When it comes to concealers, it’s safe to say we are totally spoilt for choice—a quick glance at today’s beauty shelves reveals an endless array of formulas promising to disguise just about any skin imperfection. But with so many on offer, choosing the one that will work best for you can be an expensive case of trial and error.
In fact, your perfect concealer match will be dependent on the issue you want to cover: dark circles, blemishes and pigmentation all require a different approach.
For dark under-eye shadows, a brightening concealer is your best bet. Illuminating pigments will help to bounce the light back out from under your eyes, creating the illusion of instantly brighter skin. But blemishes require a different tack. The need for higher coverage means you’ll likely be looking for a concealer with a thicker consistency—locate one with spot-clearing actives inside, and you’ll be able to heal and conceal at the same time.
Then, there’s the myriad formulations to choose from—sticks, brushes, palettes and creams all deliver a different kind of result, spanning the spectrum from dewy, everyday radiance to serious red-carpet coverage. For convenience, nothing beats a swipe-on stick or paintbrush-style nib, but there’s something to be said for the professional ‘airbrush’ finish that a pigment-packed balm affords.
From cult icons to new, clever innovations, scroll down for our verdict on the very best concealers for disguising dark circles, healing blemishes, and brightening sallow skin…
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This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR UK.
Nars’s legendary Radiant Creamy Concealer is the top-seller in America, and for good reason. The secret to its success is the perfect balance of coverage and creaminess, which so many fail to get quite right. Sweep it both under the eye area and onto blemishes (but remember to apply from the back of your hand to avoid spreading bacteria onto the doe-foot wand).
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The original Touche Eclat may be famed for its brightening powers, but it’s actually an illuminator, not a concealer (try sweeping it beneath your brow bones and along your cupid’s bow for the most flattering results). The brand’s latest launch, however, is a higher-coverage version of the much-loved icon, which makes light work of masking blemishes and even pigmentation spots. This finish is beautifully luminous, yet doesn’t slip or slide throughout the day.
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Dark circles, angry blemishes, pigmentation... Dior's Forever Skin Correct Concealer will cover it all. The super-sized doe-foot wand is designed to quickly cover larger areas: simply swipe on and buff over foundation, using a fluffy brush. It's even perfect for contouring.
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Related article: The Best Cream Blushers For A Natural Healthy Glow
RMS’s mineral concealer is a cult hero in the clean-beauty community. The super-creamy (and vegan) coconut and castor-based formula works brilliantly to brighten dark shadows, while never looking heavy or cakey. It's more glowy than matte (which makes for a more flattering finish), and can even be used all-over in place of foundation.
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It Cosmetics’ skincare-meets-make-up concealer is perfect for those times when an unwanted breakout emerges right before a special occasion. The full-coverage formula is enriched with three proven spot-clearing ingredients, (kaolin clay, sulphur and witch hazel), to dry out blemishes while keeping them under wraps. When covering a spot, blend using a small brush around the outer edge of the blemish, rather than right over it. This will melt the concealer seamlessly into your skin, leaving the most pigment directly over the spot.
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This is more of a brightener than a concealer, so you wouldn’t want to apply it over a blemish. However, when it comes to masking the signs of a sleepless night, few things come close. Don’t be wary of the pinkish hue: it works perfectly to balance blueish shadows, and the pearly finish is luminous, not sparkly – a very clever innovation.
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Related article: The Best Lightweight Foundations That Will Give Skin A Luminous Glow
Hourglass's new Vanish Airbrush Concealerr contains tiny powder particles that work to bounce the light back out from under tired eyes. The rich, creamy liquid looks radiant, but not at the expense of coverage: this really will mask the most prominent of shadows. Apply it straight from the super-sized doe-foot wand, or use the brand's coordinating brush for a softer finish.
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Related article: The Best Primers For Oily Skin
Higher-than-usual pigment levels make Laura Mercier’s full-coverage concealing kit ideal for masking thread veins and irritated spots. The compact contains two shades, (one warmer, one cooler), so you can blend to suit your skin. There’s even a handy mirror in the lid. You’ll have to apply the dry, balm-like texture with a brush, but that only makes for a better result.
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