I’m sure we can agree, there’s nothing worse than a base that looks beautiful on leaving the house, yet, when you look into the mirror a few hours later, it’s creased, cakey and has settled into all the areas you were trying to camouflage in the first place. I myself have faced this more than once, and, as someone who often forgoes foundation in favour of concealer alone, I know it’s my concealer that’s usually the culprit. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for formulas that deliver, not just in coverage, but also stay smooth, even and crease-free, no matter how many hours I wear them.
It’s here that the best creamy concealers come in, as after many years of testing, I’ve discovered it’s these formulas that truly deliver when it comes to my base (more so than foundation). Rich and nourishing on the skin, creamy concealers work to hydrate as they cover, which in turn offers a more natural, long-wearing base. Also, when applied correctly, there’s minimal chance of creasing or drying as the creamy texture melts into the skin rather than simply sitting on top of it.
So, how do you choose a creamy concealer, and how exactly should it be applied? Well, to answer that question, I asked an expert, makeup artist Katie Daisy. Here’s what she had to say…
How To Choose a Creamy Concealer
Firstly, before choosing a creamy concealer, you may be wondering if the formula is suited to your skin type. “They’re a dream for anyone with normal to dry skin or if you just like a dewy, skin-like finish,” says Daisy.
As an oily-skinned woman myself, I can say from experience that creamy concealers are a great choice for all skin types, simply set with powder after applying to lock them in place. “I also love creamy concealers for mature skin, because they don’t grab onto texture,” Daisy continues, meaning they won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
“[When it comes to choosing a creamy concealer] I’d always say check for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, because they keep the skin looking smooth,” says Daisy, “[Also] anything with a touch of radiance, like light-reflecting pigments, is a bonus for brightening.”
How To Apply a Creamy Concealer
As I mentioned, how you apply a creamy concealer can make all the difference in how it looks and wears. The key I’ve found is to build up light layers, rather than apply it too heavily and allow it to sink into the skin before following with the next layer.
“Less is more with a creamy formula,” Daisy explains when I ask her about her technique. “Dab it on where you need it most, like under the eyes, around the nose or on any redness. I like to tap it in with a fingertip or brush so it melts in seamlessly.”
How We Tested
As I mentioned, I’m a proud “only wear concealer” girl most days, and so, over the years, I’ve tested many formulas to see how they stand up both worn alone and over foundation. Each creamy concealer on this list has been rigorously tested (read: I’ve put it through a full day’s work at the office) and every one has since earned a spot in my makeup routine.
So, if you’re wondering which creamy concealers stood up to the test, keep scrolling…
