Concealers

The Good, the Bad & the So-so
7/3/13

Concealers are one of those dreaded makeup necessities every woman I know owns. No one enjoys buying them, and it's often difficult to find the perfect match. And let's face it- no woman wants to admit she needs it. Buying concealer means admitting we have flaws to cover, and who wants to admit that? Flaws aside, I've gone through my fair share of concealers over the years, and my needs have changed with age. In my 20's and early 30's, I used them to hide the occasional blemish. Now that I'm (gasp) 37, I need help covering some under-eye circles. I'm lucky if I can string together two hours of sleep these days, so anything that can hide my lack of sleep is preferred. 

First up are regular (non under-eye) concealers. It's somewhat shocking how much each brand's lightest color varies. I'm always the lightest shade given my pale Irish skin, and the last thing I want is something too beige or with yellow undertones. My very first concealer to hide those unsightly blemishes was Laura Mercier Secret Concealer. Surprisingly, it's still my go-to for covering a blemish. It comes in a pot and requires a little brush (I highly recommend her concealer brush for $26), but it covers effortlessly. It's thicker, and while they claim it can be used on the under-eye area, I cringe at the notion. It's simply too thick for such delicate skin. Definitely worth the money for the concealer and the brush. 

Left to right: Laura Mercier Secret Concealer (#1), Dior 'Diorskin - Nude' Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer (#001), Chanel Stylo Éclat Lumière Highlighter Face Pen (#10), & YSL 'Touche Éclat' Radiant Touch (#1)

(click photo to enlarge)

Diorskin Nude is another concealer, but can be used to cover blemishes as well as the under-eye area. It's much lighter than Laura Mercier, though it also requires a brush for application. I purchased the Dior 'Backstage' Concealer Brush ($24) and have mixed feelings. I haven't had any blemishes lately to test this on, but I use a tiny amount of concealer on my old nose ring scar. Laura Mercier steals the show here. I religiously wear Clarins Eye Contour Gel prior to applying any eye makeup for both anti-aging purposes as well as ease of application. The last thing you want is concealer looking obvious or highlighting flaws. As far as the under eye application, it's so-so. I think it would definitely benefit from some powder foundation on top to set it. Unfortunately (or, fortunately thanks to many years of skincare), I don't use foundation. If your circles are very faint, this could work for you. The consistency was nice, and it's rather light reflecting for a regular concealer. It's just not enough coverage for my eye area. 

Now onto my most important makeup weapon: under-eye concealer. The one thing that can veil a poor night's sleep AND brighten your whole face. Most "pen" concealers double as highlighter pens. Not only do they conceal any under-eye scariness, they also open up the entire eye area and give the skin a radiant glow. Nothing wrong with that! My first concealer/highlighter pen was Chanel's Éclat Lumière. They've changed the formula throughout the years, and I'm sad to report that their updated version of my shade (#10, the lightest) and it's no longer flattering since it doesn't blend well. The pen dispenses product by twisting the bottom. The color, texture, and new formula just aren't for me. 

Then we have YSL Touche Éclat, which is also in pen form and doubles as a concealer and highlighter. I literally can't live without this product. I keep extras all over the place, from my TSA-approved travel Ziploc, to my handbag, and even my car. The consistency is light yet blends easily and offers great coverage. Under-eye circles? Not with this trusty miracle pen. Not only does it blend, conceal and highlight like no other, it's designed to apply on the go. The product is easily dispensed by clicking the black bottom until you've reached the desired amount. I dot the product from my inner-eye area, dot an inverted triangle under my immediate eye area, and finish with a dot or two on the exterior corners of my eyes. The triangle method eases the blending process, and adding dots to the corners of your eyes completely opens them up so you look refreshed and well rested. It's truly that good. 

My verdict? For a small blemish or two, you cant go wrong with Laura Mercier. For genuinely amazing under-eye coverage and brightening, you simply can't do better than YSL's Touche Éclat. Trust the girl who can't sleep well. It'll be our little secret. 

- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is $22 a pot.
- Dior 'Diorskin - Nude' Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer is $30 a tube. 
- Chanel Stylo Éclat Lumière Highlighter Face Pen is $40.
- YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch is $40. 

All are available at Nordstrom.