The Skinny on Concealers: What Types and What Works

I envy the girl that can wake up, throw on some tinted moisturizer (minus the concealer), add a quick dab of powder and look completely flawless.

Just in case you couldn't tell, this simple makeup regimen is NOT mine.  It's not mine because it's missing the most important makeup step of all: The Concealer Step.  And yes, I really do consider this a step.  It's a step (for me anyway) because I always apply is AFTER my tint/foundation and BEFORE my powder/setting powder.  Because it's an in-between step, I need a concealer that's not too heavy, provides great coverage and doesn't become shiny during the day.

For those that don't know, there are four different types of concealers: powder, liquid, cream and stick.  All four do different things but their primary goal is to cover imperfections.  Here's a list of my personal faves, (broken down by type):

Powder Concealer: IsaDora Mineal Powder Concealer

I stumbled on this brand while on a trip to the states a while back and picked it up on a whim.  (I'd never heard of a powder concealer until that moment).  Powder is a great concealer for problem skin because it covers the blemish without it looking too covered.  However, you must apply a powder concealer with a fantastic concealer brush.  (I highly recommend Quo for brushes.  However, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can go to a craft store and select some small paint brushes; they work really well too.)

 Pros:

Offers sheer to medium coverage depending on your application technique

Flawless looking when on

Mineral concealer so it won't clog your pores

Doesn't settle into fine lines so looks like you're wearing nothing at all

Price point is perfect: $12 USD

Cons:

Not available in Canada

Liquid Concealer: Clinique Quick Corrector  

Thanks to my mom, I've been using this product for years.  Liquid concealer is perfect for under-eye bags because it also doesn't settle into your fine lines.  It's also great for on-the-go spot treatment because of it's handy applicator.  Clinique's Quick Corrector is provides full coverage without being overly heavy looking.

Pros:

Full coverage 

Covers blemishes and scarring very well

Product does not look to heavy when on skin

Probably the best concealer for dark circles under eyes

Cons: 

Tube doesn't last too long

Applicator is quite unsanitary 

Cream Concealer: Youngblood Ultimate Concealer

This is honestly my go-to concealer; I use it everyday!  Cream concealers are perfect for people that like a little bit extra coverage or if you have oily skin.  This product gives fantastic coverage, lasts all day, does not make your skin oily, doesn't breakouts and lasts FOREVER.  Plus, since you use a brush to apply, you can apply the concealer perfectly without getting too much of the skin around the problem areas.  So, less product is used and your face doesn't look caked.

Pros: 

Full coverage 

Matches fair skin tones perfectly

Lasts all day without making skin oily

Is perfect for afternoon touch-ups

Doesn't settle into fine lines

Doesn't clog pores

Cons:

Is a bit pricey: $25 USD

Stick Concealer: Joe Fresh Duo Concealer Stick

This is a duo concealer so one side is a liquid, while the other is a stick.  I do not use the liquid whatsoever on this product.  Reason being is I don't like the texture of it and it doesn't cover very well.  However, the stick portion is great.  Stick concealer is perfect for spot coverage because you can just dab the spot with the stick and you're good to go.  Typically, I find most stick concealers really dry and difficult to apply but this one is reamarkably good.

Pros:

Available in Canada at every Superstore location

Fair concealer actually matches my super pale complexion

Tube lasts a very long time for a stick concealer

Much more hygenic than a liquid concealer

Only costs about $7 CAN 

Cons:

It's cheap quality

Might not be the best for people that are prone to breakouts

Concealers are a very personal choice and what might work for one, may not work for another.  I recommend trying out different brands and types to see what works best for you.  Remember, once you've decided on a type (liquid, cream, powder or stick), you are WELL on your way to finding the one that works.

XO