Take it from someone who had to learn the hard way: The right set of brushes can totally change how your makeup looks for the better. I’m not sure what I was doing before I invested in a good set of foundation and concealer brushes, but I will say that since I’ve been using them, my makeup looks smoother, more natural, and takes far less time to apply. I know that sounds like a train you want to hop on, so you’re going to want to pay attention.
Concealer, in particular, can be tricky to apply without going overboard, right? Using a good brush can change all that—especially if you’re applying it in the under-eye area. Whether you’re looking to conceal dark spots, blemishes, or under-eye circles, find the best concealer brushes for each below. We also asked our roster of editorial and celebrity makeup artists for their personal favorites.
The Best Concealer Brushes, Listed
- Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush
- Nars #11 Soft Matte Complete Concealer Brush
- Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Touch Up Brush
- Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush
- It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Concealer Brush
- Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush
- Real Techniques Expert Liquid and Cream Concealer Makeup Brush
- Energy Concealer Brush 270
- Sonia Kashuk Essential Flat-Top Concealer Brush No. 172
- Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Brush #71
- Clinique Concealer Brush
- Kevyn Aucoin Duet Concealer Brush
- Ciele Cosmetics The Concealer Brush
- Tarte Concealer Paw Brush
- Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer Brush
- Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brush
- SheGlam Glam 101 Eye Essentials Brush Set
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush
Nars #11 Soft matte Complete Concealer Brush
Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Touch Up Brush
Wet n Wild Large Concealer Brush
It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Dual Airbrush Concealer Brush #2
e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Concealer Brush
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Concealer Brush
Real Techniques Expert Liquid and Cream Concealer Brush
Energy Concealer Brush 270
Sonia Kashuk Essential Flat-Top Concealer Brush No. 172
Sephora Collection Pro Concealer Brush #71
Clinique Concealer Brush
Kevyn Aucoin Duet Concealer Brush
Ciele Cosmetics The Concealer Brush
Tarte Concealer Paw Brush
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer Brush
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brush
SheGlam Glam 101 Eye Essentials Brush Set
Shopping for a Concealer Brush
As for any beauty tool, there are a few things to consider while shopping for a concealer brush. Because, why would you want to invest in one that doesn’t meet your standards? We tapped Ciele Co-Founder, CEO & Celebrity Makeup Artist, Nikki DeRoest, for guidance on what to be on the lookout for while browsing beauty retailers online or in person. “I usually go for a fluffy, blending brush. One that you typically see for eyeshadows,” she begins. “I want to be able to blend and blur concealer into the skin for concealing under the eyes or fine lines, instead of packing it on with a flat, dense bristles. Throw out the old idea of what concealer brushes used to look like 10 years ago.”
How to Apply Under-Eye Concealer With a Brush
Makeup artists also have a few tips for us in when it comes to applying under-eye concealer. Talias says, “The trick to applying concealer with a brush is to use a very small amount of concealer and start on the inner corner of the eye where there is typically the most darkness, applying the product in a stamping motion,” she says. “Working the concealer into the skin in this way ensures you get maximum coverage with the least amount of product. Too much concealer under the eye will crease and actually accentuate dry skin.”
Kaye also has another key tip to ensure flawless application. “When applying concealer with a brush, don’t swipe the product back and forth, as it will cause it to disappear. Pat the product on with the brush!” Lastly, DeRoest tells us her secret to pulling off an even, airbrushed look under the eyes. “Apply the concealer to the back of your hand, blend the product into your brush first (called priming the brush) and then apply the concealer to your skin,” she says. You’ll get more of a seamless coverage and have the ability to layer as needed; preventing creasing, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Makeup Sponges vs. Concealer Brushes
The best concealer brushes can provide more precise coverage than sponges, especially for cream- and powder-based products. Sponges are great for a lighter, airbrushed finish, especially when damp. If you’re looking to conceal dark circles or under-eye bags, a brush can also provide more controlled application and more product application than a sponge. While there are many ways people use concealers, DeRoest recommends using Ciele Cosmetic’s brushes that are designed specifically to give you results for specific areas of the skin (especially The Concealer and The Blending Brush).
“I use two methods for myself: a brush under the eyes and a sponge on my sunspots. I want more coverage there and prefer stamping the concealer over those spots, rather than brushing over them. Both can and will give you a flawless application,” she says. While deciding on which tool will serve the purpose, DeRoest also encourages consumers to consider their skin type in some cases. “If you have large pores and are concealing around or on the nose, you may want to use a sponge so you can bounce and press the product onto the skin instead of swiping it—which might not conceal and fill the pores the way you’d like it to.”
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Source: WhoWhatWear
