courtesy of brand If you're looking for an under eye concealer that actually covers dark circles and a cover up that will blur away blemishes, we can help. As if choosing the best foundation for your skin type wasn't already tough enough, choosing the right concealer to suit your specific needs is another mission all on its own. We hit up Hourglass' Global Beauty Director, Marc Reagan, and Bobbi Brown's Senior Pro Artist, Warren Dowdall, to get some expert advice on finding (and applying) concealer like a pro... How to apply concealer: The ideal environment for base makeup is even skin, free of of any dry patches. But whose under-eyes match that description? (Nobody’s - the answer is nobody’s.) Reagan suggests laying down moisturiser or eye cream for any areas you are concealing, ensuring “a smooth application, allowing the concealer to blend evenly.” We love CeraVe's Eye Repair Cream,£12. “When concealing spots, ‘pinpoint concealing’ works best” says Dowdall. “Apply in a crosshatch pattern, with light layers of product from the top to bottom of the blemish and then from left to right, building up to your desired level of coverage. Once completed, pat around the edges to melt the concealer onto the surrounding skin.” For concealing under eyes, it's all about technique, says Dowdall. “For a universally flattering lift effect, apply a small amount of concealer towards the inner corner of the eye and a small amount on the outer corner, pulling upwards in the direction of the temple. Blend out with a concealer brush for a bright, wide-awake under eye.” Clever, huh? Finding the best concealer shade: Before picking a shade, decide where you’re actually using your concealer. Multitasking with your old faithful on both under-eyes and blemishes might save time and money, but according to Reagan, the best strategy is to pick a brighter shade for under the eyes, and for blemishes to opt for a foundation-matching shade, “erring on the side of warmth”. That being said, it's also important to keep in mind seasonality... “Keep a couple of different shades to transition from season to season” explains Reagan. “Everyone’s skin tone changes from time to time, and the worst thing is to get stuck with a single colour that isn’t blending into the skin no matter what you do.” How to fix concealer creases: Let's unanimously accept it - creases are basically inevitable. Reagan promises you can hold them at bay (for a while) with primer, sparing application and setting powder. But when it does happen (it will), just take your ring finger and gently pat in the product to melt it into the skin. Ready to find your perfect cover up? We've reviewed 25 of the highest-rated concealers in the UK, to bring you a zero bullsh*t guide to the ones that work (and the ones that don't).
Best concealer for the perfect shade match Formula: We've all heard about the famous Il Makiage foundation - well, unless you've been on a digital detox. The super-star formula has made waves all over social media thanks to it's impeccable coverage and blurring formula. Lucky for us, the brand have also concocted a wonderful concealer that delivers high coverage with no caking. It's oil-free, blurring and gives a smooth matte finish. Staying Power: The long-lasting, matte formula stays put, without the need to set with powder. Shade range: There are 30 shades to choose from in a range of diverse undertones. Best concealer for smoothing and blurring Formula: This buttery formula is so lightweight it melts into the skin like a dream, the light, silky texture contains vitamin E to help protect and condition the skin, along with hydrating squalane to soothe and nourish – all of which meant it covered my dark circles without clinging to the dry patches around my eyes. Staying Power: Impressive. Its hydrating with a slightly dewy formula for brightening, but can be set with powder for extra longevity. Shade Range: 20 shades Best concealer on a budget Formula: When I say a little goes a long way, I have never meant it more than with this concealer. A small dot of the doe-foot applicator can cover your entire under eye and it’s super-pigmented. This is for you if you want a picture perfect base. Staying power: The matte finish has staying power but it did succumb to a tiny bit of creasing at the end of the day. Shade Range: 26 shades Best concealer for brightening Formula: YSL's Touche Eclat is an iconic beauty product - and for good reason - the illuminating formula helps gives a lifted, fresh-faced look in just a few swipes. There's no shimmer or glitter in sight, just a light-reflecting formula that brightens up the whole face. Staying power: At least 5 hours, you may need a little top up come 3pm, but luckily the sleek gold pen is travel-friendly. Shade