Concealer is the one item in your beauty bag that you won't want to be without, once you nail the perfect fit. To find a top-notch cover-up for hiding dark spots, redness, under eye shadows, and even post-procedure editor Trudi Brewer editor shares her faves.
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Best for covering redness and veins
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $53.
They say: Watch redness, blemishes, and imperfections disappear with this full-coverage, soft-focus matte concealer. We say: you can blend it with an eye cream to get a barely-there finish for dark circles as well. Unlike many concealers, there are sixteen diverse shades, even a dark brown.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Concealer, $60.
They say: Weightless, a liquid concealer that imparts full, undetectable coverage with an airbrushed finish. We say: A magic wand, that not only covers it corrects thanks to the white tea extract, that helps reduce redness, and with 22 shades, there is a match for any skin tone.
Best for dark circles and fine lines under the eyes
Nude by Nature 100% Natural Flawless Concealer, $30.
They say: It's 100 per cent natural and camouflages dark circles and imperfections, it looks and feels like a second skin thanks to natural pigments that blend seamlessly with the complexion. We say: This little stick can cover many sins, from blemishes to the signs of a big night out. A few dabs under the eyes and you look instantly refreshed, ideal if you have sensitive eyes, and the formula doesn't sink into fine lines.
MECCA MAX Life Proof Cream Concealer, $24.
They say: It's an eraser for the face, ultra-creamy concealer banishes spots, bumps, redness, and darkness. We say: This is our go-to for under the eyes; it's virtually undetectable, won't budge, even with tears, and it lasts for hours.
Best for covering dark spots, and sun damage
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, $48.
They say: Create a flawless base with this medium-to-full matte concealer, providing up to 15 hours of smooth, locked-down coverage. We say: It's our go-to to conceal that pesky sun damage, and it blends perfectly with a dusting of MAC Mineralize Skin Finish powder to give your skin that no makeup, makeup look.
Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer, $53.
They say: The oil-free and photo-friendly formula will add coverage, cover redness and conceal dark circles with a crease-free, undetectable finish. We say: Creamy and easy to blend, it's a concealer with skincare benefits, including coconut water and hyaluronic acid, hydrates, while the alpine rose helps brighten dull-looking skin - its genius.
Best for covering scars and post-procedure bruising
Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer Stick $41.
They say: For precision concealing, this full-coverage creamy concealer glides on the skin to cover any blemishes and scars. We say: A handy stick for touch-ups on the go, it's waterproof, and while heavy-duty for tough cover-up jobs, it blends into the skin to appears traceless.
TARTE Shape Tape Contour Concealer, $46.
They say: Super-blendable, it instantly helps brighten, smooth, and firm the skin, while offering a lifted look. We say: Love the cushion tip applicator for precision dab-on cover to conceal any trace of discolouration. The 22 vegan shades also nourish with mango seed and shea butter - that’s what we call makeup with benefits.
Best for brightening the skin
Jane Iredale Enlighten Plus Undereye Concealer SPF20, $94
They say: This plant-based concealer brightens, hydrates, and protects with a silky, full-coverage formula that revives tired eyes. We say: The cool tip applicator helps massage the skin while the illuminating matte formula with Persian silk tree, quinoa seed extracts, and a probiotic ferment work to brighten and firm the skin while the SPF protects - genius.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Highlighter, $69
They say: Immediately erase any signs of fatigue with this illuminating pen that brings light and radiance to the skin. We say: Touchè Èclat or Radiant touch really needs on introduction, with =10 illuminating concealing shades that not only blur the look of imperfections, but you can also highlight your best features too.
Concealer tips and tricks along with some of the formulas we rate. Editor Trudi Brewer shares her knowledge on TV3’s The Cafe.