Believe it or not, concealer definitely falls under the category of makeup essentials. It can brighten up your under-eyes, conceal imperfections and even give your face a lifted look (thanks, TikTok beauty hacks).
Plus, if you're big on “skinimalism” or the "clean girl" aesthetic (which, by the way, is one of the biggest beauty trends of 2022), concealer should be a non-negotiable step in your makeup routine. Even when it comes to sculpting, strategic placement of concealer can make the most significant difference, especially when combined with your favourite complexion products.
Best concealers at a glance:
TARTE SHAPE TAPE Contour Concealer
Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer
Lucky for us beauty lovers, there's no shortage of different types of concealers that we can indulge in. You've got options that are best for colour-correcting and those that are great for spot-concealing, as well as lightweight, easy-to-blend formulas and ones with a matte, full-coverage finish. And depending on your application preference, you can pick between pot concealers (great for blending with your fingers) and the classic tubes with a doe foot applicator.
Just note that there's no such thing as the best concealer that works for absolutely everyone. You have to consider your skin type, undertone and personal preferences. Are you looking for a long-wear, crease-free option that doesn't need setting powder to last all day long? Or are you after one that is weightless and illuminating but gives you just coverage to get through your 9-5?
Regardless, there's plenty to choose from, and we'll help you narrow down your top picks. Below, we've included a mix of budget-friendly options, cult favourites, and trending bits – as well as new launches.
And to give a little guidance on what might work best for you, we asked Bobbi Brown Senior Pro Artists Amy Conway and Zara Findley to answer a few crucial questions to help you decide which concealer to pick (as well as how to apply it correctly).
Can you wear concealer by itself?
"Concealer by itself is a great way to lighten the eye, and this is perfect for everyday natural makeup," advises Amy. "For the ultimate brightness, opt for a corrector underneath to banish any darkness first, as this will give a flawless under-eye lift." Browse these concealer brushes for the best application.
Where should you put concealer?
"It's best to apply concealer only where you need it," says Amy. Apply a dot of it in the inner corner of the under eye (close to your nose, which often has shadows). "Then using your finger blend that out to the outer corner of the eye for a sheerer finish. This will give the most lift without applying it too heavily where you don't need it," she says. Elsewhere, make a judgement call. It often helps to add a touch around your nostrils (an area that often gets missed) and dot a small amount over blemishes and breakouts as and when they crop up.
Should you apply concealer or foundation first?
"We often turn to foundation first to even out the skin, but in actual fact if you start with the concealer first you'll find yourself using half as much foundation everywhere else," says Amy. "For all skin tones, our main area of darkness and unevenness is the under eye so when you brighten with a concealer it instantly evens out the rest of the skin before foundation." Then if you need a little extra on top, you can always add some more later.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58o7HSrWScp56YsqK4xKs%3D