How to Pick the Right Concealer: Detailed Guide from Editor’s Pick

Concealer is your secret weapon for looking fresh and well-rested. It’s perfect for tackling everything from dark circles and puffiness to blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone. But picking the right one can be trickier than you might think.

Don’t worry, though! We’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect concealer so it becomes a staple in your makeup bag rather than collecting dust. Plus, we’ll share the best tips for applying it to get rid of all those signs of fatigue and imperfections.

It’s super easy—just follow these five steps and you’ll be all set on how to choose concealer online.

1. Identify Your Skin Type and Concerns

To find the perfect concealer, start by figuring out your skin type and specific needs.

Dry skin? Look for a creamy or hydrating concealer. These will add moisture and prevent the product from making your skin look even drier or settling into fine lines. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or Vitamin E are great, so check out Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Concealer.

Oily skin? Go for a matte finish concealer that controls shine and stays put all day. Something like Glo Oil Free Concealer should do the trick.

Combination skin? You’ll need a concealer that balances hydration and oil control. A satin finish formula is perfect for managing different areas of your face without being too heavy. Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Super Natural Concealer is a good bet.

Sensitive skin? Make sure to choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free concealer to avoid irritation. Look for soothing ingredients that are gentle on your skin, like Glo Redness Relief Powder.

Acne-prone skin? Opt for a non-comedogenic concealer that won’t clog your pores. Some even include acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help with breakouts while covering blemishes. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer is a solid choice.

Skin prone to pigmentation? Consider a concealer with sun protection (UVA/UVB). Jane Iredale products are a good option here.

How to choose the right concealer for your skin type is a step to getting that flawless look while keeping your skin happy and healthy.

2. Choose the Right Shade

Next up in how to pick the right concealer is finding the perfect shade for a natural finish. Here’s how to choose the right concealer shade.

• Under-eye area: Go for a concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation. This brightens the area and helps tackle dark circles. For both dark circles and puffiness, Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer is a great pick.
• Blemishes and imperfections: For covering blemishes, you want a concealer that matches your skin tone or foundation. This way, it blends in easily and doesn’t stand out. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is a long-lasting option that works well for this purpose.
• Color correcting: These concealers target specific color issues: Green concealer neutralizes redness from acne, rosacea, or other skin irritations. Yellow concealer cancels out purple or blue tones, which are common in bruises or veins. Peach or orange concealer is great for dark circles on medium to dark skin tones, as these shades counteract blue and purple hues.

In color correcting, we’re fans of Jane Iredale Corrective Colors and Glo Corrective Camouflage Kit.

3. Choose the Right Level of Coverage

Choosing the right coverage level for your concealer can make a big difference, whether you’re aiming for a natural look or need to cover more noticeable imperfections. You can go for light, medium, or full coverage.

Light Coverage

If you’re going for a natural look with minimal makeup, light-coverage concealers are perfect. They even out your skin tone and tackle minor imperfections without feeling heavy. These are great for everyday wear or for layering under foundation for a seamless finish. Jane Iredale Active Light Under-Eye Concealer is a solid choice here.

Medium Coverage

For moderate dark circles, redness, or blemishes, medium-coverage concealers are your go-to. They offer a bit more pigment to cover up noticeable concerns while still looking natural. They’re versatile enough for daily use or a more polished look. Glo Luminous Brightening Concealer is a good pick for this level of coverage.

Full Coverage

When you need to tackle significant discoloration, scars, or prominent blemishes, full-coverage concealers have you covered. They’re highly pigmented and offer maximum coverage to hide even the toughest imperfections. These are ideal for special occasions, photos, or anytime you need a flawless finish. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is excellent for full coverage.

So, depending on your needs—whether it’s a subtle touch-up or a flawless finish—choosing the right coverage level will help you get the look you want.

4. Select the Right Formula

Concealers come in different formulations, each with its own benefits and best suited for various skin types and concerns. You will find liquid, cream, stick, and brush options. Learn more about it below to understand how to pick the right concealer.

