Concealers are used in the beauty industry for many different purposes. Not only do they conceal (the name speaks for itself), but they also highlight and moisturise, depending on the type of concealer you’re using. This topic itself is quite elaborate and detailed, which is why I’ll start with the basics.
Makeup has been used for decades. The trends and colour combinations have changed throughout the years and continue to change as time goes on, but for the most part, most products are used the same way and for similar purposes. There are so many different types of products to choose from, and they all come in various shapes, sizes and formulas. The most basic makeup categories are:
Foundation– this is usually the first step to most peoples’ makeup routines. Foundation creates a base for the rest of the makeup products you’ll be using. There are a lot of types to choose from, but your foundation should match your skin’s needs. If you have dry skin, try more moisturising and luminizing foundations.
On the other hand, oily skinned people prefer a more matte look. Sensitive skin requires foundations with as little chemicals as possible and mostly natural formulas. Foundation creates an even skin tone and gives a canvas for the rest of your makeup products.
Concealer– concealer also comes in many different formulas. Its main purpose is the cover dark under eye circles and gives you a brighter look. It’s also used to cover blemishes and imperfections. is used to cover dark under eye circles and helps you look more awake. It’s also used to cover imperfections and blemishes.
Powder- powder is used to set any “wet” products, that is a foundation, concealer or any liquid blushes/bronzers. It is also popular with oily skin to mattify the face and give it a nice, smooth finish. Powder keeps everything in place and blurs out pores.
Blush- blush is a great product to use to give the face some colour and freshen it up. It provides a nice glow and makes your skin look more youthful. Most blushes come in pink and peach shades.
Bronzer- another product that is used to add colour and dimension. Bronzers can either be used to contour the face or to give yourself a little tan. You choose the undertone and shade based on your skin tone.
Highlighter– highlighter does what its name says- it highlights the face. It makes it look more youthful, glowy and smooth. Highlights come in mostly champagne or gold colours and are applied on the highest points of the face: cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow.
Eyeshadow– eyeshadows come in hundreds of colours, formulas and finishes. It is used to add a pop of colour to the eye and also to define the shape of it. The most popular formulas are matte, shimmer or pearl. Glitter eyeshadow is also quite popular and looks astonishing.
Eyeliner– eyeliners are quite versatile, but usually come in darker shades such as brown or black. Black eyeliner is a classic product used to define the eye shape or even to give it a different shape. It lines the eyes and enhances its colour.
Mascara– this is used to lengthen, curl, volumise and darken the lashes. It’s the most popular makeup product. Mascaras also come in different formulas and brush shapes depending on what type of effect you want. The tiny fibres in mascara attach to lashes and elongate them.
Lipstick– lipstick or lipgloss are the products that are applied at the end of makeup looks. They usually complete a look and can completely transform the whole style. A cult classic is a red lip that is popular amongst women and is a very bold statement look.
Concealer- in-depth definition
Concealer, also called colour corrector, is a type of cosmetic that masks dark circles, larger pores, sun spots, age spots, acne, redness and other kinds of visible blemishes on the skin. It is quite comparable to foundation, but is thicker and mainly used to hide different pigments. Both products are used to make the skin tone appear evener. Concealers are usually more heavily pigmented, but it all depends on the formula and opacity of the product. It can be used alone or with foundation. The formulas vary from liquid to powder, of course, it all depends on the type of skin you have and what finish you’re going for.
Camouflage concealer is heavily pigmented and used to cover acne, scars, tattoos, birthmarks or rosacea. They usually have a creamier, thick formula, but can also come in liquid forms.
Light coverage liquid concealer is used for smaller blemishes or light under eye circles. This formula is definitely not as heavy and usually moisturising.
Stick concealers are really easy to use and great for when you’re on the go and need a quick touch up. They can be used for all types of blemishes, from covering acne to even under eye concealing.
Green and blue concealers are used for colour correcting and counteract red patches on the skin such as those caused by broken veins or rosacea. You apply this concealer first and use foundation or another concealer on top to cover the green or blue pigment.
