Concealer is one of the most versatile and essential makeup products you can own. It can help you achieve a flawless and radiant complexion by hiding dark circles, acne, redness, scars, and other imperfections. But how do you choose the best concealer for your skin type, concern, and preference? In this article, we will guide you through the following topics:
- The different types of concealers and how to use them
- The general tips and tricks on how to apply concealer for the best results
- The universal factors that you should look for in a concealer
- The top picks for the best concealers of 2024, based on expert reviews, online ratings, and the latest trends and innovations
Types of Concealers
Concealers come in different forms, such as liquid, cream, stick, or powder. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on your skin type, concern, and preference. Here is a brief overview of the main types of concealers and how to use them:
| Type | Benefits | Drawbacks | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid | Smooth and blendable texture, light to full coverage, easy to apply, does not crease or cake easily | May require setting with powder or spray, and may not adhere well to dry or flaky skin | Covering under-eye circles, blemishes, redness, and hyperpigmentation |
| Cream | Thicker and creamier consistency, medium to full coverage, dewy finish, adheres well to the skin and lasts longer | May crease or settle into fine lines, may require setting with powder or spray, may not suit oily or acne-prone skin | Covering dark spots, scars, and discoloration |
| Stick | Solid and compact form, full coverage, matte finish, easy to apply, can contour or highlight the face, can conceal and heal the skin | May be drying or heavy on the skin, may require moisturizing and priming the skin before using, and may not suit dry or mature skin | Covering pimples, redness, and inflammation |
| Powder | Loose or pressed powder form, light to medium coverage, natural or matte finish, easy to apply and reapply, does not require blending or setting, can set liquid or cream concealer, can brighten the under-eye area | May be drying or cakey on the skin, may not suit dry or mature skin, may not provide enough coverage for major flaws | Oily or acne-prone skin |
How to Apply Concealer
The way you apply concealer can make a big difference in how it looks and performs on your skin. Here are some general tips and tricks on how to apply concealer for the best results:
- Choose the right shade and undertone: The shade and undertone of your concealer should match your skin tone and your foundation unless you are using it for color correction. A concealer that is too light or too dark can look unnatural or draw attention to the area you want to hide. A concealer that has the wrong undertone can also clash with your skin tone and make it look dull or ashy. To find the right shade and undertone, you can test the concealer on your jawline or your inner wrist, and see how it blends with your skin.
- Use the right amount and tool: The amount and tool you use to apply concealer can affect the coverage and finish of your concealer. A general rule of thumb is to use less concealer than you think you need and build it up gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Using too much concealer can make it look cakey or creasy, and waste product. The tool you use to apply concealer can also make a difference in how it blends and sets on your skin. A brush can give you more precision and control, a sponge can give you more coverage and a seamless finish, and a finger can give you more warmth and a natural finish.
- Apply concealer after foundation: The order in which you apply concealer and foundation can affect the outcome of your makeup. Applying concealer before foundation can make it disappear or move around, and require more product. Applying concealer after foundation can make it last longer look more flawless, and require less product. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when you are using a color-correcting concealer or a stick concealer. In that case, you may want to apply concealer before foundation and blend it well into the skin.
- Set concealer with powder or spray: The final step in applying concealer is to set it with a powder or a spray, to prevent it from creasing, fading, or transferring. A powder can give you a matte and smooth finish, and lock in the concealer for hours. A spray can give you a dewy and fresh finish, and hydrate the concealer for a more comfortable wear. However, you should be careful not to overdo it with either product, as it can make your concealer look dry or cakey. A light dusting of powder or a gentle mist of spray is enough to set your concealer and make it look flawless.
What to Look for in a Concealer
The best concealer for you depends on your skin type, concern, and preference. However, there are some universal factors that you should look for in a concealer, regardless of your personal needs. Here are some of the most important things to look for in a concealer:
- Coverage: The coverage of a concealer refers to how well it can hide or minimize the appearance of imperfections on your skin. The coverage of a concealer can range from light to full, depending on the formula and the amount you use. A light coverage concealer can give you a sheer and natural look and is ideal for minor flaws or everyday wear. A full-coverage concealer can give you a flawless and dramatic look and is ideal for major flaws or special occasions.
