Concealer

'Micro concealing' is the new way to create an incredible makeup finish, Bambi Does Beauty reveals exactly how to do it

It's sublime.

By Bambi Does Beauty
2 days ago

If you’re anything like me, nothing is less appealing that slathering full coverage onto every inch of your face; I mean, you’ve worked so hard on your skincare routine! Welcome, micro-concealing. The oh-so-simple, yet supremely precise method that conceals blemishes and pigmentation whilst letting the rest of your skin breathe (pores and all!). Here's how to do it...

Step 1 - Select your weapon (*brush*)

Probably most fundamental to this whole technique - you’ll need a needle-thin makeup brush. I’ve suffered with acne intermittently throughout my adult life, and my approach to concealing was always just to smudge/smoosh very clumsily with my fingers and making a bit of a mess. Using a brush always seemed like extra unnecessary effort, but I can’t tell you how obsessed I am with fine liner brushes now, I just wish it hadn’t taken me until 28 to get on the bandwagon! I gravitate towards brushes that were designed for the eyes (just as they are the thinnest and most precise) and I’m currently loving the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye liner Brush, Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush and Spectrum Angled Eyeliner Brush.

Step 2 - Colour Match

Now, because you’re essentially micro ‘dotting’ coverage all over your face (or maybe you just have one blemish, you lucky thing), it is SO important that you colour match correctly. You want the coverage to be seamless and blend in to the point of invisibility! I recommend buying your concealer in real life, maybe take a few samples home and testing the colour match in daylight. If you’re still unsure of the right shade, always opt for a shade lighter (in my opinion it looks much more natural than a shade too dark!). I’ve been loving using my Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, there’s something about a thick opaque texture that works so well with this technique.

Step 3 - It’s all in the application

There’s a key word for the application - feathering! You’ll only need the teeniest tiniest amount of product. Hold the brush towards the end so you have less control and less pressure when applying (this is the feathery effect). Once applied and feathered out, I tend to go in with my finger tip and lightly press around the blemish just so the application looks seamless against the rest of the skin.

Why I love this technique...

1. Less product required! I remember when this technique was first used on me, I was blown away with how little time and product could create a flawless complexion. You can even use thicker foundations as an alternative to a concealer if you want to get multi-purpose with your makeup bag.

2. Pores and all. Contrary to popular opinion I actually love to see pores! I try and use as little on my skin as possible, micro-concealing just means I can let the rest of my skin breath.

3. If it’s good enough for La Mer makeup artist Valeria Ferreria…

Now scroll down to find your perfect concealer...

  • Radiant Creamy Concealer, £24,
    If you’re looking for complete coverage with a light texture, try Nars. Enriched with hydrating ingredients and light-diffusing technology, it’s our pick for natural-looking buildable coverage and the women of Reddit (beauty's most honest beauty forum) have hailed it the best concealer in the world. We're sold.


  • The Shape Tape Contour Concealer from Tarte is a full-coverage, radiant, creamy concealer featuring a tapered wand applicator for precise sculpting, strobing and spot coverage. People love it so much that one flies off the shelves every 12 seconds.

  • Magic Away Concealer, £24,
    This concealer is the real deal. Its springy formula has been described by Queen Tilbury herself as nothing less than 'Spanx for your eyes', and we couldn't agree more. With full coverage and easy blending, your skin will look brighter, lighter and completely resurfaced.

  • Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer, £24,
    We love this concealer for its medium to full coverage, luminous blurring finish and lightweight feel, plus it's budge-proof for up to 12 hours. It doubles up to cover under-eye bags and blemishes. "Gently press and blend with fingertips, using the warmth of you fingertips to create a seamless finish," says makeup pro, Laura Mercier. "For more coverage, layer and repeat, blending with fingers."

  • The Flawless Concealer, £20,

    The super-ingredients in this concealer means that it provides endless skincare benefits as well as concealing. Baobab Fruit Extract and Kakadu Plum provide a double dose of powerful antioxidants, while Bamboo Powder leaves a soft-focus, flawless finish.

  • Aqua Luminous Perfecting Concealer, £24,

    Acne sufferers, rejoice; Becca's concealer is 32% water, meaning it won't clog up pores, and the flexible pigments and light technology mean even the most stubborn imperfections are totally covered.

  • Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer, £17.50,
    We're big fans of Benefit's light-as-air concealer. With a rich, creamy texture, yet a feather-light feel, this will cover a multitude of sins,

  • Fix It Concealer, £25,
    Perfectly blends with any liquid foundation, it not only conceals imperfections but primes the skin for long-lasting makeup.

  • Match Made Concealer, £8,

    Have you tried the No7 match made service yet? Never wear the wrong shade again – just pop into your local Boots and be measured up with the perfect concealer shade. Apply this creamy stick concealer straight from the bullet.

  • Creamy Concealer Kit, £26,
    This cream and powder duo is the perfect long-lasting cover-up. Apply the corrector to any imperfections or blemishes and then set with the powder for a flawless finish.

  • Cream Concealer, £24,

    This hero water-based concealer doesn’t contain gluten, mineral oil, fragrance, parabens or talc – so it’s gentle on nearly all skin types. Giving medium-to-full coverage it’s among the best on offer for problem skin.

  • Aqua Glow Serum Concealer, £19,
    This should be your go-to for healthy-looking complexion. Its lightweight formula brightens and conceals, with buildable coverage.

  • Complete Coverage Serum Concealer, £23,
    A super high coverage concealer which doesn’t clog up the skin, this is an iconic product for a reason.

  • Born This Way Concealer, £20,
    This concealer is a truly versatile product, for amazing under the eye and blemishes coverage or for giving your contour the perfect light shades it needs.

  • Touche Eclat, £25.50,
    Loved by makeup artists, celebs and beauty buffs alike, YSL’s cult product is our absolute favourite for brightening eyes and adding radiance to your complexion. Use to conceal dark circles and apply to the sides of nose, mouth and chin to shape and contour.

  • Ultra HD Concealer, £21,
    Accompanying one of our favourite foundations of all time, Make Up Forever's Ultra HD concealer has seriously high coverage and longevity. A more 'HD' version of the brand's original full cover, this little tube will become one of your best friends.

  • Healthy Mix Concealer, £8.99,
    One of our favourite high street brand concealers; this ‘fruit therapy’ concealer calls on apricot extract for radiance, raspberry for circulation and melon for hydration, meaning it treats while it conceals. Light and silky like its foundation counterpart, it looks as good as it feels.

  • Amazing Concealer, £20.99,
    This little tube is branded amazing for a reason. It contains a full-coverage, long-lasting product that dries quickly and stays all day.

  • Studio Conceal and Correct Palette, £30,

    The ultimate offering for those who like to correct before they conceal. The palette contains two corrective shades to tackle uneven skin tone and four concealer shades can be easily blended together to mask any possible imperfection.

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