Should My Concealer Be a Lighter Shade Than My Foundation?

22 Feb 2019

I am a fully qualified freelance Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist. I have been working in the beauty industry for just over three years now.

This guide contains Global Shades products! These are available in a wide range of inclusive shades and undertones. Look out for the Global Shades icon or visit globalshades.org to find out more.

Here is a question that has always haunted me: Am I potentially using the wrong concealer?

With so many textures, types and finishes, it can be hard to know if you've been nailing it or accidentally drawing more attention to the spots you’re trying to conceal.

Concealers should be there to help, not hinder. Fortunately, we're here to find you the perfect concealer, so you can make annoying skin issues a thing of the past.

Once you have the right concealer shades and some simple techniques, nailing your favourite makeup looks will become easy, and you can put those haunting questions to rest.

How to find the right concealer formula

Liquid concealer: Covering a large area? Liquid concealer is probably the best pick for you. It’s great for around your eyes and for covering other large areas.

A hydrating, long-wear formula

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer

$55.00

4.4 of 169 reviews

A wonderful 2-in-1 foundation and concealer, this will provide amazing coverage while still letting your skin breathe. 100% fragrance and allergy free, this is also an ideal formula for sensitive skin types. Available in a range of colours, this is a well loved go-to for many, and we think you'll love it too!

Go for a natural, luminous finish

MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD CONCEALER

$48.00

4.6 of 80 reviews

The MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD CONCEALER is a cult favourtie for a reason. Providing an incredible natural finish, this concealer works well to mask under-eye circles and blemishes. With an extensive shade range, this concealer is perfect for a wide range of purposes. It's self setting and light capturing formula is incredibly unique, which is why it's such a staff-favourite.

Stick concealer and compacts: Thicker concealer formulas are perfect for small spots. These spill-proof products are also easy to tote around for quick coverage.

Try this sheer, lightweight concealer

Benefit Boi-Ing Hydrating Concealer

$39.00

4.4 of 94 reviews

With a sheer coverage and lightweight feel on the skin, this hydrating concealer contains a rich formula of antioxidants to minimise dark circles and imperfections. Perfect for the gal on the go, the petite tube packaging is ideal for travelling and makes touch-ups so easy!

How to find the right shade of concealer

First things first: it’s important to know that you might need more than one concealer. These definitely aren't 'one-size-fits-all' makeup products.

The area under your eyes is different to the rest of your face. Dark spots need different coverage than red spots. Ultimately, concealers are personalised products, so you have to think about your goals and needs.

While under-eye concealer should be lighter than your natural skin tone (or red-orange if you're colour-correcting), you want your all-over concealer to match your skin colour as closely as possible.

Ready to start shopping? Here are a few of our favourite products:

For covering hyper-pigmentation

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Concealer

$62.00

4.4 of 16 reviews

This powerful, fullcoverage concealer banishes shadows by masking darker tones for a smooth, even complexion. It's completely matte, so it won't intefere with the texture of your complexion. Plus, it's thin and easily blendable formula are long wearing, so you won't experience cracking or creasing.

For covering dark circles

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer 12ml

$40.00

4.6 of 81 reviews

The IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer transforms tired eyes with it's medium-fullcoverage formula. Experience hydrating and brightening benefits with skin loving ingredients that diminish lines and wrinkles. We love this thick, but lightweight formula that lasts all day. The perfect undereye concealer for those trying to smooth out that area.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer

For covering blemishes

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer

$37.00

4.4 of 21 reviews

To clear and prevent blemishes, you'll love the oil-free formula of the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full Coverage Concealer. This gentle and soothing formula covers even the reddest spots, with an AHA/BHA formula to treat them too. It won't crease or crack, and can be worn alone or with other makeup.

For all-over, waterproof coverage

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

$44.00

4.3 of 69 reviews

The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer is one of our most versatile concealer picks. If you're going to be working up a sweat or getting your face wet, you'll be blown away by how powerful this stuff is. This flawless, medium coverage formula is oil-free and provides a natural-matte finish that lasts over 15 hours.

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PRO TIP: Your skin changes all the time! Winter skin is paler and drier. And in the summer, even if you don’t go tanning (and you shouldn’t!), your skin will naturally get darker. It’s a good idea to adjust your concealer colours and formulas seasonally for best results.

Want more of the best concealer recommendations? Check out the guides below...

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.