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Concealer sticks may seem like something you were used to using back in high school, but I don’t think you should completely write them off.
I still use stick concealers frequently. They are great for on-the-go touch-ups and for quick spot concealing — they also normally stay in place pretty well without the need to go in with lots of powder, which is always great for my more natural makeup looks.
In an attempt to get everyone back on the stick concealer train again, here are some of my favorite stick concealers that I think everyone should think about having in their makeup bags and routines.
The Best Way to Apply Concealer Sticks
So, like any other makeup product I talk about, there are no right ways to apply concealer sticks, but here are some of the tips that I like to follow to get a smooth application, better coverage, and a flawless look.
First, you want to find the right shade of concealer, which will depend on where you’re going to use it. To brighten up dark circles, you will want to find a shade that’s slightly lighter than your skin tone, but for covering up spots and discoloration you’re going to want a perfect match if possible for the best results.
With a clean finger or a makeup brush, apply a few small dots of product in the areas you need to. I like to start out with a little bit and blend as I go to build up the product to avoid looking cakey. I will usually blend with my ring finger if I’m applying the concealer under my eye, or a small brush for when I need more precise application for the inner corner of the eye, or on blemishes. I’ll finish with a thin layer of powder to set everything in place – you only need a little powder as the creamy formula is already quite matte.
Is A Stick Concealer Better Than a Liquid Concealer?
I use concealer every single day without fail, I have dark circles and always seem to have a pesky blemish to cover up, so I would say I’m pretty knowledgeable on the subject. One of the key tips that I’ve found with concealer application is to switch up the types of concealer I use depending on what I’m trying to cover.
If I’m just applying a quick wash of concealer under the eye, I would always reach for a liquid concealer like the NARS radiant creamy concealer because I know it’s going to give me the natural coverage I need, not settle into fine lines, and be the perfect solution for my skin type. If my undereyes are feeling particularly dry, I’ll also use a liquid concealer that has some hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, just for that added bit of nourishment that a stick concealer wouldn’t provide.
However, if I need a more full-coverage makeup look, a stick formula is always going to be my go-to. The formula isn’t as kind to texture and fine lines, but it makes up for that with the amount of coverage I’m able to achieve. Just like you’ll see makeup artists using a stick to spot conceal blemishes, I use them to really pinpoint the coverage in areas I need it most. Whether it’s to cover up redness around the outer corner of my eye, or the bridge of your nose, you know it’s going to completely camouflage everything.
My Favorite Stick Concealers For Undereye Circles and Blemishes
I’ve curated a list of all my favorite stick concealers that I’ve known and loved, complete with products for covering under-eye circles and those that are just for covering up blemishes.
Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick
Starting off with something a little more luxurious, the Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer is a matte finish product with inclusive shades that will match your skin complexion. I like to mix it with the Bobbi Brown Corrector for the perfect under-eye concealer combination.
I’ve used a couple of different shades of this product and have loved them all. Just pair it with your best foundation and you’ve got a flawless base that isn’t going to budge.
MERIT Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick
This may be slightly cheating as the MERIT Concealer Stick is also a foundation stick, but that just makes it even more user-friendly as you can easily swipe this all over your face — for that reason, I’d choose a shade that matches your skin tone.
I think this is perhaps the best concealer stick because I can use it for everything, covering dark circles, dark spots, and blemishes, or just to even out my whole complexion. It’s also great for keeping in your makeup bag as the one stick does all the work of two products so is great for a super quick and easy makeup routine.
LAURA MERCIER Secret Camouflage Concealer
Talking of products that put in a lot of work, the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer is a dual-ended beauty product. One side is for correcting and the other for brightening, so you can use it for both your under eyes and other areas that need spot concealing.
With easy application, you can cover up skin imperfections and precisely get into the eye area to cover up dark circles. A little bit of the product does go a fairly long way, and it seems to have caused no sort of irritation on my sensitive skin – so that’s another plus!
REVLON PhotoReady Concealer
REVLON PhotoReady Concealer is another cream concealer that’s got great coverage and a seamless finish that would rival many other high-end products. It’s really great at concealing imperfections, dark circles, and blemishes, providing a flawless complexion that looks natural both in person and in photos.
Like the rest of the products in the PhotoReady range, this product really blends out effortlessly to give an airbrushed appearance and it’s got a lovely long-lasting formula that will keep everything in place all day – even if you have oily skin.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Correcting Gel Stick Concealer
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Correcting Gel Stick Concealer will probably become your favorite concealer if you’re attached to liquid concealers but like the ease of a stick concealer.
It has a creamy texture and medium coverage like you’d expect from a stick concealer but, because it’s a gel-stick hybrid that contains all the hydrating ingredients to stop dry skin from looking too cakey. Despite it being a matte formula it still gives a natural finish and blends in perfectly.
I think that it has amazing coverage, no wonder it’s beauty editor approved – it’s also got a pretty good shade range!
NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer Stick
Can you tell there’s a theme of stick concealers that also have lots of hydrating ingredients? The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer Stick is another natural concealer stick that will be the right concealer for you if you have dryer skin.
You only need a small amount of concealer to achieve a good level of coverage for any skin problem you want to cover up. It’s a good idea to use a brush or your fingers to blend in the product rather than applying it straight to your skin.
COVERGIRL Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick
Finally, we’ve got the Covergirl Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick. Don’t let the lipstick-style packaging fool you, there’s a good reason why this concealer has made the list.
It’s got full coverage, perfect for covering up blemishes, and has a sweat-resistant formula which means it’s going to last all day long. I see this as more of the product that you bring with you for touch-ups throughout the day rather than what I’m applying first thing in the morning.