Purple concealer can make sallow complexions look brighter and help make the skin appear more glowy.
Under-eye concealer comes in lighter formulas and gives the eyes a brighter look. This is probably the most used concealer since a lot of us struggle with under eye bags and circles.
Pink concealer is another type of colour correcting concealer that is used under the eyes. The pink, orange or salmon tone are best for hiding the blue or green under-eye hues on lighter skin tones.
Harmful ingredients
Makeup contains a lot of dangerous and toxic ingredients that are extremely harmful to the skin. It’s important to always check the formula of products before buying or using them, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side.
Some ingredients to avoid:
- Parabens- these are found in many makeup products including concealer. They are linked to breast cancer, skin cancer and reproductive disorders.
- “Fragrance”- the law doesn’t require brands to list on product labels any of the chemicals in the fragrance formula. Studies found that an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name-brand fragrance products weren’t listed in the ingredients. Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate- it has been shown to contribute to skin irritation, sores and disrupts the skin’s natural oil balance. It’s also a significant contributor to cystic acne.
Why you should go organic
Organic concealers are the safest possible solution for when you want to cover blemishes, but also use something safe on your skin. Not only are these products cruelty-free, but they also work amazingly on the skin and conceal, moisturise and highlight. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you won’t have to worry about checking each and every ingredient to see if a product is suitable for your skin. You are no more exposing your skin to toxins and harmful chemicals. Organic concealers also have the advantage of benefiting the skin with their natural ingredients that are safe to use and even improve its texture.
The best products:
BaeBlu Flawless- this organic concealer is made with certified natural ingredients. It contains zero artificial colours or preservatives and is 100% vegan. You don’t have to worry about it containing harsh chemicals, parabens or pore-clogging ingredients. It has the smoothest formula and gives non-greasy coverage. Another benefit is the anti-aging properties it contains.
Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free Camouflage- an oil-free mineral concealer that has great coverage and works well with oily skin. It’s best at covering hyperpigmentation, scarring and acne. It’s ingredients contain many antioxidants and a clinically advanced formula.
Mineral Fusion Compact Concealer Duo- a skin-perfecting formula with a unique duo-shade system that helps you create the best colour for your skin tone. It offers full coverage that is very buildable. Its formula is gluten, fragrance, cruelty, paraben and talc-free. It’s extremely safe and gentle on the skin which is why it’s perfect for sensitive faces. Another advantage is its non-comedogenic formula is healthy for those with oilier skin as well. Let’s not forget the vitamins (C and E) included in the formula.
Ecco Bella FlowerColor Cover Up All Natural Concealer for Superb Coverage- a natural, easy to apply concealer for amazing coverage that lasts all day. The formula is non-greasy, super smooth and covers most blemishes. It is also chemical-free and fragrance-free. Sensitive skin will love this one! This product is very eco-friendly and of course, cruelty-free.
Alima Pure Cream Concealer- it can be applied with a sponge, brush or even your fingers. It’s perfect at hiding blemishes and making the skin appear insanely smooth. Plus, it’s formulated with moisturising avocado oil and shea butter which nourish the skin.
Nu Evolution Camouflage Cream- it’s best for under-eyes circles and dark spots. The formula applies like velvet, and it’s also incredibly lightweight, even with a few layers on. The skin will be able to breathe while still looking brighter and more awake.
W3II People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer- this is an awesome option for brightening. It offers full coverage, especially when layered on top of foundation, and brightens as it conceals. It contains ingredients like organic algae, coffee extract, and pomegranate.
Juicy Beauty Perfecting Concealer- a favourite for redness that glides on for extra-buildable and blendable results. It does great covering up zits and redness around the nose. It provides a moisture boost thanks to coconut and jojoba oils. Make sure to set it with powder, so it doesn’t crease under the eyes.
Vapour Organic Beauty Illusionist Concealer- this brand is 100% natural and made with 70% organic ingredients, 30% minerals and essential oils, such as frankincense, tulsi and lotus. Its free of toxic chemicals and is also biodegradable. It comes in a wide range of colours and is very light, brightens the skin and is recommended for all skin types.
