From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Unsplash 

If your makeup bag is the crew of a theatre production, it’s easy to assume that your lipsticks, highlighters and eyeshadows are the star actors because they bask in the applause and get all the attention.

But what about the unsung heroes? The ones responsible for all the behind-the-scenes hard work?

Concealers are the silent backstage crew. After all, they work quietly to perfect your complexion so that your lipsticks, highlighters and eyeshadows have a flawless mien to pop against.

Which is kind of like the ones quietly putting together props and costumes so that the stars on stage can shine their brightest.

Here, we pay tribute to the 12 best behind-the-scene heroes that you can count on for complexion perfection no matter what your budget might be:

 

Under $20

CLIO Kill Cover Airy Fit Concealer, $19.90

With a buildable coverage, blendable texture and a soft-focused finish, this concealer is suitable for hiding under eye shadows or masking dark spots. We love its tiny applicator top for super precise application.

 

Maybelline FitMe Concealer, $15.90


For those who prefer a natural coverage, try dabbing this onto areas of concern. With a sheer texture and oil-free formula, it works for everything from under eye circles, discolouration around the nose, dark spots and even blemishes.

 

NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer Wand, $12


Formulated with HD technology, this lightweight concealer ensures that dark circles and any other skin flaws are erased without looking cakey even in our climate.

 

Under $40

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer, $38


As usual, anything that receives Rihanna’s stamp of approval is here to slay. Crease-proof and sweat-resistant, this concealer will be the last thing on your mind once you dab it on. Yes it stays put and makes your skin look flawless no matter what you put it through.

 

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix 24-Hour Smooth Wear Concealer, $36


A pro makeup artist’s staple, this was made to endure every scenario imaginable.

From outdoor shoots to harsh studio lights, this heavy-duty concealer not only perfects the look of your skin, it sets into a natural soft matte finish so you’re always ready for the camera. Did we mention the round-the-clock hold?

 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer, $40


Want something that is easy to apply, has high coverage and yet gives a no makeup look?

Enriched with peptides, green tea and fruit extract, it conceals while infusing skin with skin-conditioning nutrients so your complexion looks plump and dewy, never dry or cakey.

 

Kat Von D Beauty Lock-It Concealer Crème, $40


Just like its name suggests, this concealer isn’t going anywhere once it sets.

From under eye circles, dark spots, blemishes or discolourations, it glides over the skin seamlessly, unifying its appearance so you always look flawless.

 

Under $60

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer, $42


If you’re worried that any concealer will look dry and flaky on your dry skin, this is your best bet.

Infused with mango seed and shea butters to nourish your skin, it also has a luxurious creamy texture that blends beautifully into your skin. Buildable to a full coverage, it also clings onto your skin and moves with it so there’s no flaking or creasing whatsoever.

 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $46


We’re calling this our idea of magic-in-a-wand. With a sponge tip applicator that makes dabbing on concealer a breeze, it also has a airy and lightweight formula that is easy to blend.

Whether you’re just looking for some medium coverage for uneven skin tone or full-on concealer power for that pesky zit, you can easily layer on this product without it looking thick or cakey. Plus, it also contains botanical extracts to hydrate the skin and optical diffusing pigments to give your complexion an airbrushed effect.

 

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer, $50


Trust us when we say a tiny bit of this goes a long way.

Packed with luminous pigments, it diminishes the appearance of dark circles, redness, blemishes and dark spots to give skin a radiant finish. Plus, it also has the exclusive 4K Complex which ensures that it remains, natural-looking and virtually imperceptible even at close-ups.

 

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer, $56


Perfect for on-the-go application, it comes in a twist format and has a buttery texture for effortless blending.

Even though it’s saturated with pigments, the formula melds into your skin for an undetectable finish, hiding everything from zits, scars, dark circles, pigmentation and redness.

 

Over $100

Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Concealer (SPF 25PA+++), $105


If the sky is the limit, you won’t regret investing in this concealer. Loved by legions of fans and makeup artists, this splurge-worthy concealer has an ultra-smooth texture that ensures even, full-coverage in just one swipe.

Suitable for covering any imperfections, it keeps skin hydrated and smooth so it always looks plump and perfect.

 

ALSO READ: PICK A LIPSTICK SHADE AND WE WILL TELL YOU MORE ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY