Concealers come in all shapes, sizes, applicators, textures and pigments. You just need to work out how much coverage you need and what formula works on your skin type.
In an ideal world, you use a thicker, matte texture for spots, pigmentations and redness on the face and a more creamier, emollient & hydrating formula for under the eyes. Also : concealer under the eyes and on the face often will be different shades/ tones, particularly if you need to colour correct dark circles etc. For this reason, it’s great to have at least 2 types of concealer, when you want a really flawless base – that’s the ideal scenario.
Creamy VS Matte.
Why or when do you use either? Well ideally a more matte concealer tends to have higher pigment, less/ no oil and a longer wear so these are ideal for covering more noticeable areas such as pigmentation, scarring, blemishes and redness. Creamy concealers tend to have a more oily/hydrating base, a lighter concentrate of pigment and won’t last quite as long on the skin therefore these tend to be the better option for lighter areas of uneven skin tone and under the eyes.
However, as I keep telling y’all, I do my makeup in a swift flurry most mornings and my full face is locked on within under 10 minutes. For this reason, one concealer type does the job and I absolutely love my creamy concealer formulas. They work well if you need a light-medium coverage both under eyes and face, and they are just quick and easy to use and blend.
I have a HUGE arsenal of creamy-type concealers and dip in and out of them as my skin needs : here’s the best of the best.
Starting off with the budget creamy concealer, my ultimate favourite and possibly best discovery of the year for me os the insanely good Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. I had heard so many good things abut this before I purchased it and it exceeded everything – I love it! I would almost go as far to say it’s my favourite concealer. Covers well, lasts all day and the shade Warm Medium 3 is absolutely perfect for my under eyes. I’m now on my second tube of the NYX HD Photogenic Concealer and this speaks volumes as I rarely re-purchase makeup. The shade I wear is quite a peachy tone and is perfect for when I wake up with bags and dark circles under my eyes as it acts as a corrector and brightens.
Possibly the most popular and well knows is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. I have literally all shades of this in my kit as it’s such a good balance of pigment and *wetness* that it works well both on the face and under the eyes. I also think that NARS do the best selection of shades to suit all skin tones and this is another reason why I love it. The newest to my collection but a really, REALLY good creamy concealer is the Bareminerals Bareskin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer ; Slightly lighter in coverage than the others but such a brilliant, smoothing and flawless finish on the skin. It also brightens with mineral light reflecting optics. This has taken place of my beloved By Terry Densillis concealer at the moment as it has a very similar, light weight, serum-infused feel but not the horrendous price tag!
Last up is the BIG-HITTER. The fullest coverage. The highest pigment = The Amazing Concealer. This is a creamy concealer with a difference as it has such a full coverage, not far off the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer. You only need the tiniest amount and I have had this tiny tube for almost 2 years now. The one you reach for when you have terrible dark circles or blemishes/ redness that need a lot of help.
What is your favourite concealer? Do you prefer a creamy or a matte concealer?
