In the dilemma between walking around with bare imperfections requiring coverage or gliding in public with a cakey concoction of concealer – the choice is always inclined towards the less attention-drawing option, meaning none.
A recommended solution for such a scenario comes from Bobbi Brown, who launched a new and victorious concealer this month: the secret lies in both the moisture-rich texture that clings to the skin as if life depends on it, and the selection of 23 shades ensuring precise, neither too close nor too far, blending with the skin. Excellent in invisibly covering under-eye circles, particularly successful in blurring other imperfections.
Bobbi Brown, Skin Full Cover Concealer, Price: NIS 175. Available in brand stores and website.
Becca's Corrector, a brand recently embraced by Smashbox, offers color corrections for under-eye circles and other tone imperfections, suitable for those who prefer finger-dabbing application, without the need for accessory mediation. It comes in a flexible creamy formula, and Becca recommends warming it between fingers then gently patting onto the skin, from the inner to outer corner. An enthusiast accustomed to brush applications took time to adjust to the application feeling "less clean" but the result was worth it: "My skin is very fair and under-eye circles are particularly prominent. Most concealers I've tried change tone throughout the day, but Becca's product held up without fading, maintaining a very uniform and bright tone. The texture itself is slightly sticky and takes some getting used to - some may prefer setting it with powder, but it worked nicely for me without."
Smashbox loves Becca, Under Eye Brightening Corrector, Price: NIS 129. Available in networks and Smashbox website.
If there's a hall of fame for makeup icons, a reserved spot is for the prince of the sector, YSL's Touche Éclat. In its updated version, the best highlighter in history also becomes a concealer. All the familiar and beloved features are still here: a clickable pen format, the most pleasant brush we've tried, a semi-fluid material serving as a highlighter, and now with enhanced blurring capabilities and long-lasting, radiant, airy coverage. In fact, Touche Éclat is the magic wand we've always wanted, suitable for any area needing a little help: under the eyes, blurring pigmentation and other marks, a bit on the nose angles, and convenient for tiny touch-ups throughout the day.
YVES SAINT LAURENT, TOUCHE ÉCLAT HIGH COVER, Price: NIS 170.
Stendhal's highlighter is perfect for a festive look, and very practical for all evenings and mornings thereafter. Like YSL, it comes in a pen format with a silky brush and a creamy-liquid texture that also serves as a very gentle concealer. It's not a waterproof material suitable for serious coverage, but it has the skills to create the same makeover that will make everyone wonder if you did something to your face: besides blurring imperfections and creating an even tone, it can be applied under the eyes, on the sides of the nose, on the eyelid area, and above the upper lip, giving every look a natural wake-up glow.
Stendhal Paris- Anti-Aging Care Highlighter, Price: NIS 165. Available in April stores and website.
Mixed reviews were received about Lancôme's concealer. On the positive side: a sharp and convenient applicator allowing precise application even in corners and angles; a pleasant texture easy to work with, and decent coverage even in a single layer. Another positive aspect: an excellent material for shadowing, especially with a darker tone. On the downside, a tester with dry skin claimed that full coverage was only achieved with double-layer application and, over time, it dried and dehydrated, especially under the eyes, emphasizing what was supposed to be concealed. Excellent for mixed and oily skin owners, less so for dry ones.
Lancôme, TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR ALL-OVER CONCEALER, Price: NIS 189
Sebocalm recommends using their concealer to blur under-eye circles, pigmentation, and expression lines, but the tester reports that one should be cautious with these generous usage recommendations because the material itself is very thick and heavy. It covers wounds and spots well provided you're fine with a matte finish, and as long as your skin is not dry or prone to it - otherwise, you'll get an unpleasant dry coating altogether. It comes in only two shades - quite a disappointing selection for a concealer.
Sebocalm, InnoVashion BB Concealer - Price: NIS 58.5 instead of NIS 90 on the brand's website.
"An effective product at a fair price," summed up the tester her relationship with Careline's concealer: "The brush is thick, in my opinion, too thick, and dispenses too much material. I learned to control quantities and wipe off excess on the edges. The material itself is on the thicker and heavier side, but also comfortable to work with, blends nicely with the skin, and provides sufficient coverage for all my sunspots. It comes in only 6 shades - a challenging selection when precise matching is needed."
Careline, Full Coverage Concealer, Price: NIS 55.
