It’s time for me to come clean. For years, I have spent my days writing about countless beauty products, from cleansers and moisturisers to mascaras and shampoos. And within my reviews, I am sure you will find many an occasion in which I refer to any particular product as my favourite/most-used/most-loved of the moment. And the truth is, if the product isn’t a concealer, those statements can’t be totally factual. You see, concealer is my absolute ride-or-die beauty product. I use it every single day without fail, and I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without one in my bag.
While I’m not a big makeup kind of girl, a few dabs of concealer on any spots and smooshed into my under-eye area to disguise dark circles is all it takes for me to feel pulled-together. However, because I put so much importance on my concealer, I’m very particular about the ones I like. They need to be full-coverage and matte (my oily skin means anything dewy just slides right off) but easily blendable and undetectable. They need to melt into my skin seamlessly, leaving behind no signs of creasing or dryness. And most importantly, they need to be brightening. Cue Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo (£28).
Before applying concealer.
Before this double-ended wand of brilliance came my way, Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer (£24) had been my go-to for years. In fact, I have been so attached to that concealer that I haven’t really felt a need to try anything different. However, in recent months (thanks to cold weather and actually leaving the house), I have noticed that my skin is turning a little drier and have been in the market for something a teensy bit creamier. On top of that, my breakouts and scarring have gotten out of control, leaving me with red blotches all over my chin. And while I have always loved my pot of Nars, the super-matte formula hasn’t been doing me any favours.
In my quest to find a new concealer for the season ahead, I stumbled across the new Secret Camouflage Duo from Laura Mercier. I had heard that the original Secret Camouflage (which comes in a compact) is loved by makeup artists far and wide thanks to its full coverage and easy blendability. However, because I’m the sort of person who throws my concealer into my handbag and reapplies it all day, the bulkiness of the compact never appealed to me. But this new addition comes in a handy wind-up stick with a corrector on one end, perfect for covering up blemishes and redness, and a brightener on the other, suited wonderfully for dark circles. So I thought I’d give it a whirl.
After applying Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo.
At first, I was surprised by the formula. I was expecting it to be creamy and have a melt-into-the-skin texture, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This stuff is high-octane. It’s matte and seriously full-coverage and transforms into a putty-like consistency once it has been scribbled on. Once applied and blended with fingers, it almost merges with the skin and acts as, believe it or not, a sort of camouflage. And while the results are matte and long-lasting, it doesn’t seem to cling to areas of dryness like so many others do. Instead, it creates a very convincing second-skin finish.
So without really having to look for it, I seem to have stumbled across a concealer that’s really quite extraordinary. Thanks to this little guy, I’m planning to spend the rest of the year looking fresh-faced and enviably bright-eyed, even when I’m not feeling it.
Shop More Laura Mercier Products
For days when you want a natural-looking glow but don’t want a full-on base, this tinted moisturiser strikes the perfect balance.
The ultimate lazy-girl product, these eye shadow sticks can just be scribbled onto lids and smudged in with fingers.
If you’re not a fan of the heaviness of setting powders but want a way to manage your shine, this cult product is worth looking into.
A touch of blush is all you need to brighten up the whole face, and this pretty pink is the ultimate spring-ready shade.
Like a dewy finish to your concealer? This stuff blends like a dream and carries some impressive coverage.
For days when skin is looking a little drab, a thin layer of this all over leaves skin glowing.
If you ask me, this is one of the best bronzers out there for a natural-looking, sun-kissed finish.
Thanks to the fine nature of this lipstick, it makes for the perfect all-in-one liner and lippie.
Try not to cry at the price. This stuff smells like actual heaven and leaves limbs silky-soft.
Next up, the one product dermatologists wish everyone would start using right now.
-
I'm Done Gatekeeping—This Little-Known Foundation Is My Secret to Flawless SkinI've been using it for over three years.
-
Celebrating South Asian Beauty and Inclusivity Is at the Heart of This BrandKulfi Beauty deserves all the hype.
-
We Asked, Experts Answered—7 Ways to Level Up Your Makeup Game With GlassesTake a look.
-
Out of All the Makeup Brands Editors Have Access to, We Use These 8 the MostThey're too good.
-
Makeup Artists Say This Concealer Presses the Delete Button on Dark CirclesJust a quick swipe away.
-
I Have Dark Under-Eye Circles—These Are the Only 11 Concealers That Work for MeAnd I've got proof.
-
5 Makeup Tips to Know About If You're Trying to Disguise Tired EyesSimple but effective.
-
Hot Tip: Makeup Artists Say This Is the Best Concealer If You Want More CoverageIt does the most with minimal effort.
