Concealer can help to cover a multitude of sins. Whether you are looking to brighten under the eyes, hide pesky pimples, or improve the look of red spots and fine lines, concealer will be your best friend.
However, this can be a tricky product to get right. When choosing your concealer, you should always make sure that it is right for your skin. If it isn’t, you risk it looking dry, cakey, and completely the wrong shade
In our concealer buyer’s guide, we will be talking you through exactly what you should be looking for in a concealer. We are also going to be showing you our top picks; regardless of your skin needs, there will be something for you!
What To Look For In A Concealer
Before we reveal our favorite concealers, let’s take a look at the things you should consider before choosing your concealer. Taking the time to look through your options will pay off with results that look natural and beautiful.
Type Of Concealer
Concealer certainly does not have a one-size-fits-all nature, it comes in many different forms. Your skin type will dictate which type of concealer works for you and this is one of the most important things you should think about when choosing a product.
- Cream concealer is great if you need full coverage; typically they will have a minimum of medium coverage. They can be very easily applied, however, they are prone to creasing. These creamy products are better for normal or dry skin and are buildable.
- Stick concealer has a very similar texture to a cream concealer but comes in a stick rather than a pot or palette. These are also good for normal to dry skin and can be applied in buildable layers. If you have oily skin, the thick texture may clog pores. On the plus side, a stick concealer is very easy to blend.
- If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts then a liquid concealer may be a good choice. These are buildable but come in a much smoother and lighter liquid form. They come in a range of finishes from matte to dewy and are very easy to blend.
Where Will You Use The Concealer?
Your face is extremely diverse and the skin on one area may react very differently to another to the same type of concealer. Before committing to any one product, you should look at whether it is suitable for the way you intend to use it.
For example, if you are looking to highlight the under-eye area then a lightweight concealer that is one to two shades lighter than your skin tone will work best. Conversely, if you want to cover imperfections or uneven color on the forehead, cheeks, or chin, you should be looking for a concealer that gives full coverage and is in the same shade as your foundation.
Skin Tone
We have discussed that different areas of the face may require different tones but it is important to understand your own skin tone.
Many make-up users are not sure whether they have cool or warm undertones and this is something worth finding out.
- If the undertones of your skin come through as pink, blue, or red then you have a cool skin tone and concealers that have pink in them will work better.
- If your skin has undertones of yellow or gold then you have a warm skin tone, and you will need to look for a concealer that has hints of yellow.
The Best Concealers For Your Skin
The beauty industry is packed with brands fighting for the attention of the biggest names in make-up. But this means that picking out the good from the bad can be something of a challenge. But it doesn’t need to be.
We have chosen some incredible concealers to introduce you to, so let’s take a look at them in a little more detail.
Dermablend Cover Creme
If you need a full coverage concealer then this is an excellent choice, not only will this effectively cover any blemishes or dark circles but the options are incredibly diverse. The Dermablend cover creme shades range from pale ivory all the way through to deep brown.
For people who are worried that their concealer may dry out and look flaky or cakey, Dermablend is a beautifully hydrating concealer that boosts the moisture of your skin without compromising on coverage. Furthermore, the unique blend improves the condition of the skin thanks to its ability to strengthen and repair the skin’s natural barrier. Who said make-up was bad for your skin?
The concealer has an SPF of 30 and is allergy tested which is great for people with sensitive skin. What’s more, with an easy to apply formula, the creme glides onto the skin effortlessly and blends smoothly.
Stila Stay All Day Foundation And Concealer
All too often, we apply our make-up in the morning, only to find that it needs freshening up by the time our lunch break comes around. Not only is this frustrating but it can also leave your make-up looking patchy. But this problem is instantly solved with this long-wearing formula that promises to stay put for up to 12 hours.
This is a full coverage foundation and concealer that has been designed to sweep over the skin easily, feeling light and airy. It is water-resistant and provides a matte finish which is great if you have oily skin.
If you are looking for make-up that will benefit your skin rather than make it worse, then this is an excellent product to choose. The formula is packed with antioxidants and minerals that feed the skin and keep it looking fresh and youthful.
It is easy to apply using either a sponge, a brush, or simply your fingers, and thanks to the silicone-coated pigments, it will glide on effortlessly. This is a great choice for people with skin discoloration as the peach undertones counteract this common problem.
Jane Iredale Circle/Delete Concealer
One of the first things that we noticed about this concealer was that it is extremely versatile. Each concealer comes with two colors that can be blended to create a shade that perfectly suits your skin. If you want to lighten the under eyes, simply use the lighter tone, or combine them to cover imperfections.
This is a beautifully light and airy concealer that feels wonderful on the skin. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t get excellent coverage. With each of the colors targeting different color imperfections, this is great for those who have an uneven skin tone or who want to create the illusion of light.
If you need a concealer that won’t dry out your skin, this one contains Persea Gratissima oil (avocado), sunflower seed oil, and many other super-hydrating ingredients that will leave your skin looking radiant and fresh.