Range: 13 shades available. Best concealer with a large shade range Formula: Hailed a hero by beauty folks in the know thanks to its unbeatable shade range, impressive full-coverage, and non-crease consistency, this is definitely one to try if you usually struggle trying to find your perfect colour match. Staying power: One of the best in the biz, it'll stay put through sweat, rain, and whatever else gets thrown your way. Shade range: There are an incredible 50 shades to choose from - it's the biggest, most diverse concealer shade range going. Best concealer for buildable coverage Formula: It's light enough to layer, but pigmented enough to cover and correct any imperfections (spots and dark circles). Don't be put off by the 'matte' name, it isn't the slightest bit cakey. Staying power: It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day. Shade range: 16 shades that cover most skin tones. Best concealer for chic packaging Formula: Selena Gomez, you have out done yourself with this epic concealer formula - and with almost 100 5* reviews on Space NK, it seems we're not the only ones who think so! The hydrating concealer gives a buildable medium-to-full coverage, that feels lightweight (and won't settle into fine lines). Plus, the packaging is oh-so chic. Staying power: The long-wear, sweat resistant formula will stay put. Shade Range: A wonderful 48 shades to choose from. Best concealer for a crease-free finish Formula: This concealer promises 24 hours of staying power and while I can’t say I tested it for that long it did last 35-degree heat for most of the day with minimal touch-ups. If you have a dry under-eye area make sure you pop an eye cream on before you apply as this concealer dries very matte. Staying power: Once it’s on it’s staying put. Shade Range: NYX Cosmetics is nailing it with 24 inclusive shades. Best concealer for everyday use Formula: This concealer has been an internet-fave for as long as we can remember (seriously, it's been a go-to since secondary school). It delivers full coverage whilst still being lightweight and easy to blend. The formula is also vegan and promises an impressive 16 hours of wear. Staying power: 16 hour wear Shade Range: 20 shades, ranging from deep to fair. Best does-it-all concealer Formula: It's light enough to layer, but pigmented enough to cover and correct any imperfections (spots and dark circles). It did crease up a little around my eyes, so I'd recommend setting with a powder. The formula contains light reflectors which have an instant brightening effect. Staying power: It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day. Shade range: There's an amazing 22 shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. Yessss NARS. Best concealer for even skin tone Formula: A creamy dream to apply, this concealer is highly-blendable and conceals dark circles, blemishes and dark spots. It packs a pigment punch but doesn't feel or look cakey. The finish is satin-y, so perfect to pair with a light-weight foundation. Staying power: It lasted most of the work day without creasing. Shade Range: 19 shades Best concealer for ultra-high coverage (with zero caking) Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills has proved (once again) that she’s the queen of our make-up bag, with this A* formula. The concealer is packed with pigment, making it ideal for high coverage fans. It’ll cover up pretty much anything – spots, pigmentation, a late-night Greys Anatomy binge session… Staying power: One of the best we've tried, it'll stay put all day. Shade range: 25 shades Best concealer for hiding dark circles Formula: This one feels super-lightweight but it still covers EVERYTHING. Because it goes on so… silky (ahem) it’s ridiculously easy to blend and doesn’t crease. Also, it makes you look like you’ve had at least 10 hours sleep. We love to see it. Staying power: Yep, this one didn’t budge once I buffed it in. Shade Range: An impressive 20 shades Best concealer with vegan formula Formula: The little sister to KVD Beauty’s viral foundation, this concealer delivers high coverage without creasing or going cakey. Our tip? Let it sit on skin for at least 30 seconds before blending. