A good concealer can do more than hide flaws; it can make your skin look completely new. Makeup artists love illuminating concealers because they brighten, lift, and smooth out the skin without making it look heavy or masked. The right formula can make skin look healthier, fresher, and more awake almost right away by softening dark circles, spreading out shadows, and adding a finish that reflects light. The key to getting the best results is to pick the right product and use it correctly.
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Emily Clarkson, a makeup artist for celebrities, says that the way you use a product is just as important as the product itself. She says that placement and texture are very important because using too much or the wrong kind can make areas you want to hide stand out. For this reason, she says to stay away from illuminating formulas on spots or raised scars, where the extra light could make the texture stand out more.
What you need to know about illuminating concealers
Instead of completely covering the skin, illuminating concealers are made to make it look brighter. These formulas usually have light-diffusing pigments in them that soften shadows and give the skin a soft glow. This is different from heavier matte options. They work especially well as concealers for under the eyes or around the nose, where dark spots can make the skin look dull. Clarkson says that the goal is not to hide everything, but to make the finish look smoother and fresher by reflecting light.
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How to Pick the Right Concealer That Brightens
Texture is very important when choosing an illuminating concealer. Creamy, hydrating formulas work best, especially under the eyes, because they don’t settle into fine lines as easily. Clarkson says that the best way to look your best is to use a brightening concealer with a nourishing eye cream. To keep the glow, coverage should be sheer to medium. Thicker formulas are better for covering up blemishes.
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Undertone is also very important. Soft pink or peach colors can help fight darkness, but finishes that are too shimmery may look fake. For a more polished glow, light that reflects off of things is better than light that sparkles.
How to Get the Best Results with Illuminating Concealer
Clarkson says to use your ring finger on the area under your eyes, but first warm the product on the back of your hand so you don’t put on too much. A light touch is important in this area because it is sensitive and prone to fine lines. She also says to use concealer after foundation and cream products to avoid using too much.
Mixing concealer with a pea-sized amount of moisturizer can help sheer out coverage while keeping a soft, skin-like glow for a very natural look.
The Best Illuminating Concealers to Try Best Overall: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen, £32
Best for Natural Makeup: Milk Makeup Sunshine Under Eye Tint + Brighten, £26. Best for Everyday Wear: Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer, £16. Best for Mature Skin: Sisley Stylo Lumière Highlighter Pen, £54. Best Shade Range: Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener, £22.
The Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen
People have loved this concealer for a long time because its light-reflecting pigments brighten without covering up the skin. It has a weightless feel and a natural finish, making it perfect for the area under the eyes and around the nose. It gives you a rested, glowing look.
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Brighten and tint the skin under your eyes with Milk Makeup Sunshine.
If you want to look glowy instead of covered up, this cooling under-eye tint is great. The rollerball applicator gives tired skin a soft wash of brightness that blends easily. It also feels hydrating and soothing.
Aimee Brighten Up Concealer shaped it
This formula is made to enhance rather than hide, and it blends easily and leaves a finish that looks like skin. It gives a subtle lift to the area under the eyes without feeling heavy, and it works well with both foundation and other makeup.
Highlighter Pen from Sisley Stylo Lumière
This high-end mix of concealer and highlighter gives you a glow that looks like it’s coming from inside. Clarkson says it’s good for older skin because it softly blurs shadows without settling into fine lines.
Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener
This formula is great for getting rid of dark circles under the eyes because it comes in a wide range of shades and has color-correcting undertones. It feels light and lifts the area under the eyes, and it works especially well when layered under concealer to cover up darker shadows.
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This is a real skincare-makeup hybrid. The silky texture goes on smoothly and feels good all day. It gives a natural, hydrated finish that works well on dry or sensitive under-eyes and has sheer coverage that can be built up.