TEMPTU Silicone Based Concealer
Most of us want a flawless coverage concealer that won’t weigh heavy on the skin and that is exactly what you will get with this beautiful concealer wheel. It is a weightless formula that covers a multitude of problems but is specifically adept at evening out redness and dark spots.
If you’ve been crying out for something that will see you through from morning until evening then the TEMPTU concealers will not disappoint. They have been formulated with a water-resistance that is second to none and will go the distance for as long as you need. This is all thanks to the built-in primer that gives the concealer extra staying power!
The color wheel comes with five different shades so that you can blend and mix to create a tone that is perfect for your skin. Once applied, it leaves a beautiful dewy sheen, leaving your skin looking fresh and glowing.
For anyone who needs a concealer that will be kind to their skin, the TEMPTU concealer contains various nourishing ingredients. With coconut extract for super soft and supple skin as well as Tribehenin which further nourishes and smooths the skin, you will be left looking and feeling amazing.
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
If you have ever struggled to find the right shade for your skin, the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer has got you covered. There are eighteen shades to choose from and the range is incredible, going from light to dark, there is something for every skin tone.
This is a long-wear concealer that is water-resistant and so great for active days where you need something that will stay put. The formula is so rich and effective that just a few dabs will instantly cover flaws, leaving your skin looking immaculate.
The coverage really is something that needs to be seen to be believed. This full-coverage concealer can be mixed with a primer and used in the same way that you would use a foundation. If you have birthmarks or blemishes that are typically tricky to cover, this is a concealer that will make light work of the challenge.
If You Need An Organic Concealer, Check This One Out!
There is a lot of focus on organic cosmetics and more and more people are turning to them. If you have sensitive skin, using products that only contain natural ingredients is a must and this concealer will be the perfect addition to your make-up collection.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Perfecting Concealer
This concealer is great for people with drier skin or those who are concerned that their concealer may wrinkle or crease. The formula has been specifically designed to resist creasing and stay fresh-looking from the moment you apply it until the moment you take it off.
The all natural cosmetics concealer is creamy and glides on easily using either a brush or your fingers. It is packed with moisturizers and nutrients to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
There is an entire range of all-natural cosmetics from this brand and the concealer is truly a stand-out product. It boasts phyto-pigments that are entirely plant-based for a natural and gentle skincare experience. It contains no parabens, pesticides, propylene, sulfates, gluten, or any other nasties.
The formula is cruelty-free and comes in a decent range of shades. The only downside is that the shades end at medium-tawny so if you have much darker skin, you may not as easily be able to find a match.
How Do I Apply My Concealer?
When it comes to applying your concealer, there are many different approaches you might take. Some products will come with an applicator, although these are not always too reliable. Furthermore, a lot of people like to apply and blend their concealer with the fingertips. This is OK, in theory, however, it may not be the best way.
Using the fingertips to apply concealer could cause it to be uneven, owing to the natural oils on your skin spreading the concealer incorrectly. What’s more, using your fingers may not be as hygienic as using a brush or sponge.
Typically applying your concealer with a brush made specifically for this purpose is the best way to go. You can blend it using a beauty sponge that is slightly damp. You don’t want it to be wet as this will remove the make-up but a little moisture will prevent the sponge from soaking up too much of your make-up.
If you have never used a concealer brush before, you may be wondering what you should be looking for. Just like concealers, there are hundreds of different applicator brushes on the market. It is important to find one that will work well for all of your concealer needs.
These brushes come in many shapes and sizes, with some having a pinhead design to target small pimples, and others being quite large and fluffy, which is better for larger areas.
However, if you want a concealer brush that is going to do just as well concealing under-eye bags as it would for covering acne and redness then a flat head is the best option.
Wet N Wild Pro Brush
We absolutely love this concealer brush with a flat head. It is lightweight and has a tapered handle that is easy to grip, not to mention pretty with a beautiful metallic pink finish.
This is a precision brush that is amazing for spot concealing and much more! It will help to apply your concealer under the eyes and for more intricate spot work easily and smoothly.
The bristles are very densely packed and this makes the brush excellent for precise application that goes on effortlessly every time.
The super-soft bristles are gentle on the skin and the product won’t cling to them unnecessarily.
What really stands out about this brush is that it comes from that brand that fully supports PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies campaign so you know that the brush will have been created ethically.
Conclusion
Using foundation alone isn’t always enough to cover imperfections and blemishes. What’s more, a lot of people prefer not to have a lot of heavy make-up and rely on something more lightweight to conceal dark circles, redness, and pimples.
Finding the right concealer is so important because this will ensure that the product matches your skin type and skin tone. Furthermore, apply the wrong concealer, and later in the day, you will likely notice that it has gone dry, cakey, or creased.
These are our all-time favorite concealers and we are confident that you will love them just as much as we do!
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API