Sep 17, 2020

FLAWLESS FINISH: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONCEALER

The perfect concealer can be a total game-changer

If there is one beauty product in your kit that’s seriously got your back, it’s your concealer. From covering up a rotten night’s sleep or a big night out, to shielding pimples, break-outs, pigmentation and general skin freak-outs, a concealer is undoubtedly the hardest-working product in your beauty bag.

But with so many concealers on the market it can be tricky to find the right one to suit your skin needs. So, on That Beauty Podcast, we quizzed some of the best makeup artists in the industry, for their fool-proof concealer buying and applying tips. Happy concealing!

The best concealer for dark circles

If deep shadowing under the eye is a concern, you might need to consider opting for two concealers. A concealer with a peach undertone is your best bet to brighten and balance out any darkness, however a formula with a warm undertone may not be a match for your natural skin colouring. NARS Global Makeup Artist Vincent Ford explains: “For dark circles, I always suggest finding a concealer that has a warm, peachy undertone. Place a couple of dots under the eye and blend in with your finger or brush. Then, go in with your regular concealer. It makes all the difference.” The concealers you use on your under-eye area should be moisturising formulas like NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. This will help to plump the area and prevent creasing in lines.

The best concealer for pimples and acne

We’ve all had the occasional pimple arrive at less than convenient times, but if acne and breakouts are something you experience regularly, Ford suggests choosing a mattifying and oil-free concealer. “Normally, if you have blemishes, you’re more sensitive to oil. Find something mattifying and oil-free that gives you full coverage and will last all day,” he says. We love Fenty’s Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer and NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, both are oil-free and longwearing.

The best jack-of-all-trades concealer

While some concealers excel in certain areas, others can pretty much do it all. According to celebrity makeup artist Chantelle Baker, L’Oréal Paris Infallible More Than Concealer covers all bases from correcting dark circles to covering blemishes and redness. “The More Than Concealer is amazing for under eyes and pimples. It’s a semi-matte texture so it gives you a matte finish without being cakey,” says Baker. “I like to choose a shade a touch lighter that my skin tone to really brighten the areas that need it.” The creamy formula won’t settle into fine lines and the natural, matte finish means you won’t get shine or highlight where you don’t want it, such as on a pimple.

How to match your colour

When choosing concealers, depending on your concern the shade of your formula plays a big role. To cover under eye circles, you want to brighten the area, so look for a concealer that’s about two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. A simple way to find a great match is to test the concealer on the veins of the under-side of your wrist. If the product hides your veins and looks natural, it'll be close to a perfect match.

When it comes to concealing spots, redness and pimples, you want to a concealer that matches your skin tone or foundation shade. A good place to test-patch is along your jawline. This is the same for foundation. Testing on the jawline prevents jarring colour discrepancies across your face, neck and chest – which all tend to be varying shades.

Always apply concealer before foundation

Yeah, we get it, this sounds a little backwards. But hear us out. Our experts suggest applying concealer first just to the areas you need it (under eyes, on pigmentation, over a blemish) and then evaluate how your complexion looks. If you feel you need a little more coverage, go in with your foundation a little at a time. By following these steps, you will find you use less makeup and achieve a more natural-looking finish.

For more expert concealer and makeup tips, check out That Beauty Podcast’s interview with NARS Global Makeup Artist Vincent Ford!