concealer - matte

We rarely come across the perfect, one-product-fits-all concealer: one that covers the lot – but the two winners here come pretty close. As the comments below suggest, both of the winners here DO work well on dark circles as well as ‘imperfections’.

This is unusual. Because in general, discolouration (age spots etc.), red veins, blemishes call for one type of concealer – matte (or at least, matte-ish); a matte concealer, if it’s the right product, can even eliminate the need for foundation, if judiciously placed on ‘flaws’ (and if you feel you only need your skintone evening out).

Dark circles, shadows, fine lines and deeper grooves (especially the ‘11s’ between the brow) tend to need a separate light-reflective concealer that bounces back light from the complexion. And if you feel you need a specifically light-reflective product (as we usually do ourselves) for those pesky shadows and fine lines, explore the winners for CONCEALER – LIGHT-REFLECTING, here.

GOLD AWARD Trish McEvoy Correct and Even Full-Face Perfector

Oh, it’s marvellous when this happens. Trish McEvoy submitted two sets of 10 of these concealers for our panellists to test. Both scored very, very well and so we’ve rolled them up as one stellar Beauty Bible Gold Award winner, drawing on comments from both sets of testers below. The brand calls it ‘an all-in-one concealer with second-skin coverage and a buildable finish’, even pitching it as an alternative to foundation. (They also recommend it as an eyeshadow base.) Promising day-long coverage, it’s matte – but not TOO matte, as our testers’ comments show. The four shades are quite ‘forgiving’, each covering a span of skin tones – plus one called ‘Extreme’, to correct extreme under-eye darkness.

£40 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Works well at covering my dark circles AND blemishes. It effectively brightens up the under-eye area and provides a flawless base for the rest of my make-up. Also reduces the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles, which is a great plus’ • ‘The dispenser was designed in such a way that it came out in small, controlled amounts, ensuring that I wasn't using too much or too little. Blended seamlessly and provided great coverage for any blemishes or dark circles under my eyes’ • ‘I have even had strangers approach me and ask about the products I use to achieve such a flawless complexion – always a great feeling to receive compliments on your appearance, and I credit this trusty concealer for helping me achieve a more polished and put-together look’ • ‘Really good as an eyeshadow base; powder colour stayed put on my eyelids’ • ‘Totally blown away– a must have for yummy mummies. Under-eyes appear much brighter, fine lines are less noticeable – finally, a product which really works. My advice is: go and purchase this must-have magic!’ • ‘As a 50-year-old I can worry about a tired eye; this hid a multitude of sins giving me a natural, wonderful look. Easy to apply eyeshadow on top’ • ‘I actually liked this best as a face concealer more than around the eye. It covered areas of broken thread veins on my cheeks subtly, toning down colour without creating a flat blanked-out complexion, making me look healthy, natural and radiant rather than overly done-up. Winner!’ • ‘I went out last night and beforehand my cheeks and chin were very red; this was completely unnoticeable once I had used the perfector and finished my make-up.’

£40 - click to buy 

SILVER AWARD Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Concealer

The clue’s in the name – it’s matte, yes, but it’s also luminous, ensuring (as our testers observed) that this doesn’t look flat, when applied via the pillowy, XL doe-foot wand. They promise that it offers ‘crease-proof, full, buildable coverage creamy concealer that brightens, conceals, and moves with you for a luminous matte, skin-like finish that lasts all day.’ (14 hours, they tell us!) It’s infused with sweet almond oil and vitamin E, to offer skin-caring benefits, and is available in 29 shades – something for every skintone. Because of its luminosity, it also works well on under-eye circles, our testers observed.

£26 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Easily covered small blemishes – a really good general concealer; not cake-y, but feels light. My previous concealer now seems really thick and chalky, by comparison’ • ‘Light and easy to apply, lasted really well, didn't need touching up during the day. It wasn't drying on the skin and it didn't cake at all’ • People have commented that my make-up looks good, or my skin looks clearer’ • ‘Such a good, matte concealer with good coverage ­– very good as an eye base and kept my eye pencil in place’ • ‘Fantastic concealer, provides full coverage, easy to apply and use; it is not drying and did not make my eye area feel cake-y’ • ‘

I have a small scar on my forehead, and it works well over it; also does an amazing job to cover the dark circles without having to colour-correct. I don't  have wrinkles but do have fine lines. the concealer fills them up well’ • ‘I do have uneven skintone, and this works magically to fix that problem. It also works well as an eyeshadow base; eye shadow looks better and lasts longer’ • ‘I’ve received compliments that my skin has a flawless look, which I think is partly down to the great applicator, which makes applying it so easy. It’s not drying, and minimises creasing’ • ‘This helps very well to cover redness and uneven skin tone; in fact, I’d say this creamy concealer is a must-have for anyone looking for buildable medium-to-full coverage that stays put all day’ • ‘I love how it brightens my under-eyes and conceals my blemishes without looking cake-y. Plus, it moves with my skin, so I don't have to worry about it creasing after a few hours. It truly DOES last 14 hours, so I don't even need to touch up throughout the day. Impressed!’

£26 - click to buy