Liquid Concealer

Liquid concealers are super versatile and work well for most skin types. They blend easily and are great for both the under-eye area and general facial use. Plus, they usually come with a wand applicator, making them convenient and precise.

Pros:

• Works for all skin types
• Buildable coverage
• Easy to blend
• Versatile application

Cons:

• Might need setting with powder to avoid creasing

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Cream Concealer

Cream concealers provide rich, concentrated coverage, which makes them perfect for dry or mature skin.

Pros:

• Delivers rich, full coverage
• Ideal for mature skin
• Great for dry skin
• Effective at covering dark circles and redness

Cons:

• Can crease if not set properly
• May feel heavy on oily skin

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Stick Concealer

Stick concealers are highly pigmented and offer full coverage. They are great for hiding blemishes, scars, and discoloration.

Pros:

• Provides high coverage
• Convenient for on-the-go use
• Easy to apply directly to blemishes

Cons:

• Can feel heavy on oily skin
• Might clog pores

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Pen/Brush Concealer

Pen or brush concealers are fantastic for precise application, especially under the eyes and around the nose. They usually come in a pen-like design with a built-in brush or sponge tip for controlled application. Lightweight and offering medium coverage, they’re perfect for touch-ups and targeting specific areas.

Pros:

• Allows for precise application
• Perfect for under-eye areas and around the nose
• Convenient for touch-ups

Cons:

• Might provide less coverage compared to other formulas
• Can dry out quickly

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So, knowing the benefits and limitations of each formula will help you make an informed choice on how to choose concealer for face.

5. Learn How to Apply Your Concealer

Applying concealer the right way can completely transform your look, giving you a smooth, even complexion and covering up imperfections. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply concealer like a pro. Use them after you learn how to buy concealer for the first time.

1. Prepare Your Skin

Before you apply concealer, make sure your skin is clean and well-moisturized. Start with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type. This will create a smooth base and help prevent the concealer from caking or settling into fine lines.

2. Apply a Primer (we highly recommend it)

Applying a primer can help your concealer stay put longer and create a smoother surface. Choose a primer suited to your skin type and apply it to the areas where you’ll be using concealer.

3. Apply Concealer

Here are some techniques for applying concealer based on the area you're covering:

Under-eye area: Dot concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes, starting from the inner corner, extending to the outer corner, and down towards your cheek. Use a damp makeup sponge, brush, or your ring finger to gently blend the concealer, pressing it into the skin and blending outward.

Blemishes and imperfections: Use a precise brush or the applicator to apply a small amount of concealer directly onto the blemish or imperfection. Gently pat the edges with a clean brush, sponge, or finger to blend it seamlessly into your skin.

Redness: Apply a thin layer of color corrector to the red areas. Then, apply your regular concealer over the color corrector and blend well.

4. Set the Concealer

To keep your concealer in place and prevent creasing, set it with a translucent setting powder. Lightly dust the powder over the concealed areas using a fluffy brush. For the under-eye area, you might want to use a brightening or light-reflecting powder.

Step 5: Finish Your Makeup

Complete the rest of your makeup routine and finish with a makeup setting spray to lock everything in place.

A Few More Tips for Applying Your Perfect Concealer

When applying your new concealer, start with just a small amount and build it up gradually to avoid a heavy, cakey appearance. Using the right tools can make a big difference: brushes offer precision, sponges provide a natural finish, and your fingers can help warm and blend the product seamlessly into your skin.

Don’t forget to hydrate the under-eye area beforehand to ensure a smooth application and prevent creasing. Instead of rubbing, use gentle patting motions to blend the concealer for a more even result.

Final Words on How to Pick the Right Concealer

Choosing the right concealer can make all the difference in achieving a fresh, flawless look. From selecting the perfect formula for your skin type to mastering the application techniques, you’ve got everything you need to make informed choices.

Remember to start with a clean, moisturized base, use the right tools, and apply your concealer with care. With these tips in mind, finding out how to pick the right concealer will be easier than ever.