Your Buying Guide to Concealers

Do you have pimples or blemishes on your face?  Do you want to hide them so, people won't notice these?  Then, use a concealer.  There are many concealers available online or at a brick and mortar store so, you need to choose carefully which one you're going to buy.

And so, we would be discussing the different types of concealers, what other buyers are saying, what to look out for as well as some of the most popular brands.

Types of Concealers

Pencil Concealer

Pencil concealers are usually cream based products that are designed for small blemishes.  They also work great on your waterline to open up your eyes, and they especially make you look well rested when used on your water line.  You can also use them highlight the inner corners of your eyes or to lift your brows by lining just under them.    

Pen Concealers

Pen concealers have a sheer formula for light coverage and have a brush for application.  They are luminous, so they reflect light, making them perfect for under eye circles.  They also work well to highlight parts of your face. 

Liquid Concealer

Liquid is the best type of concealer for most skin types except very dry.  You can build up coverage, so it’s great for light and full coverage.  You can find it in matte, shimmer, and satin in different brands.  Matte finishes are less likely to migrate in to lines throughout the day.  It also lasts longer than a satin finish, but a satin finish can give a more natural look.  Shimmery liquid concealer is best for under the eyes.  It’s easy to apply and can be applied using a wand applicator, concealer brush, or your fingertips.  Many women prefer this type of concealer because it doesn’t cause breakouts and doesn’t cake up on your skin. 

Stick Concealer

Stick concealers are best for dry, normal, or sensitive skin.  Like with a liquid, you can build it from medium to full coverage.  It’s also available in a matte or satin finish.   They are almost solid like a lipstick and are rich in pigment.  This type of concealer can be dotted on the skin or swiped on then blended.  To blend, use your finger or a concealer brush to feather the edges of the product.  Once you have it blended, set it with loose powder for longer wear. 

This type of concealer is great for under eye circles or for discoloration around the nose or mouth.  Although it works to hide acne blemishes well, it’s thick formula can clog pores and make acne worse. 

Cream Concealer

Cream concealer is best for dry, normal, or combination skin.  It’s available in creamy and satin finishes and provides medium to full coverage.  It’s usually found in a compact or small pot.  Since it’s so thick, it’s best for severe discolorations and under eye circles. 
Because it’s so thick, you have to be careful blending it or it can look unnatural on your skin.  It’s best to use a concealer brush, sponge applicator or our finger to dot the product on your face and then use a tool to blend it.  Set it with loose powder for more staying power. 

Cream-to-Powder Concealer

Cream to powder concealer is best for dry, normal, or combination skin.  It’s available in a powdery or matte finish, and it’s buildable from light to medium coverage.  It’s easy to apply because it glides across your skin.  You can use a concealer brush or your fingers to apply it. 
Since it’s a powder, it can slip in to fine lines and wrinkles after a few hours, which can accentuate them.  It has more staying powder because it’s a powder, but most women with find lines tend to avoid this type of concealer. 

If you are covering dry, flakey skin, the powder can emphasize dry patches.  It can also make breakouts worse, so use caution if you are prone to breakouts. 

Color Correcting Concealer

You’ll probably see colored concealers in the store.  Generally, these are only used when flesh toned concealer don’t provide enough coverage.  If you do use a color correcting concealer, always wear foundation over the concealer to neutralize the color. 

You’ll probably see colored concealers in the store.  Generally, these are only used when flesh toned concealer don’t provide enough coverage.  If you do use a color correcting concealer, always wear foundation over the concealer to neutralize the color. 

• Lavender corrects yellow shades in your skin
• Green corrects redness
• Pink corrects a blue tone on skin
• Orange corrects deep purple, gray, or blue on skin
• Yellow corrects deep purple or scarring

What Other Buyers Are Saying

When buying a concealer, look for reviews that customers have left for a specific product.  That way, you would be able to get an insight on the effects of the concealer on different people.  Look for products that have been tried and tested so, that you would be able to make the right choice.

Here are some feedback that a popular concealer on Amazon UK received:

Cannot recommend the concealer enough. Having watched many makeup tutorials & vloggers recommend this product I decided to purchase it myself for highlighting & see if the hype was true. Oh my god yessssssssss it definitely was true. I have light Indian skintone & the shade LIGHT works really well for me. It blends in really well & brightens up the areas I highlight. My favourite hightlight concealer without a doubt. Definitely recommend!!

Unfortunately this has a very yellow tone so did not conceal dark eye circles but enhanced them in a ghastly yellow ghostly glow. I know concealers need a yellow tone to counteract the purple in dark circles, but this is ridiculous. In the bin I'm afraid.

I have this in my bag as a spot touch or base cover when I am out and about. It is a nice shade and covers well without any smell.

What to Look Out for

Check the type of skin that you have before buying a concealer and make sure that if you have sensitive skin, go for hypoallergenic makeup.  When you are at a department store, for example, test different products until you see what you need and what works for you.  Also, ask your makeup artist for recommendations.  He or she can teach you what concealer you need to get.

Most Popular Brands

Maybelline -  is a popular US brand in the makeup line or industry that has manufactured an eye makeup concealer that hides dark circles and fine lines.  Also, it contains goji berry and haloxyl that nourishes your eyes.

Clinique - is a popular US brand in the makeup line or industry that created an eye concealer, which hides dark circles and fine lines.  It has 10 ml size that's perfect for when you travel.

ValueMakers - is a brand that manufactures makeup, which conceals dark circles under the eyes as well as pimples and blemishes on your face while giving a nice finish.  It comes in 15 blendable formulas that sculpt and define features.