Concealers are the secret weapons of the beauty world. From dark circles and pigmentation to blemishes and acne, great concealers work overtime to cover up imperfections for a flawless finish.
The best options out there are formulated to blend seamlessly into the skin and provide long-lasting coverage. But no two products are exactly the same, so how do you choose the right one? In this blog, we’re talking top concealers for every gripe, concern and skin type.
The best concealer for dark circles
Whether you’ve pulled an all-nighter or dark under-eye circles are just a fact of life for you, the right under-eye concealer can work miracles. Concealers for dark circles are formulated to counteract bluish-purplish undertones under the eyes, brightening up your eye area and leaving you looking refreshed.
When it comes to choosing a concealer, look for a product made with gentle ingredients that are safe for delicate under-eye areas, and a smooth texture that hides dark circles without creasing.
We love a creamy, full-coverage concealer pen with light-reflecting particles to boost radiance and brighten the under-eye area. A specially formulated eye cream like the Anew Dark Circle Corrector Dual Eye System can also help banish the appearance of dark circles.
The best concealer for acne
No matter how perfect your skincare regime might be, pimples and hormonal breakouts happen to most of us from time to time. The good news is concealers for acne are formulated to conceal spots, redness and irritation without clogging the pores and leading to more breakouts.
Oil-free and wax-free concealers are your friend here – opt for one that will stand up to heat, sweat and humidity without suffocating the skin. One of our favourites is our Power Stay 18 Hour Longwear Concealer, which is made with an oil-free formula that’s suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. Its lightweight, breathable feel also makes for comfortable wear throughout the day, even on problem skin.
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The best concealer for blemishes
While the right skincare routine can do wonders, blemishes like acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, age spots and fine lines still happen to the best of us.
When it comes to covering up blemishes like redness and scarring, your best bet is a concealer that offers smooth, full coverage and blends easily into the skin. Added SPF protection is a bonus, especially if you have damage caused by sun exposure.
Our go-to is our Anew Age-Transforming Concealer SPF15, which not only disguises blemishes but works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SPF15 and our Derma 3X complex go the extra mile to stimulate the renewal of collagen and elastin, helping repair and prevent imperfections.
The best concealer for dry skin
If your skin is on the drier side, formulas developed to hydrate flaky areas and minimise creasing are the way to go. Avoid matte-finish concealers and look for a product with a lightweight, creamy texture that blends seamlessly into the skin and leaves a dewy finish.
Our Flawless Match Concealer is ideal for dry skin types thanks to its blendable, creamy texture. Formulated with True Blue Colour IQ Technology for the perfect match on a range of skin tones, it’s a great all-rounder for concealing redness, dark circles and blemishes.
A quick colour-correcting concealer guide
If you’ve ever wondered why no amount of concealer will cover up those dark circles or areas of redness, colour correction could be the answer.
Colour-correcting concealers are an essential in most make-up artists’ kits. They work by using complementary colours (colours on the opposite end of the colour wheel) to neutralise skin discolouration. That’s why you might come across concealers or primers that are green, yellow or purple.
Here’s what to look out for with coloured correctors, depending on your skin concern:
- Hyperpigmentation: If areas of your skin are darker than the rest due to sun damage or melasma, colour-correcting concealers in peach to dark orange-red tones work well.
- Redness: Discolouration caused by acne, rosacea or other skin issues can be cancelled out with green-toned concealer. Dab on a small amount (a little goes a long way!) and blend into red spots or blotchy areas.
- Dark circles: Pink and peach-toned concealers help combat dark circles, especially if they have blue undertones. Try a lighter salmon colour for fair skin, or an orange-red tone for darker skin.
- Yellow or grey undertones: Purple-toned concealers are great for brightening sallow skin or evening out yellow undertones.
RELATED: How to Use Colour Correctors to Enhance Your Skin
How to find your perfect concealer shade
We’ve all been there: too-pale under-eye concealer that makes you look like a reverse panda, or the wrong shade that makes spots even more noticeable. Most of the time, if concealer doesn’t look right it’s because it’s not the right shade for your skin tone or the wrong formula for what you need.
Thankfully that’s an easy fix – here’s how to choose the perfect concealer shade for different uses:
Dark circles: Go for a concealer that's around one shade lighter than your skin tone. An easy way to find the right match is to do a test covering up the veins on your wrist.
Blemishes, red spots or acne: Choose a concealer that’s exactly the same tone as your skin, or your foundation. You can use this shade alone or blended with a colour-correcting concealer for more comprehensive coverage.
Contouring: For make-up contouring, choose a concealer that's one-to-two shades lighter or darker than your foundation, depending on what you’re using it for. Use a lighter shade for areas you want to highlight, such as the top of your cheekbones, under your brow bone and on the bridge of your nose. Darker shades can be used on areas you want to define, such as along your hairline, underneath your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose and along your jawline.
And don’t forget different concealers are made for different skin types and to cover up different skin concerns. Choose one that’s right for your skin tone, type and imperfections for a perfectly flawless finish.
So there you have it: everything you need to know about choosing the best concealer. Shop our concealer collection, or head to the Avon Loves Blog for more beauty and skincare tips.