For many of us, particularly the Tired Mom Club (#Holla!), concealer is a necessary evil.
But, concealer is one of those makeup products that can do more harm than good – if not chosen wisely and used correctly.
The wrong concealer can make a baby-faced 19-year-old look decades older.
#BelieveIt
So, let’s talk about the top 10 concealers for different purposes and skin types – as well as the best tips for how to get that perfectly smooth finished product we’re all after.
YAAAAASSSS!
1. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
This is one of the top fan-favorite concealers on the market today.
I recently tried it and the coverage is great. The brush is much larger than I’ve seen with other concealers, making it very easy to use for contouring as well, and the there are lots of color options.
I will say that it is thicker than my preference with a concealer, since I typically wear just a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, so I actually prefer the next concealer on the list…
2. Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer
My new favorite concealer. Chock full of maracuja oil for hydrating, vitamin C for skin brightening, vitamin E for antioxidants, and more – this is a concealer that actually improves the condition of your skin.
Plus, I love that Tarte is a vegan, cruelty free line that avoids a lot of the dangerous chemicals that are toxic to the body.
This one applies so easily under the eyes – is creamy and soaks right in. In fact, I love it so much I put it in my Holy Grail Beauty Products list – available free when you sign up for emails. Hurrah.
3. MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer
I first discovered this concealer when choosing makeup for my wedding. Per usual, I went to MAC and found an artist who looked really cocky. This usually means they know their stuff.
When the artist busted out this concealer, I was initially resistant. It looked too thick for what I wanted.
But, oh baby, does this concealer blend like a dream. With minimal effort, this sucker soaks right into your skin, creating a beautiful veil over whatever you’re trying to hide.
It lasts, all day, doesn’t oxidize over time, and applies well with both fingers, sponge or brush. I have also noticed that when I put it on blemishes – it has a drying effect.
#SCORE
Note: I would say it’s not the best bet for undereye bags, though. If that’s your focus – check out #4.
4. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Over 1k great reviews don’t lie. This is another MAC concealer that is bomb.com.
This one is a push pump with a lighter, more fluid formula than the Studio Finish.
Because of the lighter texture, this one would be a fantastic choice for undereye circles.
#BYEBYEBAGS
5. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! If Laura Mercier makes it, it’s amazing! Her tinted moisturizer is the best in the biz and what I turn to for special events – or days when I am actually around people.
#MomLife
This concealer is really great, because not only do you get that glassy, porcelain finished product that LM is known for – but the two colors allow you to mix and match to get the perfect color. I have had this one for years and the dual colors make it work year-round.
But, again, with a cake concealer, you will get a thicker application, which isn’t ideal for under the eyes. So, if you love LM and need undereye coverage – check out what’s coming up next…
6. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear
Here you go, baby. You’re welcome.
Award-winning, full-coverage, crease-resistant, beloved by fans, and available in many shades, is there anything else?
The answer is no.
7. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Nars is out of this world. Their orgasm blush and bronzers can’t be beat.
This concealer is another product that is just – wow.
What really differentiates this one from the others on the list is the soft matte finished product. But, chock full of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, it will also plump skin and hydrate.
Because it has a soft focus diffusion powder, it’s great for everything from blemishes to under eyes, making it a one-stop-shop, complete concealer option.
Just make sure to use a brush under eyes to lighten application and a beauty sponge to blend.
8. Benefit Cosmetics Boi-Ing Industrial Strength
I know this one has been around for awhile, but sometimes there’s just no reason to mess with perfection.
When I was in college, a good friend of mine had these really dark undereye bags that were quite obvious because she had such beautiful, fair skin. She used Benefit Boi-Ing every single day and it completely transformed the appearance of them.
It also photographs extremely well – it doesn’t turn lighter in photos as some concealers do – so I used Boi-Ing a lot for photo shoots when I did professional makeup.
A real solid choice and one of the more affordable options at just $22.
9. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
If you’re needing to keep the cost under $10, this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser is going to get the job done. It won’t be life-altering, but it will absolutely make a noticeable difference.
Because of the sponge, it’ll be tougher to use on blemishes. Use a brush to pick up some of the product and apply on smaller areas if you need to cover spots.
10. Well People Bio-Correct Multi-Action Concealer
This is a drugstore, affordable, clean beauty pick with – wait for it – perfect reviews.
I love Well People. Their brand is really passionate about offering the cleanest, most non-toxic beauty around, that works! So, it should come as no surprise that their concealer is beloved.
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There you have it! 10 incredible, affordable concealers that are going to CONCEAL you REAL GOOD.
Undereye bags? Blemishes? Contouring? CHECK. CHECK. CHECK.
It’s very reasonable to have more than one type of concealer in your makeup bag, btw.
#GUILTY
There are different concealers for different purposes, so if you’re feeling like you need to grab a few – you’re in good company.
As with any makeup application, always remember to start with a smooth canvas, by using a layer of moisturizing sunscreen first and an optional layer of primer.
I wrote about my favorite 10 face sunscreens in this post.
By starting this way, you’ll make any concealer you do use apply smoother, last longer, and look much more expensive.
Do you have a favorite concealer? Leave it in the comments below!
Have a fabulous day,
E
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