Okay so.

I need to talk about this concealer thing that's been absolutely everywhere on my feed lately.

You know how you think you've been applying concealer correctly your whole life? And then some random video pops up and suddenly you're like... wait, I've been doing it wrong this entire time?

Yeah. That happened to me last month.

The technique is called "color correcting before concealing" and honestly? Game changer doesn't even begin to cover it. My dark circles used to be so bad that I'd pile on concealer until I looked like I had reverse raccoon eyes. Not cute.

What Makes This Different

Here's the thing most of us do - we grab our concealer, slap it under our eyes, and wonder why our dark circles still show through three layers later.

The viral technique flips this completely.

You start with a peachy or salmon-toned color corrector (depending on your skin tone) to neutralize the blue and purple tones first. Then - and this is key - you use way less concealer on top.

Like, significantly less.

I was skeptical tbh. But after seeing approximately 847 videos about it, I caved and tried it myself.

How I Actually Do It

First, I dot a tiny amount of peach corrector right in the inner corner where my dark circles are darkest. Not all over - just the really dark parts.

Then I gently tap it in with my ring finger. The warmth helps it melt into your skin better than brushes or sponges.

Wait like 30 seconds. Let it set a bit.

Now here's where it gets interesting - instead of my usual concealer routine, I use maybe half the amount I normally would. Sometimes even less. The corrector did most of the heavy lifting already.

I've been mixing some affordable drugstore options with my pricier stuff, and honestly? Can't tell the difference in the final result.

The Mistakes I Made First

Oh man, I messed this up so many times before getting it right.

Mistake number one: Using too much corrector. You need like, a grain of rice amount. Maybe two grains if you're fancy. Any more and you'll look orange.

Trust me on this.

Second mistake: Wrong shade of corrector. I'm fair-skinned and tried salmon first because that's what everyone was using. Looked ridiculous. Peach is better for lighter skin tones, salmon for medium to deep.

Third: Rubbing instead of tapping. This just smears everything around and defeats the whole purpose.

Why It Actually Works

The science part is actually pretty cool.

Dark circles are usually blue, purple, or brown tones showing through thin under-eye skin. Color theory says opposite colors cancel each other out - so orange/peach tones neutralize blue/purple.

It's the same concept makeup artists have used forever, but these viral beauty techniques made it accessible for the rest of us.

My makeup artist friend told me she's been doing this on clients for years. "Finally," she said when I showed her the videos. "People are catching on."

The Products I'm Using

I've tried both high-end and budget versions, and here's my honest take.

For corrector, the LA Girl orange corrector is like $5 and works just as well as the $30 ones. Wild, right?

Concealer-wise, I've been rotating between a few. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (RIP, they discontinued it and I'm still not over it) was my ride or die. Now I'm using the Elf Camo Concealer and it's honestly comparable.

Sometimes I'll splurge on the Rare Beauty concealer though. That formula is *chef's kiss*. I actually wrote about why I love that entire Rare Beauty line a while back.

How Long It Actually Lasts

Real talk - this technique holds up way better than my old method.

Before, my concealer would crease by like 11am. I'd look in the mirror during lunch and want to cry.

Now? It stays put most of the day. I still get some creasing if I'm not careful with powder, but it's minimal.

The key is setting it properly. Light dusting of translucent powder. And I mean light - we're not baking here unless you want to look crusty.

When It Doesn't Work

Okay so I have to be honest.

This technique isn't magic. If you're exhausted, dehydrated, or haven't slept in three days, no amount of color correcting will make you look well-rested.

I learned this the hard way after a 4am flight.

Also, if your under-eye area is super dry or textured, you need to prep properly first. I use eye cream and let it fully absorb before starting. Sometimes I'll do a quick minimal makeup look instead if my skin isn't cooperating.

The Comments Section Tea

The funniest part about this going viral is reading everyone's reactions.

"I've been doing my makeup for 15 years wrong" - same, bestie.

"Why did no one tell me about this sooner" - literally my exact thought.

Some people swear it doesn't work for them, and that's valid too. Everyone's skin is different. But for me and apparently thousands of other people, it's been a total revelation.

My Current Routine

So here's what I do now, start to finish:

Eye cream first. Wait 2-3 minutes.

Tiny dot of peach corrector in inner corners. Tap tap tap with ring finger.

Let it set for 30 seconds.

Small amount of concealer over top. Blend outward.

Set with minimal powder.

Done.

The whole thing takes maybe 2 minutes? And the results are so much better than my old 10-minute concealer routine where I'd just keep layering and layering.

What the Professionals Say

I asked a few makeup artists what they think about this technique going viral.

Most of them were like "yeah, we've been doing this forever." But they're also happy it's becoming mainstream because it actually works.

One artist told me the biggest mistake she sees is people using the wrong undertone of corrector. "Figure out if your dark circles are more blue-purple or brown," she said. "That determines what color you need."

Makes sense.

The Before and After

I wish I could show you photos but like... describing it in words:

Before: Concealer looked cakey, dark circles still visible, creased within hours, used way too much product.

After: Smooth finish, dark circles actually covered, lasts most of the day, uses less product overall.

My boyfriend even noticed, which is saying something because he literally never comments on my makeup.

"Your eyes look less tired," he said.

Thanks babe. Very romantic.

Is It Worth The Hype?

Look, I'm usually pretty skeptical of viral beauty trends.

Remember when everyone was contouring like they were going on stage? Or the whole beef lips thing? Yeah.

But this one? Actually worth trying.

The worst that happens is you're out like $5 for a corrector and it doesn't work for you. The best that happens is you finally figure out how to cover your dark circles without looking like you're wearing a mask.

For me, it's been totally worth it. My makeup routine is faster, I use less product, and the results are better.

Win win win.

Final Thoughts

I think what I love most about this technique is that it's actually accessible.

You don't need expensive products or professional skills. Just a basic understanding of color theory and like, two products.

If you've been struggling with dark circles and concealer, just try it? Worst case scenario, you wash it off and go back to your old routine.

But honestly, I think you'll be surprised.

Let me know if you try it - I'm genuinely curious if it works as well for you as it did for me. My DMs are always open for makeup chat.

Now if only there was a viral technique for making my mascara not smudge by 2pm...

Anyone?