- Finish: The finish of a concealer refers to how it reflects light on your skin. The finish of a concealer can vary from matte to dewy, depending on the formula and the setting product you use. A matte finish concealer can give you a shine-free and smooth look and is ideal for oily or combination skin. A dewy finish concealer can give you a glowy and radiant look and is ideal for dry or mature skin.
- Texture: The texture of a concealer refers to how it feels and behaves on your skin. The texture of a concealer can be influenced by the form, the ingredients, and the application method. A smooth and blendable texture can give you a seamless and easy application and is ideal for most skin types and concerns. A thick and creamy texture can give you a rich and long-lasting application and is ideal for dry or mature skin, or for covering dark spots or scars. A thin and lightweight texture can give you a breathable and comfortable application and is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, or for covering under-eye circles or redness.
- Shade range: The shade range of a concealer refers to how many colors and undertones it offers to match different skin tones. The shade range of a concealer can vary from a few to dozens, depending on the brand and the product. A wide shade range can give you more options and flexibility to find your perfect match and is ideal for diverse and inclusive beauty. A narrow shade range can limit your choices and compatibility to find your perfect match and is not ideal for diverse and inclusive beauty.
- Formula: The formula of a concealer refers to the ingredients and the technology that make up the product. The formula of a concealer can affect the performance, the quality, and the benefits of the product. A good formula can give you a high-performance, high-quality, and beneficial product, and is ideal for enhancing and protecting your skin. A bad formula can give you a low-performance, low-quality, and harmful product, and is not ideal for enhancing and protecting your skin.
The Best Concealers of 2024
Now that you know what to look for in a concealer, let’s take a look at some of the best concealers of 2024, according to experts, editors, and customers. These concealers have been selected based on their coverage, finish, texture, shade range, formula, and online ratings and reviews. Here are our top picks for the best concealers of 2024:
| Name | Price | Coverage | Finish | Texture | Shade Range | Formula | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer] | $26 | Full | Matte | Creamy | 50 | Long-wear, crease-proof, sweat-resistant, vegan, cruelty-free | 4.5/5 |
| [NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer] | $30 | Medium to full | Radiant | Smooth | 30 | Hydrating, brightening, anti-aging, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free | 4.6/5 |
| [Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer] | $9.99 | Medium | Natural | Lightweight | 18 | Anti-aging, infused with goji berry and alkoxyl, sponge applicator | 4.4/5 |
| [Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer] | $27 | Full | Matte | Creamy | 35 | Vegan, cruelty-free, blendable, long-wear, waterproof | 4.7/5 |
| [L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer] | $13.49 | Full | Matte | Creamy | 25 | Waterproof, non-greasy, transfer-resistant, multi-use | 4.3/5 |
| [Glossier Stretch Concealer] | $18 | Light to medium | Dewy | Smooth | 12 | Nourishing, flexible, breathable, cruelty-free | 4.2/5 |
| [MAC Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer] | $24 | Medium to full | Natural | Liquid | 34 | Long-wear, oil-free, non-acnegenic, dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested | 4.1/5 |
| [Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear] | $22 | Full | Natural | Creamy | 18 | Long-wear, hydrating, transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, humidity-resistant, water-resistant, oil-free, fragrance-free, allergy-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, dermatologist-tested | 4.3/5 |
| [Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer] | $29 | Medium to full | Matte | Liquid | 25 | Vegan, cruelty-free, waterproof, breathable, flexible, real-skin matte finish | 4.5/5 |
| [Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer] | $32 | Full | Radiant | Liquid | 16 | Anti-aging, hydrating, brightening, smoothing, sponge applicator | 4.4/5 |
These are some of the best concealers of 2024 that you can try and see which one works best for you. Remember to choose the right shade and undertone, use the right amount and tool, apply concealer after foundation, and set concealer with powder or spray. With these tips and products, you can achieve a flawless and radiant complexion in no time.
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