Professional makeup artists rank the top 6 concealers.
Concealer can be used to hide everything from blemishes to redness, and the concentrated pigment can be magical when used under the eye.
Here, professional makeup artists help us rank the top concealers — and a lot of them agree on the same ones. Here are their top six.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer ($48 at Nordstrom). Makeup artist Linda Hay uses this versatile concealer when she needs heavy coverage, and fellow makeup artists agree that a little bit of this pigment-packed concealer goes a long way.
Makeup artist Kristee Liu says that although she carries many concealers in her kit, she always comes back to this one. “I like to use a round, flat brush to apply and then use a wet Beautyblender to press it into the skin,” Liu says.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand ($45 at Nordstrom). If you’re the low-maintenance type, then you’ll love this easy-to-use dual-ended concealer. Makeup artist Tina Turnbow says that it is so foolproof, no extra tools are even necessary. “I dab it on with the firm brush it comes with and then tap it with my fingertips to blend and allow it to sink in,” she says.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($35 at Bluemercury, U District). Two shades might look intimidating, but the reliable results make this palette worth a little extra effort. “This palette has two shades, so no matter where on your face it’s used, it will match impeccably,” says makeup artist Pati Dubroff.
Makeup artist Vera Steimberg is also a fan of the two-shade combo. “Layering the concealer on top of the neutralizer works really well. I tried it on different people and it always works.”
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer ($27 at Sephora). If less-is-more sounds like your makeup philosophy, then look no further. Makeup artist Julie Harris says, “I love it for under the eyes because it blends well and doesn’t look cakey.”
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer($29 at Sephora). Makeup artist Kathy Jeung is a fan of this cult favorite, pointing out its foolproof usage. “This versatile concealer can give light to heavy coverage depending on how you apply it. Either way you go, the results are long-lasting without any creasing or dryness,” she says.
Makeup artist Gianpaolo Ceciliato says that it’s easy to blend, even for novices. “I use my fingertips for a natural, light coverage, or a concealer brush for more coverage followed by powder.”
Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer ($70 at Nordstrom). Selfie lovers may want to splurge on this luxe find. “It has a velvety texture and gives off medium- to full-coverage, which photographs incredibly natural,” says makeup artist Michael Anthony.
Makeup artist Quinn Murphy agrees that the coverage is gorgeous. “The colors are great for realistic skin-like colors,” he says.