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and oil-free. Staying power: The satin finish has long-lasting staying power. Shade Range: 32 shades Best concealer for a natural finish Formula: With ever so slightly less coverage than the others, this concealer is by far the most natural-looking (expect zero creasing or caking). Whilst it may not pack intensely pigmented coverage, the hydrating formula does help brighten, colour correct and blur, giving the complexion a smooth, even finish. Staying power: It's made to be flexible, so won't break down if your skin is prone to oiliness. You can expect it to stick around all day. Shade range: 20 shades Best concealer for non-comedogenic formula Formula: Shiseido are oh-so reliable when it comes to creating A* concealers, and this gel stick is no exception. This creamy mixture of three gels gives long-wearing coverage without any creasing. Great for covering both dark circles and blemishes, the concealer adapts to the skin's texture and helps smooth giving a seamless finish. It's also non-comedogenic, so won't clog pores - win, win. Staying power: Impeccable longevity - you can expect it to stick around all day. Shade Range: 16 shades. Best concealer for a matte (yet hydrating) finish Formula: The slim, doe foot applicator gives more precision than most, so it’s perfect for makeup pros that want to carve out a sharp brow or define the perfect cut-crease. The matte finish doesn’t cake, smudge or transfer. All that, and the formula is vegan and cruelty- free. Win, win. Staying power: Matte yet hydrating, this concealer may not out-last all the formulas on this page, but it'll certainly stick around for the best part of a day. Shade range: 14 shades to choose from Best concealer for versatile formula Formula: Yes it’s pricey, but this is one of the most versatile little pots I’ve come across. This ultra-pigmented cover up can be lightly dabbled over moisturised skin to give a sheer coverage or patted on and layered up into a full-on finish. The long-lasting, matte formula keeps oil under control, making it perfect for concealing blemishes. Staying power: All day long, the matte finish ensures it's a keeper. Shade Range: 14 shades Best concealer with organic formula Formula: An old favourite, the RMS concealer has a buildable formula that can be buffed on for a sheer look, or patted into the complexion for a full coverage that never looks dry, cakey or settles into pores. Staying power: The dewy cream cover-up has a shorter wear time than others, but gives a bright glossy finish. Shade Range: 16 shades. Best concealer for skincare benefits Formula: Think of it as an eye-cream-meets-concealer. This formula has active skincare ingredients that will help to counteract dark circles in the long term, whilst the medium coverage formula conceals discolouration without looking too heavy. Staying power: It's a little dewier than the others so will require a setting powder if you want it to last the day. Shade Range: 17 shades Best concealer for a waterproof formula Formula: The luminous cover-up works as both a high-coverage concealer and a highlighter, it’s creamy, rich and smooths over dry skin. Designed for both face and body, the formula blends seamlessly without creasing, giving a glowy natural finish. Oh, and its waterproof - genius, huh? Staying power: The waterproof, creaseproof finish is bound to stay intact all day (and night). Shade Range: 22 shades, to compliment the brand's existing foundation line. Best concealer for a flawless coverage Formula: You can tell this concealer has been infused with coconut water and hydrating hyaluronic acid, as it gives a fresh, dewy finish - perfect for under the eyes. The coverage is seriously impressive, it will hide dark circles (no matter how intense), and it doubles up as a spot concealer if you set the liquid down with a translucent powder. Staying power: 8 hours + Shade range: There are 20 shades available on the Too Faced website, ranging from "very fair" to "very deep". They've also covered off different undertones with pink, neutral and gold formulas. Formula: A concealer sooo dewy you can expect to be inundated with compliments about that glow. Pat it on, blend it out, and you're good to go. It's light-to-medium coverage, but can be built up to a fuller finish. Staying power: The lighter formula does mean top-ups may be required after a few hours. Shade Range: 12 shades Best concealer for illuminating Formula: Dark circles? What dark circles? They literally vanish under this formula. The elastic-stretch texture creates a real airbrushed finish without feeling heavy and the sponge applicator makes it easy to apply. Staying power: It’s not going anywhere, plus it’s waterproof. Shade Range: 20 shades Best concealer for colour correcting Formula: A range of concealer and colour correctors all in one handy palette. This six-pan compact is versatile and easy-to-use, with medium-to-full coverage that can be sheered out with a makeup sponge or built up with a brush. Staying power: Excellent staying power, simply set the cream concealer with a little powder to keep creases at bay. Shade Range: There are six shades per palette, and three palettes in light, medium and deep to choose from. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io |