Photo: Zeynep Özkanca

Makeup

Are Concealers Evolving?

It sure looks like it. We put together a list of next-gen numbers that prove the concealer evolution theory.

Text Başak Ulubilgen

August 15, 2022

Concealers are expected to serve three major purposes: Correct, conceal, and contour. But this was back in the day when concealers were just concealers. Over the past few years, brands have started to create products that aim to do more than just temporarily get rid of dark circles, spots, or acne scars. Nowadays, concealers also want to help improve your skin while doing their primary job. This is thanks to techy applicators and smart ingredients that are usually reserved for skincare products.

Now, are we asking too much from our good old concealer? No, actually. In the contemporary beauty world, it’s quite rare for one product to just do one thing. And concealers are responding to the conscious-makeup wearer who wants to get the most out of a single product. We present a selection of next-gen concealers that will make you believe in our concealer evolution theory.

ILIA Beauty True Skin Serum Concealer, $30 at Sephora

Just like its Super Serum Skin Tint or True Skin Serum Foundation, ILIA’s priority with this concealer is to treat the skin in the long run. Its medium coverage formula has stabilized Vitamin C, which helps the skin fight against free radicals for a brightening and firming effect; and albizia julibrissin bark extract (also called Persian silk tree bark extract; it’s a very pretty tree with pink feathers!) which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. The concealer also has mastic (yum), a type of tree resin from Greece, for a matte finish. It’s available in 20 shades and is great for daily use if you’re looking for clean, natural coverage.

Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener, $26 at Sephora

This number aims to hydrate, brighten and blur the undereye area. Even though its coverage is on the sheer side, it’s pretty buildable. That’s why it comes in 16 shades instead of the brand’s other complexion products with more. Bright Fix has an ingredient Fenty Beauty calls HydraBlend: A mix of hydrating ingredients including sodium hyaluronate (but of course) that help hold moisture. The blurring effect comes from elastomers and micro-powders and jojoba is there for an oompf of moisture. Bright Fix comes in a squeeze tube and a novelty applicator that makes it easy to apply. Fingers also work just fine and its serum-like texture gets along with brushes and sponges.

Milk Makeup Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten Light Coverage Concealer, $28 at Sephora

Milk Makeup’s Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten is a close relative to their Sunshine Skin Tint. It has a similar packaging that looks like a chunky pen, only smaller and without the SPF. The great detail about the packaging is on the tip of this mighty pen, which has an antimicrobial glass rollerball. The formula is made up of 99% natural and vegan ingredients including plant-derived squalene, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and light-reflecting brightening powders for an illuminated look. It’s fragrance-free, too. Although it comes in 7 shades, its extremely lightweight and easy-going formula agrees with a lot of skin tones. Another plus side of this concealer is that you can just purchase its refill, instead of the whole product, reducing additional waste!

Well People Bio Correct Concealer, $22

This clean and EWG-verified* concealer has buildable full coverage. It is also a hybrid between makeup and skincare. The formulation has pomegranate, olive, and sunflower seed oils to hydrate, nourish and refresh the under eyes. Bio Correct Concealer comes in 20 shades and blends super easily.

KOSAS Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer, $28

This one’s a triple threat: It’s a concealer with medium coverage, eye cream, and spot treatment all in one. While caffeine and pink algae brighten and depuff, arnica and Provitamin B5 help soothe the gentle skin. Peptides and hyaluronic acid -all vegan, by the way- pledge to moisturize and plump. Most importantly, and over time, the Revealer Concealer aims to improve the quality of your bare skin. It comes in 28 shades.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Self Setting Concealer, $29

At first glance, this number may look like every other concealer, but it has a distinctive quality: It sets itself! Its Ultra HD technology that gives the name, includes hyaluronic acid, Evodia Rutaecarpa Extract, and beeswax, aptly diffuses the light so the skin looks brighter. Coming in 26 shades, this medium coverage yet natural-looking concealer can be the right choice for long days when you’re looking for makeup to count on.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Flash Perfector Concealer, $29

This new concealer from pro favorite Backstage line has a brush tip, making it quite easy to apply, even to the tiniest corners of the face. Plus, it can also be used on the body. The caffeine in its formula helps revitalize, while pearlescent micro-pigments blur imperfections and brighten the complexion. The formula is waterproof and has the highest coverage of all concealers in Dior Beauty’s lineup. Flash Perfector Concealer comes in 22 shades with 4 undertones. It’s long-lasting, practical, and efficient.

NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum, $11

The drugstore gem makeup brand recently came out with this concealer. Available in 13 shades, it’s a serum-concealer hybrid, hence the name. The medium coverage formula is enriched with Tremella mushroom, Cica (a.k.a Centella Asiatica) extract, and green tea, making it a wonderful match for people with sensitive or stressed skin. The skilled concealer helps soothe the skin while covering redness; can be used both on the face and body, AND it’s vegan.

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