If you’re someone who doesn’t put on a full face of makeup every day, you may have an idea that concealer is reserved only for full-on, heavy makeup looks. But there is actually a wide range of full-coverage concealers that offer a buildable base, which gives skin a natural-looking, smooth finish all on its own. Where foundations can sometimes feel too heavy for everyday wear, full-coverage concealers can step in as your new base bestie.
If concealing a blemish is your priority, a sheer-coverage cream like a tinted moisturizer (or even a tinted sunscreen) paired with a full-coverage concealer, can easily do the trick. Ideal for spot-concealing, hiding hyperpigmentation, and camouflaging dark circles — concealer is the product that you’ll want to do the heavy lifting. The multitasking base also comes in handy for highlighting or creating a subtle contour.
It’s always a good idea to have two shades of concealer on hand. Not only because your skin tone can change from sun exposure, but you may want to try highlighting and contouring with the base. When using concealer to contour, makeup artist Joanna Schlip says “because contouring should look like a shadow, you want to choose a concealer color that is around two shades darker than your own complexion.” When using concealer to highlight, Schlip says to pick a hue that’s one shade lighter.
No matter where you are on your makeup-wearing journey these days, there’s a full-coverage concealer for every skin type and desired finish. We’ve gathered up some of our favorites and a few options that makeup artists keep in their kits. We’re confident that these are the best full-coverage concealers, and there’s one somewhere on this list with your name on it — and even better, in your price range.
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