There are some things in life we'd rather hide. More power to you if you don't feel the need, but most of us aren't usually in the mood to broadcast our breakouts or lousy night's sleep to the world. This is where concealer comes in.
Some days we need just a little light coverage (or can even go without), but other days we need to bring in the big guns. Here, we consult with a handful of our makeup-artist friends to round up the highest coverage, most hardcore, long-lasting concealers on the market that can cover everything -- from dark circles to breakouts, and even scars and tattoos!
When it comes to major dark circles, celebrity makeup artist Brandie Hopstein's self-proclaimed "secret weapon" is this concealer from BareMinerals -- but there's a trick to it. "I use the creamy, lightweight formula over my foundation, and it's like I'm bright-eyed and well-rested," she says. "Dot it on with your ring finger and blend into the foundation you've already applied for a seamless finish. This stuff doesn't budge and has a radiant finish that [will] last all day! Talk about heavy-duty. It's my personal miracle in a jar. Shh!"
BareMinerals Correcting Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $20, available at BareEscentuals.
"This full-coverage stick formula has a velvety-smooth finish that is ideal for covering scars and hyperpigmentation," says Kelli Bartlett, director of makeup artistry at Glamsquad. "It is perfect for acne-spot concealing because the dry texture can build up craters and smooth out raised bumps."
Tip: Instead of using a traditional concealer brush, blend the edges of the covered spot with a small fluffy eyeshadow brush. This will allow the targeted spot to remain covered, but the edges will blend into the skin.
Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer, $25, available at Dermablend.
What are the six things in a "6-In-1" formula, you ask? Well, this microalgae-based concealer primes, brightens, treats the problem, color-corrects, provides high coverage, and fights signs of aging. It's a pretty sweet deal. And when it comes to coverage, it's major -- it can hide everything from fine lines to scars, leaving behind a smooth, matte surface.
Algenist Reveal 6-In-1 Color Correcting Concealer, $25.75, available at QVC.
This concealer is a staple in many makeup artists' kits for one very good reason, says Hopstein. To put it simply: It works! "The two-toned concealer is customizable to give you the exact color-correction you need, while providing long-lasting, full coverage with a beautiful finish," she says. "Because it's so highly pigmented, a little goes a long way. It's the perfect undereye hero!"
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $24, available at Laura Mercier.
Here, we'll let you in on an old-school secret courtesy of Bartlett: This concealer is made for television and film, so you know it's serious. "The heavily pigmented formula is known for its ability to problem-solve," she says. "It comes in a wide range of color-correcting shades, and can camouflage birthmarks and even cover tattoos!" The Blue Away shade works particularly well on dark undereyes.
Tip: Tap a wet mini Beautyblender into the color-correcting concealer and dab it into the hollow of the undereye. Use a lightweight concealer, like NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, on top to give seamless coverage.
Joe Blasco Dermaceal Concealer, $18.55, Amazon.
Celebrity makeup artist Georgina Billington also does body art, so she knows a thing or two about covering ink -- and this is her go-to.
"It's so great, highly pigmented, and long-wearing -- you can even conceal tattoos," she says.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, $21, available at Nordstrom.
For the rest of our picks, visit Refinery29.
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