Though putting on a full face of makeup can be fun, these days, we all seem to be opting for a look that’s lighter and simpler. I like to go as bare-faced as possible day-to-day, but that doesn’t mean I have to skimp on a dewy, even glow. In fact, when applying makeup, you typically don’t need to cover every square inch of your face and jawline to get a beautiful finish. As a makeup artist, seamless, well-blended concealer is one of my favorite classic tricks to deliver the perfect mix of adequate coverage meets low effort, looks-like skin finish. They aren’t just for dark circles and blemishes, concealers can truly be the only coverage you need. So the big question is, what are the best concealers?
If you’re picturing beauty vloggers with painted stripes of concealer and contour, that’s not quite the direction we’re taking either. The whole point of this low-maintenance approach is to look naturally flawless while still letting the skin breathe and we have just the tips to help you achieve it.
Read on for how to use concealers to nail the no-makeup makeup look, plus an editor-approved roundup of the best concealers for every concern and skin type.
Prep and prime.
The answer to flawless makeup always lies in your skincare, especially when it comes to using concealer only—a well-hydrated base will ensure the application goes on smoothly. Cleanse, tone, hydrate, and you’re ready to go. If you’d like to use a primer, follow with one like Saie Glowy Super Gel. The finish is smooth with a subtle glow and is perfectly layered under concealer.
Pick the right concealer formula for you.
In general, more creamy, dewy finish concealers work better for this look as they blend a bit better. However, the concealer you use really depends on your skin’s specific needs. Look for more moisturizing formulas for dry skin and fuller coverage formulas for oily skin, as your skin’s oil will naturally thin out the product. If you’re still unsure, pick a more pigment-rich formula, as you can always thin it down with a primer or moisturizer. Generally, stick or solid concealers can be a bit more dry and sticky, whereas liquids are creamier with slightly less coverage.
Use more than one concealer shade.
The cardinal rule of concealer: one shade doesn’t cut it. The concealer you use to cover a blemish should be different from the shade you use to brighten under your eyes. Most faces are multi-tonal, which means you can have multiple skin tones across your complexion. Also, skin tone changes season to season, especially between winter and summer, so be sure your current shade matches your current skin tone.
- One concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. This is for brightening and lifting—under the eyes, on the bridge of your nose, etc.
- The other should be as exact a match as possible to your skin. This concealer is to be used around the nose, on blemishes, and for redness. Test it out in the daylight, the concealer should practically disappear on your skin. Be sure you pick one with a similar undertone to your skin, yellow, pink, or neutral as this majorly affects the way the makeup blends.
Resist the urge to put product everywhere.
Everyone is different, and you’ll need different amounts of coverage in different parts of your face. Start with a light hand first, you can always add more later and once you start blending you may need less than you originally thought. Focus on spots with redness, around your nose, blemishes, and a dot under your eyes and in the inner corner and you can add from there.
Grab the right tools.
Your fingers work well in a pinch, but a small, fluffy eye makeup brush is my go-to. The fluff allows for better blending, while a smaller brush size gives you better control. My favorite affordable option is the Real Techniques Setting Brush, especially since you can get it from practically any drugstore. After you’ve applied and blended, buffing with a damp sponge will soften everything to make it more seamless with your skin.
APPLICATION TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Lighten and Brighten:
Grab your lighter concealer and apply it to the spots below. The main area to hit is under your eyes, but these other spots will have a brightening effect. Gently tap the product on using a very light hand.
- Under eyes and corners of your eyes
- Top of your cheekbones
- Bridge of your nose
- Tip of your chin
- Cupid’s bow (under your nose, above your top lip)
2. Conceal and Spot Treat:
Use a concealer that matches your skin tone/foundation. Since this is more for spot coverage, lightly dot a bit of product on each spot. You can always add more later!
- Blemishes or acne scars
- Red spots
- The sides of your nose around your nostrils where redness and discoloration are common
- Lower cheeks if you have rosacea
3. Blend, Blend, Blend:
Using your fluffy brush or a damp beauty blender, go back over your skin using a light hand to buff the product into your skin. Voila! Stop here or follow with the rest of your makeup routine, dust on some bronzer, fluff the brows, and add a swipe of mascara. For tips, check out this post on no-makeup makeup.
Editor-Approved Concealers for Every Skin Type:
Glossier Stretch Concealer
Best for: dark circles, blemishes, spot treatment, buildable
Why I Recommend It: This buildable concealer is always in my makeup bag. As someone who wears very little makeup, I use this concealer for everything: covering dark spots, blemishes, and hormonal acne. A little goes a long way, and it blends seamlessly into the skin. Although it’s not entirely full coverage, it does the trick. It’s also not cakey, thanks to the concealer’s elastic micro waxes. I’m obsessed. — Edie Horstman, Wellness Contributor
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Best for: all skin types, blemishes, medium coverage
Why I Recommend It: The OG of makeup artist-approved concealers, this one is a best seller and number one in the US for a reason. It’s one of my go-tos in my makeup kit thanks to its perfect texture and luminous finish. Enriched with hydrating, multi-action skincare benefits and light diffusing technology, it diffuses imperfections and fine lines and blends like a dream. — Hannah Zahner, Beauty and Wellness Editor
