“I’m hard to impress when it comes to concealer, but these are the 4 I really rate”
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“I’ve tested hundreds of concealer formulas, but these are the only four I finish and have to restock immediately,” says Stylist’s senior beauty writer.
There are foundations I always go on about and moisturisers I rely on to save my skin, but when it comes to concealers, I’m very picky when it comes to recommendations.
There are the ones that crease, no matter what powder tricks I perform, or the ones that always flake off by lunchtime – for some reason, I’m very hard to impress when it comes to concealers.
I’ve tried all the new launches – the ones that are supposed to hydrate or last all day or feature the buzziest new skincare ingredient, and usually I end up abandoning them for trusted favourites I can rely on – four specific ones, to be precise.
I’ve been through multiple pots and sticks of each, and as anyone who uses concealer knows, it takes quite a long time to accomplish this, so you know I’ve really put them through their paces.
From my go-to spot camouflager to the full coverage creamy formula I used instead of foundation, these are the concealers I cannot fault and happily recommend to friends.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Best matte concealer
This was my most reached-for concealer when I was struggling with acne. I now always have a pot around for when a breakout erupts. It’s intensely pigmented, so you won’t need to layer, and it mattifies any oiliness that may accumulate over the course of the day.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Best full coverage concealer
I (shamefully) hadn’t tried this iconic concealer until recently. While I’m yet to reach the bottom of my first tube, a couple of weeks in, I’m already hooked. It’s super creamy and high coverage, so not only does it cover up any hyperpigmentation or spots with minimal effort, but I’ve also found myself ditching foundation and just using this dotted around areas where I need it instead. I can see why Hailey Bieber is a fan.
Shop Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer at Harvey Nichols, £37
Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil
Best concealer for covering spots
I religiously studied Lisa Eldridge’s signature pinpoint concealer hack well over a decade ago via YouTube to help cover up spots, but this invention has made it even more seamless. The fine pencil allows you to accurately cover any blemish, leaving behind a soft-focus, matte finish. Because it’s so precise, you don’t have to blend; you can just dot and go.
Shop Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil at Space NK, £27
Fenty Beauty We'Re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Best hydrating concealer
If you struggle with concealer clinging to dry patches, this buttery formula is going to be your new best friend. It melts into skin almost immediately, leaving you with a more even-looking tone without the need for extensive buffing. Unlike many concealers, this doesn’t leave your skin looking flat or lifeless, but adds brightness while still being a pro at covering up any darkness you want to camouflage.
Shop Fenty Beauty We’Re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer at Cult Beauty, £25
Images: Charlotte Bitmead; courtesy of brands
