Dark circles, redness and blemishes: you’d rather avoid them, but unfortunately these happen to all of us. We bet you’ve already used tons of miracle cures that didn’t work. Well, there is one product that we guarantee will work: concealer. Concealer is perfect for hiding blemishes, but what is concealer anyway? And how do you apply concealer? What colour concealer fits you and which one is the absolute best? We answer all your questions. Welcome to the world of concealer!
What is concealer?
As the name implies, concealer is a beauty product that camouflages skin irregularities and imperfections. In general, concealer is highly pigmented. Due to the high pigmentation, it provides ultimate coverage for even-toned skin. Concealer is available in many skin-coloured shades, but there are also colour-correcting concealers in colours such as pink, yellow and green on the market. Unlike foundation, you use concealer topically to cover your spots. Many people confuse concealer with highlighter, but don’t be mistaken: concealer and foundation have different purposes. Concealer is used to hide blemishes, whereas highlighter brightens your complexion by highlighting specific areas.
What do you use concealer for?
Concealer is your go-to if you want to camouflage irregularities. It is a staple for your makeup bag, but what do you use concealer for?
Dark circles
Concealer causes your dark under-eye circles to disappear without a trace. Choosing the right shade is essential if you like to properly cover your dark circles. Since dark circles often have a blue-greyish colour, you first use a pink colour corrector first to get the best results.
Acne and spots
Acne and spots are not only a puberty thing, unfortunately. Waking up with a big red one on your forehead happens to the best of us, even when you’re a thirty-something. Enter concealer! Concealer makes your acne less noticeable, but there are a few things to be aware of:
- Don’t pick your skin, even if it’s really tempting. You could cause more blemishes and even scar your skin.
- Don’t pop your spots. If you apply concealer on a freshly popped spot, you risk getting makeup inside of the open, raw abrasion. That is definitely not conducive to proper healing and a smooth finish.
Redness and Rosacea
Are you suffering from skin redness or Rosacea? Concealer comes to the rescue! Concealer easily covers all your skin imperfections. If you have small red spots, concealer alone will give you maximum coverage. In the case of Rosacea, depending on your skin tone, you have to use a green or yellow colour corrector first before you apply your concealer.
Under-eye bags
Concealer is great for hiding your under-eye bags. These bags are often caused by a lack of sleep. Concealer is not a magic wand that makes your bags disappear forever, but it helps to make them look less visible. Please don’t apply concealer to the bag itself! That will only make them more visible and that is not what we’re aiming for, right?! Instead, apply the concealer under your bags to reduce shadow and brighten up your complexion.
Types of concealer
Everyone has a different skin type that requires unique skincare. The same goes for concealers: they come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve listed the different types of concealers for you, so you know which one is perfect for your skin.
Liquid concealer
Liquid concealers have a soft and thin structure which makes them easy to blend into your skin, with or without foundation. Also, a liquid concealer is less likely to crease into fine lines than a stick concealer. They are available in satin, shiny and matt finishes. Satin has the most natural effect, matte lasts the longest and a glossy finish is great to use in the eye-area.
- Liquid concealer is suitable for most skin types, even if you have acne-prone skin.
- You decide how much you want to cover your blemishes. Apply multiple layers for higher coverage.
- Less chance of aggravating spots. Liquid concealer wears lighter on the skin than, e.g. a cream concealer.
Cream concealer
Cream concealer has a thick structure, unlike liquid concealer. Cream concealer is harder to apply, but offers higher coverage.
- Cream concealer is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin. If you have oily skin and want a flawless look, then it’s best to steer clear from cream concealer.
- Has medium to full coverage
- Covers strong discolouration
Stick concealer
Stick concealer has a more solid texture compared to liquid and cream concealers. It looks like the texture of lipstick. A stick concealer will not crack or run, but it can disappear. Applying loose powder after your concealer will prevent this and keep your stick concealer in place.
- Stick concealer is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin. They don’t work as well on oily skin types.
- It has medium to full coverage
- The heavy wax ingredients do not cover acne and spots.
Powder concealer
Powder concealer has a powdery structure. It brightens the skin, covers pigmentation and provides coverage for other flaws you may want to cover. Powder concealer strongly resembles powder foundation, but is way more pigmented. It has a matt finish and is easy to apply with a sponge.
- Powder concealer is suitable for normal skin
- It provides light to medium coverage
- Due to the powdery texture, the concealer is less suitable for dry, sensitive, mature and oily skin.
Colour correcting concealer
Colour-correcting concealer is applied after your primer and before your foundation. Colour correctors help neutralise discolouration of the skin, such as dark under-eye circles and Rosacea. Colour correctors are available in cream and stick concealers. Just keep in mind that you only need to use a colour-correcting concealer if you suffer from severe discolouration.
- Colour-correcting concealers neutralise coloured irregularities of the skin.
- Colour correctors are available in various colours. Pink, green and yellow are the most common colours.
