Whether you want to conceal under eye circles, reduce redness or camouflage a pesky zit or two, a good concealer is an important item in your makeup arsenal. Also as important--a tinted moisturizer for days you don't want or need to use a full coverage foundation. To create a natural appearance with concealers, use a light hand and be conservative with your application. Don’t think you need to hide every pimple, freckle or dark spot either! Use product to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it! Step a couple of feet away from the mirror; if you can’t see it, it’s not worth covering.
Perfect Picks For Concealers, Tinted Moisturizers and Brush Applicators
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Matte Concealer - A matte concealer is great for covering dark spots and should cover imperfections without looking covered up. Aim for a product that is oil-free, waterproof and full coverage. I love Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit ($37 USD) available in 15 shades from porcelain white to chestnut. It's waterproof, sweat- and humidity-resistant. It covers my dark circles instantly and I look awake and refreshed. The powder helps it stay in place without settling into lines.
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Oil - Free Concealer - The incredibly affordable dupe for Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, Maybelline’s Fit Me Concealer ($5-7 USD) gives a flawless look that lets the real you come through. Available in 6 shades, this water based-formula ensures that this concealer goes on smooth and covers your dark circles and any slight imperfections. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
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Brightening Concealer - Choose a light reflecting liquid concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone to use on the inner corners of your eye and lightly under the brow bone as highlight. A good brightening concealer brings radiance to the skin, erases any signs of fatigue,and brightens the complexion. Find a product that glides on easily with a long lasting formula. My choice? Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat ($36 USD). It's a luminizing pen available in ten shades that helps bring light and radiance to the skin. Use it on bare skin or over makeup--personally, I find it works great along with a tinted moisturizer.
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Tapered Brush - I try (keyword, try) never to use my fingers to apply concealer. The skin under your eyes is significantly thinner than the rest of your face, and therefore more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Instead, use a flat brush with a wide base made specifically for concealing, or opt for a product with a built in brush applicator. Cover FX Concealer Brush ($20 USD) is a dome-shaped brush that provides precise application and coverage of under-eye darkness, spots, and blemishes.
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Another brush I cannot say enough good things about is the Bare Minerals Complexion Perfector Foundation & Concealer Brush ($26 USD) (my personal fave). The smooth, synthetic bristles of this brush allow full, concentrated coverage that blends into skin flawlessly. It is a fantastic little tool for applying foundation and concealer around smaller areas like the eyes and nose, giving you extra coverage fast.
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Tinted Moisturizer - Foregoing foundation? Opt for a tinted moisturizer. Choose a sheer, light-diffusing moisturizer with a hint of color, that is hypoallergenic and contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Have mature skin like me? Find a product with peptides. Peptides promote the growth of collagen, something our skin loses as we age. Make sure the product contains at least an SPF of 20 (higher if you'll be spending the day outside), to reduce further sun damage. Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done Hybrid Complexion Perfection ($36 USD) fits the bill. Available in 6 shades, you should find one that fits your (naked) skin perfectly! Just bear in mind--no matter your age, your tinted moisturizer should contain a good dose of hydration AND sunscreen.
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Another great option for a tinted moisturizer is No 7 Dual Action Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($13 USD). This tinted moisturizer is a lightweight, natural formula that can be used in place of heavy foundation, which is what I like to do in warmer weather. The formulation evens and brightens skin tone and is available in fair and medium.
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These are just a few of our picks for the perfect concealers, tinted moisturizers and tools. What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
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