What does concealer do?

Concealer covers skin imperfections, such as dark circles under the eyes, dark spots on the cheeks, or an untimely breakout on the chin. While foundation is the literal foundation for the rest of your makeup, concealer is like using a paint primer before the actual color. It helps blur imperfections, giving flawless coverage.

Concealer and foundation can be used together or independently, depending on your preference. Whichever you prefer, it’s important to use the right kind of concealer and apply it correctly for best results. This is especially important if you want to avoid your makeup becoming cakey. The brands I share today offer different formulas to fit your preference, plus skin-loving ingredients that even acne-prone skin will appreciate. 

Types of concealer available

Multiple types of concealers are available, and they all have different uses and levels of coverage. I’ll share some of the most common types of concealer to help you decide which product best suits your needs.

Liquid concealer

Excellent for the under-eye area and blending into the skin. It’s also great for evening skin tone and usually offers a dewy finish. 

Cream concealer

​Cream concealer usually has a thicker consistency than liquid concealer and takes more effort to blend in with a concealer brush. It’s best for covering blemishes, marks, and even tattoos. I tend to like cream concealers best as they give a matte finish, and my skin is naturally more oily.

Full coverage concealer

​As you probably guessed, full-coverage concealer is best for concealing darker imperfections, but it can sit heavy on your skin if it’s not blended well enough. To avoid this, try to use a small amount of concealer on imperfections and take your time blending it into your skin.

Light coverage concealer

Light coverage concealer is best for sensitive skin, like around your eyes. It won’t hide blemishes, but it’s perfect for avoiding any heaviness on your skin.

Why it’s important to use non-toxic makeup

Conventional concealer, like most beauty products, is riddled with harmful ingredients and synthetic fragrances. The skin is susceptible to absorbing toxic chemicals, which is why it’s so important to choose natural products whenever possible. 

Health issues like respiratory distress, allergic reactions, rashes, endocrine disruption, and cancer are all linked to ingredients commonly found in personal care products like makeup. All the brands I’ve reviewed today are among the best natural concealers on the market. They are free from the most common hazardous ingredients and receive excellent reviews from customers. Before I share the best non-toxic concealer options, let’s review some of the most concerning chemicals you may want to avoid on an ingredient list. 

Ingredients to avoid in concealer

PEG

​Research has shown that PEG is contaminated with 1,4 dioxane- a known cancer-causing chemical.

BHT

A stabilizer used in personal care products that can cause reproductive issues and cancer. 

Phthalates

Linked to dozens of health hazards, including cancer, birth defects, infertility, and more. Phthalates have been found in our water supply in the US.

Parabens

Parabens are very common in skincare products and are linked to endocrine disruption and breast cancer diagnoses. They are also known to cause infertility and early puberty.

Synthetic fragrance

Artificial fragrances are often found in nearly every product on the market and have been linked to endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and headaches.

Zinc Oxide

Exposure can cause flu-like symptoms and health issues like chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and cough.

Titanium Dioxide

Shown to cause lung cancer in testing as well as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Tips for choosing the best concealer for your skin

Finding the right concealer for your skin type may take some time, and what works for you may not be the best option for someone else. Consider factors like issues with dry skin, how comedogenic vs. non-comedogenic ingredients if you struggle with breakouts, and the different shades available. I need a lighter shade in the winter than in the summer, as we spend more time outside when it’s warm. 

It’s nice to have a few shades and levels of coverage in my makeup bag, so I have choices as far as what type of makeup look I want that day. I usually use minimal makeup, but it’s still nice to have different options available for the days when I want to switch it up. 

Test out a concealer two or three times before deciding if the brand is right for you. It’s important to allow your skin time to adjust to a new product, as our skin composition can change over time.