- The downside: a green colour corrector may neutralise redness of the skin, but it can also create a green haze through your foundation.
What colour concealer?
There are many different types of concealers and they all have their benefits, but that’s not what is essential. Using the right colour, that’s what counts. If you use the wrong colour, your blemishes will stand out even more! Since that is the last thing you want, we help you choose your right colour of concealer.
Skin tone concealer
Concealers that match the tone of your skin are the most popular. Concealers come in all kinds of shades, for both light and dark skins. Colour codes indicate the skin colour, with 0 or 1 being the fairest. The number is usually followed by the letter N, W or C. The letter indicates what skin type the concealer is suitable for. If you are a cooler type, then choose a pink undertone (C). If you are a warmer type, then choose a yellow undertone (W). Are you neither cool nor warm? Then you have a neutral skin tone and a concealer with the letter N will be perfect for you.
It is essential that you choose a concealer in a colour that matches your skin tone as close as possible. If you can’t find your perfect colour, then we advise you to go a little lighter. A darker colour than your natural colour accentuates even the tiniest imperfections.
How do you know which colour perfectly matches your skin tone? Use a tester and apply a small amount to your jawline. Does the colour blend into your skin and can you barely see it? Congrats! You’ve found your matching colour! Another trick is to apply a bit of concealer on the inside of your wrist. Can you cover your veins? If so, you’ve found your perfect match!
Pink concealer
A pink concealer is always a colour-correcting concealer. The pink colour neutralizes all blue and grey shades. It is often used to cover dark circles, but it also makes pale skin more luminous and vibrant. A pink concealer is recommended for fair skin with a cool undertone.
Green concealer
A green concealer is always a colour-correcting concealer. This concealer has a green colour and neutralises redness of the skin, like small spots and Rosacea. Correctly applying a green concealer is essential and may take some practice, but it’ll be worth it. If you don’t apply the concealer correctly, you risk showing a green haze through your foundation. We bet that you don’t want to be nicked ‘The Hulk’, right?! ;)
Yellow concealer
A yellow concealer is also a colour-correcting concealer. This concealer has a yellow colour that neutralises dark purple spots. These can be dark under-eye circles and scars. Yellow colour correctors are particularly suitable for warmer skin types.
How to apply concealer
Applying concealer may seem easy-peasy, but only the correct technique will give you the best results. How you apply concealer depends on the type of concealer that you use. A powdery concealer e.g has to be applied in a different way than a cream concealer. The golden rule for all concealers: the less you use, the more natural you’ll look. A little goes a long way and you only have to use a small amount to cover your blemishes. Always apply your concealer topically after your foundation!
To apply the concealer, dot the product where you want coverage. You apply liquid and cream concealer by hand or brush. Sponges are perfect for applying powder concealer. Stick concealers are applied directly from stick to skin. Use your finger, brush or (damp) sponge to blend the concealer. Blending the concealer with your fingers usually gives the best result since the warmth of your fingers spreads the product more easily. You know your concealer is well blended into your skin when the transition between your skin and makeup is no longer visible.
How to apply a colour corrector
Unlike concealer, you apply a colour corrector before foundation if you want to cover coloured irregularities as much as possible. Use your fingers, a flat brush or a (damp) makeup sponge to apply the colour-correcting concealer. The colour of a colour corrector is pretty striking and a thin layer usually gives proper coverage. Wait a couple of minutes and let the colour corrector settle before you apply your foundation.
6x the best concealers
Your skin deserves the best, but it can be hard to decide what concealer is best for you. So many brands, so many options! We are here to help you out: these are our best 6 concealers.
#1 Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent
A true concealer-classic! From makeup professionals to influencers: they all love Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent. The concealer gives a natural result and has a matt finish.
#2 Instant Age Eraser by Maybelline
Amazing coverage, a light texture and hydration: the Instant Age Eraser concealer by Maybelline has so much to offer. The sponge makes application easier than ever, plus the Instant Age Eraser is also great value for money!
#3 Pro Longwear by MAC
Pro Longwear by MAC is a liquid concealer that gives medium to full coverage. The clever pump on the bottle makes this concealer very economical to use. The MAC Pro Longwear is available in various skin tones so you can always find your matching colour!
#4 Le Correcteur de Chanel by Chanel
Looking for a bright concealer with a matt finish? Then opt for the Le Correcteur de Chanel! You will love this concealer. It smooths away irregularities effortlessly, hydrates and shields your skin from pollution.
#5 Beyond perfecting by Clinique
You decide how much coverage you want with Clinique’s Beyond Perfecting concealer. The light cream formula is easy to apply and the coverage lasts up to 24 hours.
#6 Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer by Benefit
Boi-ing Cakeless concealer by Benefit is a liquid high coverage concealer. The flexible applicator makes it very easy to apply. Boi-ing Cakeless concealer is so lightweight you won’t even know you are wearing concealer!
