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A Concealer Brush Is The Game-Changing Tool That Allows You Apply Crease-Free Concealer Every Time

By Katrina Mitzeliotis Lanza

Published on Feb 16, 2021

Image of a woman using a makeup brush to apply product under her eye Mobile

Image of a woman using a makeup brush to apply product under her eye Desktop

When it comes to staple makeup products, concealer is the unsung hero in your collection. After all, concealer is usually the first product you turn to when you discover a new pimple or need to fake a good night’s sleep. But while concealer can create a flawless finish, if you attempt to apply it without the right tools, chances are you won’t be able to maximize its full potential. Just like an artist in front of a canvas, the right brushes are needed to create a masterpiece.

Even if you’re used to reaching for your bronzer brush for contouring or your eyeliner brush to apply pigment at the lash line, when it comes to concealer, we so often rely on our fingers to dab, buff, and blend. And while it’s true that our fingers can be foolproof tools, the easiest way to ensure your concealer doesn’t crease or streak is to use a brush instead. “One of the main benefits of applying concealer with a brush is controlled coverage,” says Dani Schmidt, a SIGMA BEAUTY global makeup artist.

Of all the tools in your brush set, a concealer brush will allow you to cover blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections with ease. “If you're concealing your undereye area or a blemish, product placement is key,” says Schmidt. Using a brush allows you control over where the product goes and gives you the ability to blend and build upon your coverage with a simple buffing or stippling motion. “Use a light hand, press the product in, and gently buff for a seamless finish,” says Schmidt.

Another benefit to using brushes? Not only can the right brush polish off your makeup, but it also keeps acne at bay. “When you use a brush to apply product, you’re not spreading any bacteria directly from your fingers which can make blemishes worse,” says Schmidt.

Ready to pick up a brush and give your fingers a rest? Whether you want to cover dark circles or pimples, read on for our favorite brushes for every skin type.

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Dani Schmidt is the global makeup artist for Sigma Beauty.

1. Best for mature eyes:

SIGMA BEAUTY 4DHD™ Precision Brush

As we age, it seems like the concealer we apply to our eye area always finds a way to crease and cake, especially around the delicate skin under our eyes. We feel your pain—a creasing concealer can sometimes make you wonder whether you should bother reaching for concealer at all. But before you give up on this essential makeup product, add this pro brush to your makeup routine and watch as it effortlessly blends and smooths creases away. The pyramid-shaped kabuki brush is crafted with synthetic, antimicrobial bristles that protect the skin as the product glides right on. “You can really get detailed with the point, and press in the product with the sides of the brush,” says Schmidt.

2. Best on-the-go concealer brush:

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Brush 18 - Precise Conceal Brush

If you need a makeup brush that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, this compact precision brush will make applying undereye concealer and eyeshadow a breeze with its flat dome shape that easily reaches delicate areas of the face. This design conveniently fits in a small purse or makeup case, and since it can also be used to apply your cream contour and highlight products, it’s a travel-bag must-have in our books.

3. Best for applying powder concealer:

ARTÍS Elite Oval 3 Brush

The head of this multitasking brush is about the size of your pinky fingernail, which makes it perfect for covering hard-to-reach places. Use it to apply everything from concealer to lip color to eyeshadow; the bristles work well with liquid, powder, and cream formulas alike. The patented shape allows you to achieve a professional look even if you don’t have access to a makeup artist—so yes, if you’re wondering, achieving your perfect nose contour will finally be possible.

4. Best for buffing:

M·A·C 270 Synthetic Mini Rounded Slant Brush

The round, slightly domed, mini slanted brush head is made with densely packed synthetic hairs that make buffing out cream and liquid concealers a breeze. A few quick pats and gentle blends later, and you’ll be left with a smooth finish that won’t budge throughout the day.

5. Best cruelty-free option:

TARTE COSMETICS Creaseless Concealer Brush

Tired of seeing your concealer crease and crack? Put those days in the past with a luxurious blending brush that also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free. The oval paddle brush creates an airbrushed finish that blends and buffs to perfection, so you look flawless from all angles (even for your close-up!).

6. Best for concealing dark circles:

SURRATT BEAUTY Artistique Concealer Brush Grande

Sometimes a light swipe of concealer isn’t enough for all the baggage we carry under our eyes, but thankfully, this densely packed brush manages to make it easy to fake a well-rested, bright-eyed look. The bristles quickly cover up dark circles and discoloration, allowing you to achieve a natural “I woke up like this” look. If there were a magic eraser for your undereyes, this brush would be it.

7. Best multitasker:

IT COSMETICS Airbrush Dual-Ended Flawless Complexion Concealer & Foundation Brush

Applying concealer? Swiping on foundation? Get you a brush that can do both. This dual-ended concealer and foundation brush is the type of multitasking beauty twofer that makes makeup application a breeze. The smaller side of the precision-cut brush is perfect for concealing hard-to-reach places (like around the nose and under the eyes), while the fluffy end flawlessly applies foundation to larger areas for a natural, airbrushed complexion.

8. Best for beginners:

FENTY BEAUTY Precision Concealer Brush 180

If you’re used to applying your concealer with your ring finger and aren’t sure how to use a concealer brush, this easy-to-use tool will transform the way you conceal and cover. The precise, softly angled pointed tip is flexible enough to cover every tight space on your face, from the inner corners of your eyes to the angled areas around your nose. Applying and blending your liquid, cream, or powder products has never been so effortless.

9. Best for covering up pimples:

COVER FX Concealer Brush

If you have oily skin and struggle with getting your makeup to stay put without sliding down your face, reach for this dense concealer brush that tackles your blemish-covering needs with targeted product application. You’ll be able to build coverage as needed without worrying about your makeup lifting and shifting as you cover dark circles, zits, and any other areas of concern.

10. Best for touch-ups:

ILLAMASQUA Round Concealer Brush

This oh-so soft fluffy concealer brush seamlessly brightens and corrects skin tone. If you’re wearing foundation, you can use it to blend your concealer over your base. If you’re opting for a no-makeup makeup look instead, you can use it to blend your concealer over bare skin for a natural finish. Either way, this brush is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups whenever you need to cover up imperfections.

11. Best for applying cream concealer:

LAURA MERCIER Secret Camouflage Brush

If we could, we’d rock that airbrushed look every day—and with this brush, it’s possible. The flat top allows you to blend and dab cream concealer flawlessly as the synthetic bristles glide over your complexion, concealing blemishes, discoloration, and shadows, creating a full-coverage finish that looks better than your fave IG filter.

12. Best for a streak-free application:

LUXIE 733 Airbrush Concealer Brush

Made with high quality vegan, cruelty-free synthetic fibers, the soft bristles of this flat concealer brush smooth over your complexion to cover imperfections without leaving streaks or creases behind. You’ll be photo-ready, flawless, and feelin’ yourself.

13. Best for blending:

NARS #11 Soft Matte Concealer Brush

This all-in-one complexion brush can be used to apply, layer, and blend makeup in a precise line due to its high-quality synthetic fibers. These bristles allow you to achieve medium-to-full coverage with a seamless matte finish—the perfect way to sharpen your eye makeup.

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