With a good concealer in hand, you can take on anything the day throws at you. As far back as I can recall I've been obsessed with finding a great concealer that blends away imperfections, disguises dark circles and doesn't cake by the end of the day. I've tried hundreds over the years and if there's one thing I've learnt it's that sometimes you have to spend a bit of cash to get a product that ticks all those boxes. Budget buys are all very good, but as I've gotten older I find they sit in my fine lines and look increasingly obvious - the complete opposite of what I'm after. After many years of testing and too many individual products to mention, I feel like I've finally been able to pull together a portfolio of concealers that I can rely on day-in-day-out to keep my complexion looking fresh and my dark circles banished for another day. Here are some of my faves that I just can't stop using, and think you may like (more than just a little bit) too.
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1. Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer (£20.00)
Known for their primers more than any other item, this Autumn Smashbox are starting to creep into other areas and put their focus on innovations that will undoubtedly become staples for years to come. Available in ten shades, this 'waterproof' concealer helps to blur away imperfections without overloading the skin; the formula is light and easy to blend, offering a touch of moisture so as not to dry out the under-eye area or leave it looking cakey. It blends with all my different foundations beautifully and even works when used over the surface of makeup as a touch-up; a great buy all round.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer (£20.00)
A rather impulse purchase while I was in New York a few weeks ago, this pot of pigment is a makeup artist's secret weapon for good reason. Incredibly packed with colour, a little really does go a long way to concealing imperfections and creating a flawless base. I find it works best when applied with a sponge and dabbed around the area so as to not overload the skin, but importantly it doesn't sit in my fine lines like a lot of other creamy textures. You do need to get your blending technique down for this one, so don't wack a load on and hope for the best - it does take practice.
3. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer (£17.50)
This has been a long-term favourite ever since it launched, thanks to its creamy texture and great coverage. With an flat applicator to help 'spread' product over the skin, this helps to create a luminous finish without sitting in lines; it's been specifically designed for that purpose, so it's a great buy for anyone starting to see those first signs of ageing. Even more, the inclusion Japanese green tea even helps reduce the appearance of fine lines over time, giving a brighter and more radiant complexion.
4. Bare Minerals Bare Skin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (£21.00)
This multi-tasking concealer features 'high-definition mineral optics' to counteract shadows and give skin a bright finish, while hydrating elements help to nourish the under-eye area and prevent dryness. I adore the silky texture that glides effortlessly over my under eye area (especially fine lines) to leave the whole area looking refreshed. It definitely brightens the area, rather than just concealing it, while the lightweight creamy texture is great for women of all ages.
5. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer (£28.00)
Designed specifically for those of us concerned with under-eye circles, pigmentation and the first signs of ageing, this super light concealer is worth its weight in gold. Formulated with a skin-boosting blend of Cordyceps Mushroom, Indian Tree Root and Bamboo Grass, the formula helps to visibly counteract major causes of dark circles, re-energizes tired-looking skin, supports the natural repair process and significantly boosts skin’s moisture levels for a plumper, smoother, more refreshed look. It's like a combination of the best of under-eye treatments and great makeup, justifying the high price point completely. I've used this over the summer and into Autumn with ease, proving it's value every day of the year.
Do you have any favourites among my top picks? Are there any other concealers you think are worth checking out, especially for tackling fine lines?
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1. Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer (£20.00)
Known for their primers more than any other item, this Autumn Smashbox are starting to creep into other areas and put their focus on innovations that will undoubtedly become staples for years to come. Available in ten shades, this 'waterproof' concealer helps to blur away imperfections without overloading the skin; the formula is light and easy to blend, offering a touch of moisture so as not to dry out the under-eye area or leave it looking cakey. It blends with all my different foundations beautifully and even works when used over the surface of makeup as a touch-up; a great buy all round.
2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Concealer (£20.00)
A rather impulse purchase while I was in New York a few weeks ago, this pot of pigment is a makeup artist's secret weapon for good reason. Incredibly packed with colour, a little really does go a long way to concealing imperfections and creating a flawless base. I find it works best when applied with a sponge and dabbed around the area so as to not overload the skin, but importantly it doesn't sit in my fine lines like a lot of other creamy textures. You do need to get your blending technique down for this one, so don't wack a load on and hope for the best - it does take practice.
3. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer (£17.50)
This has been a long-term favourite ever since it launched, thanks to its creamy texture and great coverage. With an flat applicator to help 'spread' product over the skin, this helps to create a luminous finish without sitting in lines; it's been specifically designed for that purpose, so it's a great buy for anyone starting to see those first signs of ageing. Even more, the inclusion Japanese green tea even helps reduce the appearance of fine lines over time, giving a brighter and more radiant complexion.
4. Bare Minerals Bare Skin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (£21.00)
This multi-tasking concealer features 'high-definition mineral optics' to counteract shadows and give skin a bright finish, while hydrating elements help to nourish the under-eye area and prevent dryness. I adore the silky texture that glides effortlessly over my under eye area (especially fine lines) to leave the whole area looking refreshed. It definitely brightens the area, rather than just concealing it, while the lightweight creamy texture is great for women of all ages.
5. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer (£28.00)
Designed specifically for those of us concerned with under-eye circles, pigmentation and the first signs of ageing, this super light concealer is worth its weight in gold. Formulated with a skin-boosting blend of Cordyceps Mushroom, Indian Tree Root and Bamboo Grass, the formula helps to visibly counteract major causes of dark circles, re-energizes tired-looking skin, supports the natural repair process and significantly boosts skin’s moisture levels for a plumper, smoother, more refreshed look. It's like a combination of the best of under-eye treatments and great makeup, justifying the high price point completely. I've used this over the summer and into Autumn with ease, proving it's value every day of the year.
Do you have any favourites among my top picks? Are there any other concealers you think are worth checking out, especially for tackling fine lines?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.