We get asked a lot what are the best concealers on the market and which ones are best for different areas or concerns.
Concealers are designed to cover imperfections, scarring, blemishes, and pigmentation and they do this by colour correcting the area and creating a layer over the area to be disguised.
The general concealer will not however hide wrinkles, raised scarring or skin that has pitting or uneven texture. There are more specialist products available for this.
There are so many to choose from but I will tackle this by concerns.
Dark Circles
The skin around the eye is very thin and fragile. Think of it as an onion skin where its almost transparent and everything underneath can be reflected above onto the skin.
Depending on your skin tone these dark circles can appear in many different tones so you need to choose the correct colour to counteract the colour of your dark circle.The best way to do this is to get the consultant where you purchase to test the colour on you first.
Check out this colour wheel. Colours that are opposite each other will help correct each other so for example if your dark circles have a blue undertone then a peach based concealer will knock back the blue, if they have a purple undertone then go for a brighter yellow based concealer and so on.
Depending on the coverage you like here are some good under eye concealers;
*MAC Moisture Cover is a lightweight, light reflecting liquid concealer that will provide moisture to dry skin and provide medium coverage. Great for all skins but especially good on mature skins.
*Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer is similar to moisture cover however it provides a much fuller coverage. Also contains SPF 10 which is good for sensitive skins but watch out for flashback from this product in photographs.
*Bourjois Healthy mix concealer is a liquid that provides great radiance around the eye with a medium coverage. Good if your skin is looking dull.
Cream/cake concealers can also be used around the eye but be careful of a cakey finish that can sometimes settle into fine lines.
Blemishes/Discolouration
As I said concealer will correct the colour but if a blemish is raised from the skin it will not make the blemish appear flat to the skin.You will just have to wait it out for the area to heal.
Depending on the coverage needed you can go for a liquid concealer if you need light cover but for a fuller, flawless cover you need to invest in a cream concealer.
*MAC Studio Finish is a great little pot that will last you months.Its creamy texture allows you to blend it in nicely.If your skin is oily you may need to powder over the top to matte it down but this a make-up artists key concealer.
*Bobbi Brown Creamy concealer which also comes in a duo kit or in a large palette is similar to studio finish but slightly more of a moisturised finish.Better for a dryer skin I would say.
*Rimmel hide the blemish concealer is a product that has been around for years but is an all time staple product to have.It is quite a dry formula so good on an oily skin but is nice and creamy and easy to blend.
*Avon Ideal flawless concealer is an oil free concealer that is quite lightweight but still buildable.A good all rounder.
Body Blemishes
In the summer or for when you may want to wear more revealing clothes there are products you can use to hide bruising, veins, discolouration or blemishes.
You need to go for a product which is transfer proof so it won't rub off on your clothes.
We love MAC Face and Body foundation for this.Its used back stage at all the big fashion events to cover models bruised legs or dodgy fake tan marks!
Its lightweight but when buffed in transforms into a paste that gives a heavier cover.It won't rub off on your clothes and can be teamed with a concealer for more specific coverage.
Specialist concealers
Always check with your doctor first before trying out cosmetic solutions on skin that requires medical consultation first.
Often you may even be offered camouflage creams by your GP.
There are some really great brands out there that specialise in camouflage concealers.
We have worked with the following brands and found them effective.
*Keromask is an amazing brand recognised by the British Medical Association and can be used to disguises acne, vitiligo, rosacea, scars, birth-marks, veins, moles, broken capillaries, dark circles under the eyes, post operative bruising and unwanted tattoos.
They come in 24 different shades to suit all skin colours.
*Dermaflage is a little more complicated but is basically camouflage for skin that has a recessed scar such as pitting or indentation.
It is a silicone based product that safely fills the indentation to provide a second skin.It comes in a one month starter kit and has all colours to meet your skin tone needs.
Applied in three steps including a primer, colour application and then a texture pad that sits over the top.
For more information on all the products please visit their websites listed below.
We would love to hear your feedback on your favourite concealers.
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
www.esteelauder.co.uk
www.bourjois.co.uk
www.bobbibrown.co.uk
www.rimmellondon.com
www.avon.co.uk
www.keromask.com
www.dermaflage.com