My clients often ask me which makeup concealer they should be using. The answer is, It depends on your skin type, budget, and what you’re trying to camouflage. Whether the problem is dark under-eye circles, melasma, or sun spots, there’s a concealer that will do the trick. Here are some of my faves:
If your under-eye skin is thin and the circles aren’t too dark, look for a liquid concealer with light-diffusing particles. A liquid formula is less likely to crease and flake, and the reflecting particles help brighten the area. Try Clinique's new Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector, which has a light tint and a cooling metal tip to help fight puffiness ($39.50 at department stores and Sephora). Or try Maybelline's new Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer, which brushes on and comes in six shades (about $8 at drugstores). Because the coverage these products offer is sheer to light, you may need to build it up in layers to get the amount you need.
If your under-eye circles are very dark or if you want to hide red or brown spots, use a cream concealer. Cream fomulas are thicker than liquids, so you have to apply the concealer in thin layers to minimize creasing. If you have dry skin, use moisturizer first. Try Fresh's Umbrian Clay Absolute Concealer, a creamy formula with hydrating algae extract, available in four shades ($22 at fresh.com).
If you need heavy-duty coverage (for tattoos, birthmarks, or serious sun damage), look for a highly pigmented concealer in a stick formula. I use Clé de Peau — it's pricey, but it's intensely pigmented and it stays put. The stick lasts me almost a year ($70 at barneys.com). Or try Revlon's Photoready Concealer, which comes in six shades (about $10 at drugstores and ulta.com). Apply a little at a time and pat with your ring finger. These formulas are thicker and may settle into fine lines, so use sparingly or avoid the under-eye area. To hide tattoos, try a heavy-duty, long-wearing concealer like the budge-proof, waterproof Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer ($25 at Sephora).
