Concealers: how to choose

How to choose concealers

Begin with the job you want the concealer to do. A thin, fluid formula is useful for softening shadows under the eyes and evening small patches of redness; a cream or fuller liquid is better for spots and areas that need more coverage. If shine is your main concern, a soft matte finish can help the complexion look fresh through the day. For long days, humid commutes or evenings out, a waterproof formula gives the finish more staying power.

Look at texture as well as coverage. Lightweight liquids press into the skin and can be layered in thin veils, while creams feel denser and are often easiest to blend with a fingertip. Buildable formulas let you start with very little and add more only where you need it, which keeps the rest of the face looking like skin. Our range includes liquid, cream, cushion and palette formats, so you can choose between a single shade for everyday use and a palette for mixing.

Shade choice matters more than the amount you use. For spots and uneven tone, start with a shade close to your skin; for under-eye shadows, a slightly lighter tone can lift the area. A deeper shade can define cheekbones and jawline if you like to contour. If you are between shades, test a small amount along the jawline in daylight and blend well before deciding.

Formulas, finishes and shades

The finish should suit your skin and the rest of your makeup. A natural finish looks like skin and is the easiest to wear day to day; a soft matte finish keeps shine in check without looking flat. Cream formulas feel smooth and blendable, liquid formulas are quick and light, and cushion formats are neat for quick tap-and-blend application. Our range also includes stick and powder formats, so you can choose the texture that feels most comfortable to you.

Coverage is best thought of as a dial rather than a fixed setting. Lightweight and buildable formulas let you wear a sheer veil or add a second thin layer where you want more. Full-coverage liquids can even tone with a single dot, while a moisturising BB cream or a colour corrector can be useful underneath for a smoother-looking base. If you want a product that works as both concealer and foundation, a liquid concealer foundation can simplify your routine.

Shades in our pieces include cream, white, ivory, blue and purple, along with peach and tones from ivory white through light flesh and natural to coffee. Some palettes group several tones together: our 15-shade palette holds every tone in one slim case, and a three-colour palette lets you mix or layer. Formulas may include titanium dioxide, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid; check the product page for the full ingredient list and choose according to your preferences.

Waterproof and long-wear options are worth considering if you want the finish to hold through a working day or an evening out. A waterproof liquid concealer foundation and a waterproof three-colour concealer palette are both designed for wear through long days. If your skin feels dry, prepare with your usual moisturiser first, then apply concealer in thin layers rather than one thick application.

How to apply and wear them

Start with a small amount. Dot concealer under the eyes or onto blemishes, then tap gently with a fingertip or a damp sponge until the edges disappear. Tapping, rather than sweeping, keeps the product where you placed it and helps it blend into the skin. For the centre of the face, dot a small amount and blend outward with fingertips, a sponge or a brush.

If you are using a cushion product, press the applicator into the BB cream and tap evenly over the face, starting at the centre and blending outward. For cream or thicker formulas, warm a small amount on the back of the hand or between the fingertips first; this makes the texture easier to press in without dragging. Apply in thin layers and build only where you need more, so the finish stays natural.

Use a lighter shade on the high points of the face if you want to highlight, and a deeper shade along cheekbones and jawline if you want to contour. A peach corrector can be swept under the eyes or across uneven patches before concealer, then followed with a shade close to your skin. Set only where you need it, and keep the under-eye area light so it does not look heavy.

For long days, choose a waterproof or long-wear formula and keep the layers thin. A damp sponge can press the product into the skin for a smoother finish, while a small brush gives more precision around the nose and spots. Blend the edges well in daylight before you leave, since natural light shows any difference between the concealer and the surrounding skin.

Hygiene, storage and shelf life

Keep applicators clean and hands washed before you apply makeup. Sponges and brushes pick up product, oil and daily grime, so wash them regularly with a gentle soap and let them dry fully before use. For pen, wand or cushion applicators, avoid sharing and wipe the applicator after use if the product has collected excess cream. Do not add water or saliva to a formula to thin it.

Close compacts and palettes firmly after use and store them away from direct sunlight, radiators and damp bathroom shelves. A cool, dry drawer or dressing table is kinder to cream and liquid textures. Keep the lid on a cushion compact so the BB cream and concealer do not dry out, and store the three-colour palette flat so the shades stay neat.

Shelf life depends on the formula and how it is stored. Follow the period-after-opening symbol on the pack and note when you opened the product. If the texture separates, the smell changes or the colour looks different, it is time to replace it. With regular cleaning and sensible storage, your concealer will stay pleasant to use and easier to blend.

Standout pieces

• Liquid Concealer with Highlight and Contour: A fine, fluid concealer with a natural finish and 22 shades for concealing, highlighting and contouring.
• Waterproof Liquid Concealer Foundation: A fluid concealer foundation with waterproof wear and ten numbered shades, 01 through 10, for a fresh, even-looking complexion.
• Air Cushion BB Cream and Three-Color Concealer: A cushion compact pairs moisturising BB cream with a three-colour concealer for a fresh, even-looking base and quick touch-ups.
• 15-Shade Concealer Palette: Fifteen tones sit in a slim 15.5 by 10.5 by 1.3 cm case holding 110g, ready for mixing and layering.
• Peach Color Correcting Concealer: A creamy peach corrector that settles the look of dark circles and uneven tone before concealer, with a soft, skin-like finish.