A concealer is the analog Photoshop of the makeup industry. When properly used, this cosmetic product hides scars, bruises, pimples, discolorations and other unsightly marks.

Through the years, beauty editors and makeup artists have searched for the best concealers that the beauty industry has to offer. A number of new players have tried to shake up the game, but the undefeated MVPs are from the tried-and-tested upscale brands. Here are 8 that you can purchase in the Philippines:

 

8. Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector

Although Clarins is better known as a skincare brand, their concealers have been getting good raves for years. Their Instant Light Brush On Perfector works like a paintbrush—you stroke and blend it on the areas that need concealing. If none of three shades work for your skintone, then try Clarins’ more affordable Concealer Stick.

 

7. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer.

The perfect partner to their best-selling Double Wear Stay-In-Place foundation, this multi-purpose concealer may be used on different areas of the face and not just strictly for under your eyes. Another option—although more expensive—is Estée Lauder’s Ideal Light Brush-On Illuminator.

 

6. Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Under Eye Concealer

Great for all-nighters, this concealer is waterproof and easy to apply. But like most liquid formula concealers, you need to blend it well and set it with a dab of powder for maximum effect. Make sure you use it mainly for your under eye area. Its oil-based formula might not react well with other parts of your face.

 

5. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

This brand may not be as commercialized as other brands in the Philippines, but makeup artists swear by Laura Mercier’s cosmetics. One of their bestsellers, Secret Camouflage, is a two-shade concealer that allows you to customize coverage according to your skin tone and the specific flaw you’re covering, such as brown marks, red acne, dark under eyes and even purplish bruises(!).

 

4. Clinique Advanced Concealer

With so many Clinique concealers that get the job done, picking the best one from their roster is subjective. There’s one that targets just the under eye area, one that hides acne, another that conceals redness, and one that smoothens out fine lines and wrinkles. The one that gives maximum coverage is Clinique’s Advanced Concealer, a liquid formula that has a matte finish.

 

3. MAC Studio Finish Concealer.

MAC loyalists swear by the Studio Finish Concealer with SPF 25. Don’t be deceived by the small package; just a little amount of this creamy concealer goes a long way, and it will take a while before you finish the entire container. You may apply it using a makeup brush, a sponge or just your fingertips.

 

2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit.

This portable kit is such a hit that it’s garnered many accolades, including readers’ choice awards from different magazines. It comes with a creamy concealer that blends onto your skin to cover those unsightly under eye flaws, plus a bonus pressed powder that you apply over the concealer to set it for long-lasting wear.

 

1. YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Highlighter

A cult favorite, this golden pen should’ve been called a magic wand. With the right application and brush strokes, it can make it look like you had a good 8 hours of sleep even if you went straight from a party in Manila to a flight to New York. It’s available in 12 shades to match different skin tones and to conceal different flaws from dark circles to fine lines.

 

What’s your favorite makeup concealer?

Shopping Directory:

Bobbi Brown Rustan’s Makati (02) 812-2507, Rustan’s Shangri-la Mall (02) 633-4636 loc. 114, and Essenses Rockwell (02) 822-9400; bobbibrowncosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; facebook.com/BobbiBrownPH

Clarins Rustan’s Department Stores; clarinsusa.com; facebook.com/Clarins

Clinique Rustan’s Makati (02) 894-3521; Rustan’s Shangri-La Mall (02) 633-4636; Rustan’s Alabang (02) 850-5532; Rustan’s Gateway (02) 912-9959; Rustan’s Cebu (032) 231-5633; Clinique TriNoMa Mall (02) 623-4725; Essenses Rockwell (02) 890-6273; Clinique Mall of Asia (0917) 882-2492; clinique.com; facebook.com/CliniquePH

Estée Lauder available at Rustan’s Department Stores; esteelauder.com.ph; facebook.com/EsteeLauderPH

Lancôme Greenbelt 5 Boutique (02) 729-9394, Rustan’s Makati (02) 813-3739, Rustan’s Shangri-La (02) 633-4636, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center (02) 850-5532, Essences Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Makati (02) 822-9400; lancome-usa.com; www2.lancome2.com; facebook.com/lancomephilippines

Laura Mercier Rustan’s Department Stores; rustans-thebeautysource.com; lauramercier.com; facebook.com/lauramerciercosmetics

MAC available at Rustan’s Department stores in Ayala Center, Makati, and Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong; Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati; Megamall, Mandaluyong; Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong; maccosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; facebook.com/MACcosmetics

YSL available at Rustan’s Department Stores; ysl.com; yslbeautyus.com; facebook.com/ysl