From concealing under eye darkness to fake a well-rested look to covering the darkest blemishes, here are my top concealers and how I like to use them.
Before we jump into the products, I want to clarify that I use the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes just about every single time I do my makeup. The only time I skip it is if I’m just quickly applying a bit of concealer for a very light makeup day.
While I do think the longevity of my concealer is increased as a result of using this setting powder, I don’t believe it adds any coverage to my under eyes. It’s not supposed to, though, as it’s called a translucent setting powder. I use it to prevent my concealer from creasing, from allowing any mascara flecks to melt into my face, and keep everything in its place.
I used to apply with a small eyeshadow brush, but these days I’ve been using a velour makeup puff.
Okay! On to the concealers!
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer – I typically wear “vanilla” in this concealer. I’ve used it for years and it never disappoints. It looks natural on the skin, never creases or separates, and it’s probably my most recommended concealer.
Huda Beauty Faux Filter – I love the coverage of this concealer! It’s higher coverage than Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer but still looks realistic and natural on the skin. I like to blend it in with a damp beauty blender. It doesn’t crease and doesn’t BUDGE!
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer with Vitamin C – This is a medium, natural coverage that blends very well into the skin. It’s not super high coverage, but absolutely improves the darkness under my eyes.
NYX Bare with Me Concealer Serum – This is a bit more on the lighter end, as far as coverage goes, but looks extremely natural. I wouldn’t use it with a full-coverage makeup look ( I would use Huda Beauty Faux Filter! ) but this is great for a lighter makeup day!
Bobbi Brown Skin Corrector Stick – This is *not* concealer. Think of it as a fixing product to help color-correct issues. If you have dark purple under eye circles, for example, a peachy/orange color will counteract the purple. After you’ve corrected any issues, you can “conceal” with a concealer!
Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer – This is a long-lasting, full-coverage concealer that covers dark spots and blemishes so well. It can pull a little on the warm side, in my opinion, so unless you are very yellow-toned, I would choose a cool or neutral-toned shade.
Urban Decay Quickie 24HR Full Coverage Concealer – This is a newer concealer on the market and it is truly impressive. It erases darkness before your eyes! It covers anything from blemishes to dark under-eyes and lasts all day. I love the built-in brush on the end of it as well!
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer – This is the full coverage concealer I’ve used for years! It covers the worst blemishes and dark spots, and wears perfectly all day long!
When it comes to choosing a concealer color, the best route is really trial and error. Don’t forget to check the return policies at your beauty stores! I generally stay within 1 shade of my foundation, sometimes choosing something a touch lighter. Concealer that is TOO light will look weird, and concealer that is too dark will make you look tired.
Another good rule of thumb is to coordinate your foundation coverage with your concealer coverage. A full coverage matte concealer with a barely there tinted moisturizer may look unblended.
Check this video for tips on color-matching base products (from foundation to concealer!).
FAQ’s:
One. Why does my concealer look dry, patchy, or settle into fine lines? It’s likely because you are using too much product. Try to use a bit less and make sure to use a damp beauty blender to blend it out!
Two. What concealer would you use on a very light or no makeup day? I would use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer!
Three. How would you cover very dark under eyes? I would use Bobbi Brown corrector first, and finish with a high coverage concealer.
Four. My under eyes get dried out as the day goes on, is there anything I can do to refresh? You can try applying a bit of face mist to re-hydrating dried skin under makeup!
Five. My foundation is enough, do I need to apply concealer if I don’t feel like I need it? Absolutely not!
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