Concerned about constant concealer piling? Enter: Beauty SOS, here to solve your biggest beauty challenges.
Ask any beauty expert which three products they’d grab as they’re dashing out of the house and you’ll hear a variation on this theme: something to perfect skin, something to add colour to lips and cheeks and something to enhance eyes. If you pressed them for more specifics on the skin thing they’d go for, they’d more than likely say concealer. And for good reason: it’s hugely versatile, covering spots, hiding dark circles and it can double up as a foundation.
How to choose the right concealer
You don’t need to be an expert to get all those benefits from your concealer – it’s easy to use, provided you have the right one. This is where things get a bit more challenging. The concealer that’s right for you will feel like it’s become part of your face, rather than sitting on it. It won’t crease or become dry. And it definitely, definitely won’t disappear by the end of the day. If you’ve experienced any of these issues, you’re in the right place.
What’s the best way to apply concealer?
After years and years of testing concealer on my own acne-prone skin and on my clients, I’ve developed a pretty comprehensive system for getting it right, every time. Here’s what you need to know – and the products I recommend for avoiding those common concealer issues…
How to avoid concealer pilling
Use fewer layers of products
The main factor here isn’t which concealer you apply, but rather what you apply under it. Does your skincare tend to pill when you’ve put it on? Maybe consider fewer layers, or switching your moisturiser.
If you really struggle, start with the basics: pare your skincare routine right back to just serum and SPF and see how your concealer sits on top of that.
Pat concealer in gently, don’t rub
Another tip: try patting on your concealer gently, rather than really rubbing it in. The idea is to lay it on top of foundation or SPF, not to scrub either away while you apply. Try using a brush if you find fingertip application challenging, and buff on foundation first, then your concealer to ensure very fine layers of product. Remember not to panic and rub at it if it’s a bit sheeny – you can always apply a dash of powder to reduce shine.
How to make concealer last all day
Prime skin with moisturiser first
The sandwich approach is important here. Start with well-hydrated skin. Next, apply concealer, after which a fine layer of powder will really lock it in place for lasting coverage.
Fix any creases with your finger
That said, concealer does move slightly over the course of a day as you sweat and move around. If you find it has migrated and collected in any areas, just take a (clean) finger and tap at that area to remove some product without ruining your base.
How to touch up concealer
It’s a good idea to pack a concealer in your bag if you’ve covered something you’re self-conscious about and want it to remain hidden all day.
Again, the technique to reapplying is to gently press a dash of product onto the area and tap, tap, tap until the edges have blended in with your existing base.
How to correctly colour match concealer
If you use concealer alone on skin, pick one that seamlessly blends in. Depending on the formula, it may darken or slightly change hue once it’s dried down, so give it a couple of minutes before you check. It’s handy if you use one with a bigger doe foot applicator and a more liquid consistency, so you can really blend it across skin. Then, go back in and add a second layer to areas in need of more coverage.
How to match concealer to your foundation
If you’re a foundation wearer, first remember that it’s likely your face is a slightly different colour to your neck – so you need to either match your face to your neck or vice versa when choosing a base product. You may wish to apply bronzer to your neck or wear a base that’s slightly lighter than your face to achieve this. Either way, when picking a concealer to wear over foundation, make sure you match it to your base, rather than your bare skin.
Best concealers to cover larger areas
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
This concealer comes with a huge doe foot applicator, making light work of swiping over bigger areas, like the chin or cheeks. It’s lightweight but buildable, making it the perfect concealer-foundation hybrid.
Erborian BB Crayon (Various Shades)
This handy crayon format means that all you have to do is scribble this over skin, before blending with fingers or a brush for selective coverage.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Concealer
This cult concealer is a makeup artist’s favourite. It blends very well into skin, offering medium to full coverage that can be sheered out with a brush or fingers. If you’re a foundation-wearer, apply it over your base to see if it disappears into it for the best colour match.
Best concealers for over foundation
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
This concealer is creamy but not sheeny, giving it a velvet finish on skin. It is perfect for dabbing in areas like the nose folds or chin if you don’t like to apply powder but don’t want any extra shine.
Rimmel Kind & Free Hydrating Concealer
This fluid concealer is ideal if your skin is on the dry side and you want some extra coverage in areas. Tap it on with fingers for best results.
Best concealers for covering spots
If you’ve got a major spot, you might need a formula that offers a little more coverage. Apply with a small brush to get the details right. If your spot is very raised, try applying a shade ever-so-slightly darker to help balance out the skin.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
This is my favourite concealer bar none for spots. Mix the two shades to customise your perfect colour every time, and watch spots completely fade into skin.
Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick
If you prefer the ease of a stick, this one gives really good coverage, quickly. Gently tap onto spots, and blend, then apply more if needed.
Best concealers for under the eyes
If you like a lightening effect around your eyes, try a concealer that contains brightening agents. If it looks ever so slightly lighter once on, that’s fine – just try not to make it too light to avoid that tell-tale white ring.
Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Brighten Up Concealer
This brightens, blurs and packs in some skincare thanks to brightening niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. A little goes a long way with this one.
Trinny London BFF Eye Serum Concealer
Want something that’s super hydrating? This is the one to go for – it really does feel like a cross between an eye serum and a concealer.
;
