The Great Cover-Up:
Concealer 101
The best concealers for every skin woe
A champion at hiding an array of flaws - cue under-eye bags, blemishes and redness - concealers are a makeup staple most of us couldn’t live without. The question is: Are you using the right concealer for each issue?
In the pursuit of maximising your concealer’s productivity, we break down the most common types available and the perfect way of using each.
The Cream Concealer
Type
Cream concealers are most commonly in a pot, stick or wand form.
Coverage
Medium to full
Best for
The pigment-rich, opaque formula is best for neutralising redness, imperfections and those pesky zits.
Ideal skin type
Oily to combination skin
Top tip
Skip the magnifying mirror - you'll likely end up over applying as cream concealers are already quite thick. Instead use a small, pointy brush to dot concealer directly on the pimple. Use tiny strokes to sweep the brush around the base of the spot, which is the best way to blend without bacteria. You need no more than two layers.
The Serum Concealer
Type
Mostly commonly found in a wand or tube
Coverage
Sheer to light
Skin type
Dry or sensitive skin
Best for
The most hydrating of all concealers, serum-based formulas are best for the under-eye area. Their bonus is that their emollient ingredients tug less at delicate eye skin - perfect for when you want makeup that treats your skin with a little extra care.
Top tip
More slippery than most concealers, add a translucent powder with a large, fluffy brush to sweep powder over the concealer, helping to both set it in place and even out skin tone.
The Liquid Concealer
Type
Most commonly found in a tube, pen or wand
Coverage
Light to medium
Ideal skin type
Normal to dry skin
Best for
Sheerer and dewier than a cream concealer, liquid concealers are best used under the eyes. Some sheer liquid concealers are made with light-reflecting particles, which is the last thing you want to use on a pimple.
Top tip
Create a ‘triangle of light’ by applying an inverted triangle shape below each eye, which will instantly lift and brighten the area. Use a beauty blender or brush to ensure a smooth finish.