Best 5 Concealers

Make sure to tune in to my last entry of "BEST 5 FOUNDATIONS" posted just before this article,

Ahh concealer!  For most of us, this goes hand in hand with foundation, BB Creams, CC creams, whatever your base is.  When I look for my must-haves in a concealer, I want to make sure that 1) it's full coverage 2) it's not a drying formula, and 3) it helps to correct whatever blemish or discoloration I have going on at the moment.  For most concealers I use, blending with a damp beauty blender by blotting out is the best way to achieve that air-brushed finish.   

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The products I'm about to share are my tried-and-true formulas.  You will find that these are department store brands because I honestly have not found drugstore formulas I'm happy with (not to say I wouldn't, one day).  Again, all opinions are my own so it's best that you try them out for yourself to see if you like them.  In no particular order, I present to you the following: ​

#1: NAKED Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealers by Urban Decay
14 shades,  0.16 oz/5 ml, retails at $29

PRO:  This lightweight, fluid formula easily glides on and the coverage is awesome.  It's a demi-matte finish so I don't find it drying nor does it settle in my creases.  Coverage is build-able, though, I wouldn't pack it on too much as it starts to look overkill.  Comes with a doe-foot applicator.  Gives off a nice, natural finish which I like on days that I want a minimal look.
 
CON:  This isn't as long-lasting as the other concealers mentioned in this blog possibly because I have oilier skin (even with setting powder).  People with drier skin types that I've used this on, however, seem to have no qualms on wear.  

NOTE (re the photo): I only have the correcting fluid concealers left as I just ran out of my shade a few weeks ago.  Packaging, however, is similar.    

#2: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
22 shades,  0.22 oz/6 ml, retails at $30

PRO:  A whopping 22 shades, one can easily find their color.  A favorite among many, its creamy texture does it all - covers, corrects, and highlights.  Instantly lifts areas where it's applied.  A little goes a long way.  The formula is hydrating and smooths instantly and appears to blur fine lines. Again, this is a doe-foot applicator but blending out with a beauty blender is key.   
 
CON:  There's a bit more product than the Urban Decay concealer but I feel as though the cream is hard to get when it starts to run out.   I've noticed the "stopper" at the opening may have something to do with the inability to get the last of it.  To fix this, I remove the "stopper" at the neck - it's an extra plastic piece -  to  be able to get every last bit.  Take note that this gets a little messy so be careful.

#3: TARTE Shape Tape Contour Concealer
14 shades,  0.33 oz, retails at $27

PRO:  This is my absolute favorite at the moment and I'm on my 3rd tube.  It comes with a thicker, doe foot applicator (as opposed to the first two on this list), which, makes application  easy.  Product is creamy and I feel like this lasts quite a while as you don't need much product.  This concealer smooths, highlights, and corrects problem areas and I've found it to be long-lasting - it still looks perfect 4-5 hours in.  Aside from its performance, it has a pleasant, mild floral or laundry fragrance...I can't quite tell but it smells good.  
 
CON:  If you apply too much around the inner corner of the eye (or anywhere there are wrinkles), it tends to crease (at least for me) so apply in those areas sparingly.  

#4: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
16 shades, 0.21 oz/6.21 ml, retails at $30

PRO:  For any larger blemishes, this is what I use to cover and conceal.  Sometimes I'll use  one of the darker shades to contour the perimeter of my face or I even use one in my skin tone to get crisp lines when I wear red lips or when I do my brows (especially when I have a few strays that I'm too lazy to pluck).  This is a full-coverage concealer and goes on smoothly and is easily blend-able.   
 
CON:  Like all creamy cosmetics packaged in a pot, it dries out faster than, say, a liquid version.  You'll know this because the edges start to separate from the edge of the container.  

#5: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
16 shades,  0.30 oz/9 ml, retails at $23

PRO:  I use this on all my makeup clients and it's one of the best as it's long-wearing and brightening  This has lasted me more than 10 hours and works overtime whether you're dancing, at a rave, or at your wedding.  The formula is light and, again, a little goes a long way (1/2 to 1 pump will do).  Best applied with a small synthetic brush or a clean finger and blended out with a damp beauty blender.  MAC also has a recycling program called "Back to MAC" where you take your empties in (for every 6 empty containers, you get 1 free lipstick, lipglass, or potted eye shadow) - very cool.  
 
CON:  Comes with a pump to dispense the liquid, so, once the product starts to run out, it's difficult to get the last remnants.  You can't untwist the pump either.    

Naturally, it was hard to narrow my favorites down to 5 and I'm sure there are other great concealers out there waiting for me to try. ;-)  Give one of these a shot and I hope they work for you as it did for me.

Again, if you haven't already, make sure you check out my blog on my 5 BEST Foundations - I'll link it here for your convenience...best-5-foundations.html

Happy reading!

~ XOXO, Mari