Fables and facts about concealer

(and these concealers you want)

Back in the days, when I took a makeup workshop (yes, I really did), I discovered concealer. And I wear it every day now and if necessary also at night. Only if I'm still awake, you know, guys. But I'm quite an unfaithful devil when it comes to concealers. I flirt with the Touche Éclat from Yves Saint Laurent, I wink at the one from Clinique and now I'm going on a date soon with the latest from M.A.C Cosmetics But there are so many rumors about this great product that I first checked the facts and fables with our expert Marie-José (from beauty salon MJ Amsterdam). And here's the deal. Daily use of a concealer is perfectly fine, as long as you have a good beauty ritual. Think: good cleansing and using the right creams. An eye cream is of course always a winner, but let it absorb for a while, otherwise your concealer will run away with you. The miraculous product should not be too dark, because then you just look tired and get the so-called panda eyes (we don't want that). Therefore, choose a shade lighter than your foundation. And pick one with a soft brush, because the skin around the eyes is extremely delicate. By the way, do you also dab those imperfections with a concealer? Don't do it, because that actually emphasizes them more. Done? Just powder it off, because then it stays better in place. Yes, that's allowed by the expert.

“Choose a shade lighter
than your foundation”

Now that you know how to do it right with a concealer, I'm going to take the test.

Yves Saint Laurent – Touche Éclat

Plus: Gives your eyes a free lift, you just want that.

Minus: Ouch, very rarely it emphasizes a line, but only sometimes, right?

Result: This is pretty much the queen among concealers, so just very good.

Score: 9

Clinique – Airbrush Concealer

Plus: The concealer from Clinique has an ultra-soft brush.

Minus: That it was just not quite my color, but that's not Clinique's fault of course.

Result: Applies very lightly, but is still well covering. So be careful not to apply too much.

Score: 8.5

Bobbi Brown – Creamy Concealer

Plus: It comes with a real powder to set your concealer.

Minus: The concealer is very smudgy, making it not so easy to apply.

Result: Not the best concealer for under your eyes, but does have a nice covering result.

Score: 7

M.A.C Cosmetics – Matchmaster Concealer

Plus: In a handy compact stick, but still applies easily.

Minus: The concealer is not liquid, although that's not really a downside.

Result: Your eyes pop out because the concealer has a lifting effect.

Score: 9

Smashbox – Studio Skin waterproof concealer

Plus: Applies easily with a soft brush.

Minus: The substance doesn't always cover very well.

Result: Gives a nice highlight under the eyes, once you've figured out how much to use.

Score: 8