb until it doesn't feel tacky. Then gently press a BB cushion (like Age 20's) around your eyes. It cools your eyes, fades the angry purplish color, and softens wrinkles. My under eye circles still show through slightly, but it's much less stark. The pay off, though, is that you can't tell your're wearing a coverage product, so no caking or streaking.
If you're wanting to conceal acne, I suggest using both a bb cushion and a concealer. First, moisturize your face! Never skip this step because it makes your foundation application so much smoother and reduces the likelihood that of caking. Then, apply a spot-treatment to your acne. Dr. Lin Acne Spot Treatment is my favorite. It has a bunch of soothing, natural ingredients, as well as 5% peroxide (which my skin responds very well to, but it can be drying. This product doesn't cause flaking or dryness on me). Let everything dry until it's soft, but not sticky. Now apply a skin-matching concealer. I hate using lighter concealers because it just highlights what you're concealing. Anastasia Concealer is my favorite because it's very creamy, works well on dry skin or around your eyes, and it really covers. You can buy it at Sephora. Pat a tiny amount of concealer on and around the breakout until the concealer is fully absorbed. Then apply a BB cushion or foundation (using a beauty blender sponge) to your whole face. This blends in the concealer better and makes it unnoticeable.
Cliff notes version?
Under eye circles - moisturize > bb cushion
Acne - moisturizer > treat > concealer > blend > bb cushion
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