If full foundation sometimes feels like too much, these products could work for you
I once worked with someone whose foundation always looked like skin – but better. Everything seemed to glow and light up in all the right places. Except it wasn’t foundation: it was concealer. She had long eschewed foundation for strategically placed concealer to cover up blemishes and even out tone. It embodied the perfect no makeup-makeup look. Concealers are largely touted as a quick fix for the dark circles that eye creams are supposed to banish but, actually, they’re great for people who don’t really like foundation. Many makeup artists prefer using concealer in specific areas as it makes the skin look real – and more youthful. All the brands here offer textures, finishes and hues to suit all skin tones, but how does one choose? Well, there are general guidelines. Dry skin? Creamy textures. Oily skin? Matt finish. Need to cover dark circles? Choose a slightly lighter and peachier tone. Picking your shade is where it gets tricky. Do you know what your undertone is? That is key. Which is why I recommend going in-store as opposed to online. It’s like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans – much easier in real life.
1. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer £27, patmcgrath.com
2. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer £26, narscosmetics.co.uk
3. Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer £32, sephora.co.uk
4. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer £28, lancome.co.uk
5. Valentino Very Valentino Concealer £27, selfridges.com
6. Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick £26, bobbibrown.co.uk
7. Shiseido Synchro Skin Correcting GelStick Concealer £27, shiseido.co.uk
8. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer £27, boots.com
9. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer £26, charlottetilbury.com
10. Chanel Sublimage Le Correcteur Yeux £85, chanel.com
