This article originally appeared on Harper’s Bazaar.
When it comes to concealers, it’s safe to say we are totally spoilt for choice—a quick glance at today’s beauty shelves reveals an endless array of formulas promising to disguise just about any skin imperfection. But with so many on offer, choosing the one that will work best for you can be an expensive case of trial and error.
In fact, your perfect concealer match will be dependent on the issue you want to cover: dark circles, blemishes and pigmentation all require a different approach.
For dark under-eye shadows, a brightening concealer is your best bet. Illuminating pigments will help to bounce the light back out from under your eyes, creating the illusion of instantly brighter skin. But blemishes require a different tack. The need for higher coverage means you’ll likely be looking for a concealer with a thicker consistency—locate one with spot-clearing actives inside, and you’ll be able to heal and conceal at the same time.
Then, there’s the myriad formulations to choose from—sticks, brushes, palettes and creams all deliver a different kind of result, spanning the spectrum from dewy, everyday radiance to serious red-carpet coverage. For convenience, nothing beats a swipe-on stick or paintbrush-style nib, but there’s something to be said for the professional ‘airbrush’ finish that a pigment-packed balm affords.
From cult icons to new, clever innovations, scroll down for our verdict on the very best concealers for disguising dark circles, healing blemishes, and brightening sallow skin…