No matter how perfect your complexion or how infrequently you spot a blemish, we’re pretty sure there’s at least one facial flaw you want to hide: dark circles, crow’s feet, a scar—you know there’s something! That’s why it’s so important to know how to use concealer correctly. After all, use it incorrectly and you’ll only draw attention to the area you’re trying to hide.

To help you find the right shade and apply it like a pro, we spoke with the experts themselves—that is, Napoleon Perdis, celebrity makeup artist and creator of the NP Set, and Laura Geller, makeup artist and founder of Laura Geller Makeup—for their top tips for hiding five common skin flaws.

1. Undereye Circles: It’s a common makeup misconception that you should use a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your skin. According to both Perdis and Geller, a concealer that’s too light only draws attention to the area you’re trying to hide and creates a raccoon effect. Instead, use a concealer that’s an exact match with your skin tone. To see if your concealer is a match, try applying it in a room with plenty of natural light and then checking your work in a 10X magnifying mirror. “If concealer looks good that close up, it’s a keeper!” says Geller. Go with a concealer that has an orange undertone if you're particularly dark under the eyes; keep in mind that creamy formulas are best for this thin-skinned and typically dry area.
2. Crow’s Feet: Moisturizing concealers that set to a matte finish are perfect when you’re covering up wrinkles. “Any other type of concealer will set into fine lines and create a cakey effect,” says Perdis. Even better: Formulas that contain anti-aging ingredients and optical diffusers that reflect light and blur the look of crow’s feet.
3. Pimples: To hide blemishes, use an oil-free concealer—preferably one that contains acne-fighting salicylic acid. Dab the concealer on with a brush, as using your fingers will only add bacteria and oil to the area. After letting the concealer set for a minute, Perdis suggests blending the edges around the pimple so you don’t see where the concealer and your skin meet. Finish by setting the makeup with some loose powder.
4. Scars: Whether they’re raised or pitted, it’s important that scars be dry and matte before applying foundation—that means no moisturizer, no primer and no foundation. Concealers cling better to dry skin, according to Geller, which is crucial when covering up a scar. Use a matte formula concealer that’s light instead of creamy, so you don’t draw too much attention to the damaged area. Apply concealer directly to the scar and then feather it at the edges so it blends in with the rest of the skin. To finish, apply foundation to even skin tone and then set makeup with a dusting of translucent powder to keep everything in place.
5. Uneven Pigmentation: With hyperpigmentation and uneven toned skin, “you want to correct—not conceal—using complementary colors,” says Perdis. For purple-toned areas, use a corrector with golden hues, while reddish discoloration can be corrected with green tones. Just use a light hand when applying correcting powders. “Think of it as painting with watercolors,” suggestions Perdis. “You want to use just a sheer application to even out and correct.”

Megan O'Neill is Beauty Editor at EndlessBeauty.com