How to Choose a Concealer
This guide explains the key factors in selecting a concealer – coverage, finish and colour correction – ensuring you find an effective product for your needs.
Coverage Level: Understanding Your Needs
Concealers vary significantly in their ability to mask imperfections. Light coverage concealers, typically found in brands like Maybelline and Rimmel London at prices from £5.49, are ideal for brightening the under-eye area or addressing minor blemishes. These formulations often contain ingredients that reflect light, creating a subtle smoothing effect. Medium coverage concealers, such as those from Charlotte Tilbury (£20.87) and Max Factor (£10.36), provide more substantial coverage for concealing redness or uneven skin tone. They frequently include pigments that actively cover areas of discoloration. Heavy coverage concealers, like some Revlon offerings (£14.99) are designed to completely mask imperfections and may require a skilled application technique to avoid a cakey appearance. Consider the size and severity of the area you're targeting when selecting your coverage level.
Finish: Matte, Dewy or Natural?
The finish of a concealer impacts how it looks on your skin. Matte concealers, frequently produced by Rimmel London (£6.99) and Max Factor (£8.45), create a smooth, flat appearance, ideal for minimising shine and providing a flawless base. These typically use silica or other mattifying agents. Dewy concealers, such as some Charlotte Tilbury formulations (£17.09), are formulated to mimic the natural radiance of skin. They often contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, creating a luminous effect. Natural finish concealers, offered by Revlon (£12.99) and Maybelline (£7.53), aim for a seamless blend with minimal shine or gloss. The choice depends on your preference and skin type; dry skin generally benefits from dewy finishes while oily skin may prefer matte.
Colour Correcting: Addressing Specific Concerns
Colour correcting concealers are designed to neutralize unwanted tones in the skin. Peach or orange correctors, available from brands like Revlon and Max Factor, effectively counteract dark circles caused by blue undertones. Green correctors, commonly found in Rimmel London products (£7.99), target redness associated with blemishes or rosacea. Purple or lavender correctors are used to neutralise yellow tones often seen around the eyes. It’s important to note that colour correcting is most effective when applied *before* your regular concealer. Using a colour corrector alone may not provide sufficient coverage, but it can significantly improve the overall appearance of your complexion.
Finding Your Shade
Matching your concealer shade accurately is crucial for achieving a natural look. Avoid solely relying on the brand’s online shade finder; skin tones vary considerably. Test shades on your jawline in natural light to assess how they blend with your existing complexion. If you have significant redness, consider a slightly deeper shade than you initially think you need, as colour correction can often be combined for optimal results. Many brands offer a range of undertones – cool, warm, or neutral – so selecting the correct one is vital.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying too much concealer is a frequent error, leading to a cakey appearance. Start with a small amount and build up coverage gradually using a light hand. Using the wrong brush can also impact blending; a dense paddle brush is generally suitable for applying concealer evenly, while a fluffy brush is ideal for seamlessly blending it into your skin. Furthermore, neglecting to set your concealer with powder can cause creasing, particularly in areas prone to shine like the under-eye area. A light dusting of translucent powder helps lock it in place.
Products to consider
Real listings on Amazon UK related to this guide. See the full concealer page for the complete, sortable list.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the average price range for concealers on Amazon UK?
- Concealers are available across a significant price spectrum, ranging from £5.49 to £52.35. The median price currently sits at £12.99. Prices vary depending on brand and formulation.
- Which brands sell concealers on Amazon UK?
- Currently, products from Rimmel London, Charlotte Tilbury, Revlon, Max Factor and Maybelline are available on Amazon UK. Each brand offers a range of concealers with varying coverage levels and finishes to suit different needs and budgets.
- How do I know which colour corrector to use?
- If you have dark circles, a peach or orange colour corrector is typically the most effective. Redness in blemishes or rosacea will be best treated with a green colour corrector. Yellow tones around the eyes are usually addressed with purple or lavender formulations.
- Can I use concealer instead of foundation?
- While some individuals use concealer as their sole base product, most require foundation for even skin tone and coverage. Concealer is best used to target specific concerns like blemishes or dark circles – it’s not a substitute for foundation's broader corrective properties.
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Petal & Proof Editorial Team
Products are compared on real customer rating, review volume, price and listed ingredients — never paid placement.
Last updated 9 August 2026