Choosing the best cream concealer involves considering the shade of the concealer, what you are trying to conceal and your age. Concealers are often used to hide or minimize under-eye circles, blemishes and skin discolorations. They also are used in advanced makeup techniques that create facial contours such as making the nose appear slimmer.
One of the most common uses of a cream concealer is to hide under-eye circles brought on by heredity, thin skin around the eyes or a lack of sleep. The best cream concealer for under-eye circles is slightly lighter than your natural skin tone or foundation shade. Be careful not to go too light, however, because doing so can make your circles stand out even more and give you the appearance of wearing a mask around your eyes.
If you wear no makeup or very light makeup, then try using cream concealer that is close to your natural skin tone. The idea is to make it blend in and look as natural as possible. Be sure to blend the concealer well so you have no noticeable line where the concealer ends and your natural skin begins.
Age is an important consideration when choosing an under-eye cream concealer. Specifically, mature women with under-eye wrinkles should avoid piling on the concealer. Heavy concealer under the eyes tends to cake and settle into wrinkles, making them even more visible. A lightweight concealer with moisturizers and light-diffusing qualities is the best choice if you have under-eye wrinkles.
Cream concealers also are used to hide blemishes. Blemish concealers can hide acne and the scars and discolorations left behind by acne breakouts. Many blemish concealers also have ingredients to heal acne and prevent future breakouts. These concealers are usually applied directly to blemishes, rather than over a large area of the face.
A corrective cream concealer can minimize skin discolorations. Yellow, lavender and green are common colors for corrective cream concealers. They all need to be applied lightly. If not, you can create another problem by making your face look too yellow, lavender or green.
A yellow or apricot cream concealer is generally used to hide under-eye circles, bruises and slightly red discolorations. Lavender-toned concealers can neutralize yellow complexions or bruises. A green concealer is often used to even out areas of acne or blotchy skin.
Advanced makeup techniques use cream concealers to contour or change the appearance of the face. A light-colored concealer can slim the nose, for example. This is done by applying concealer to both sides of the nose and blending it in. Other techniques include using a concealer to highlight cheekbones or eyes.
Cream concealers are sold in a stick form that is similar to a traditional lipstick. They also are available in small pots similar to single eyeshadow containers. Another popular form looks like a mascara applicator but has a sponge-like tip that is used to apply the concealer.
The best choice for you depends on your preference and how much coverage you are seeking. The sponge-tipped concealers generally provide the lightest coverage. Depending on the manufacturer, a sponge-tipped concealer might be called a cream concealer or a liquid concealer. No matter what kind of concealer you choose, always remember to smoothly blend it in so it looks natural.
