Gone are the days when cosmetic companies would offer concealers for light-skin women. In these modern times, we are treated to a vast array of shades that cater to the needs of women of color. Yet in light of this beauty revolution, our quest for the perfect look is impeded by our inability to identify the right shade.
The art of camouflage is a technique that can be mastered within minutes given the right products. According to Kerry Cole of BECCA Cosmetics, getting the right coverage depends on how you apply the concealer, and staying true to your skin complexion by getting the right shade of concealer. In a world where image is everything, a good brand can help you mask those skin imperfections (such as blotchiness, dark under eye circles, and blemishes).
But which is the best concealer for dark skin?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you figure this out.
7 Best concealers for dark skin
Table of content
When looking for a concealer, most us want a product that will not demand too much of our attention (you know, the regular touch-ups in between work or on a date!). We want a brand that matches our skin tone, masks the imperfections, and complements our foundation. Although this is quite a challenge, here are some products we think you will like:
Mac Pro Conceal and Correct Palette
This color correcting product is perfect for concealing wrinkles, blemishes and acne. We love it because it is long-lasting, offers full-coverage, and does not cake.
NARS Radiant Creamy
The brand truly does all the work. It corrects, contours, highlights, and perfects. This mineral tone brand masks the imperfections giving you that natural, flawless look. It can also be used on the areas under the eye. What’s there not to like?
Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
It has a neutral undertone and a light feel. It is formulated to improve the appearance of eye circles, dark spots, blemishes and fine lines. The product also contains vitamin E to protect the skin.
LaCome Waterproof
This is a protective under-eye, natural coverage concealer that evens skin-tone, covers the imperfections, and leaves you with a soft, matte finish.
Maybelline Face Studio Master
If you choose to try out this product, then I’m sure you’ll fall in love with its smooth texture. The Maybelline brand has a creamy texture. Also, it blends well with the skin and works well with medium to dark skin tones.
BECCA Ultimate Coverage Concealing Crème
A full-coverage, lightweight brand that comes with shades for all skin types. The product is long-lasting, crease-proof, and designed to cover dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections.
Laura Mercier Candleglow Concealer and Highlighter
This product doubles as a concealer and a highlighter. It is a light-coverage brand and perfect for covering dark circles under the eye. It also minimizes skin discolorations giving you that soft, radiant glow.
The Big 5: Best Drugstore brands
There are some drugstore products that you can try out:
- Black Opal Beauty: The Black Opal line has an array of products that cater to the needs of the dark-skinned woman. There is the True Color Flawless Perfecting Concealer. This light-weight brand covers imperfections and it doesn’t cake.
- LA Girl Pro: This product has been celebrated as the “Holy Grail” for dark skin tones. The concealer is a lifesaver for covering dark circles under the eyes, and imperfections. It is lightweight, long-lasting, and crease resistant. You can also use it to highlight and contour.
- Shea Moisture Illuminating Powder: It would be a sin not to mention this product. The Shea moisture illuminating powder is ideal for women with Caramel, espresso-toned, and mocha skin tones. The product glides on well and is great for contouring.
- Iman Corrective Concealer: This full-coverage brand camouflages andy imperfections giving you a natural-looking, matte, finish.
- Black Radiance Contour Palette: The blendable powder shapes and sculpts the face contours leading to an enhanced skin definition. It is great for covering dark eye circles and hyperpigmentation.
Put it to the test: choosing the right concealer for dark skin
The golden rule when shopping for a concealer is to test the product before applying it to the skin. You can test the color by applying the product on the neck, at the region just below the ear. Test the consistency of the product by dabbing a bit of it on the inside of the wrist. If the it covers up well, then you’ve found your match.
According to the Emmy Nominated make-up artist, Karim Orange, if you are looking for a concealer that will camouflage imperfections, then go for a shade that is the exact match of your skin tone. She recommends that you go for concealers with multiple shades so that you can blend, and play with it to achieve that perfect camouflage. As a rule, you apply one that is two shades lighter than your tone. However, you apply a shade that is an exact match to your skin on the areas with the blemishes, pimples, or hyperpigmentation. This will prevent the regions from standing out.
People with dark skin tones tend to have either a warm or cool undertone. If this foreign to you, then you can check by examining the skin at the inside of your wrist. If you can see green veins then you have a warm undertone. However, if your veins are blue then you have a cool undertone. A concealer with a golden or orange base is advisable for people with warm undertones. If you have a cool undertone, then go for a one with a neutral base.
When shopping for a concealer for dark circles, look for a product that is lightweight and offers full coverage. Also, remember to settle the it with some dusting to keep it from caking during the day.
References:
- http://www.refinery29.com/concealer-for-dark-skin#slide-7
- http://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/629997-best-concealer-for-dark-skin/#/slide/1
- http://www.afrobella.com/2015/05/13/best-concealer-for-dark-skin/