Are These Super Popular Concealers Wearable on Fair Skin?
Ever since I started playing with makeup, one of the most aggravating problems I have had is finding a concealer that is actually light enough for my fair skin. A few years ago, concealer options were not as plentiful as they are now, and the shade ranges to the existing concealers were quite limited. However, more recently, companies have been taking greater measures to provide more inclusive shade ranges to accommodate more than five tones. Does that mean that concealers always go light enough for pale people? No, which is depressing.
Since I am always on the hunt for the next best concealer that works with my fair skin, I thought I would take out my concealer collection to see just how super popular concealers measure up when it comes to their shade. If you are a pale princess (or prince) like me, I hope you find this helpful!
Disclosure 1 : Some of the links below are affiliate links meaning that at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Disclaimer : These are all of the lightest shades in each collection and I have a Sephora Color IQ Number of 1Y01 (the lightest).
1. Tarte Shape Tape - Fair
Perhaps the most popular concealer in the entire world, Tarte Shape Tape is one that I keep reaching for hoping that I can make it work. While certainly not the darkest concealer, it is not exactly light enough to highlight my face. This concealer is essentially the same shade as my complexion, so I usually do not use it under my eyes. While I cannot use it to highlight my face, I can use it to conceal any imperfections without it being too dark and noticeable since it blends in with my skintone.
To be honest, I think it works better on blemishes than under the eye since it tends to be a bit drying (bare in mind I have dry skin, so this may work for you if your skin is more normal to oily). It has incredible coverage, and it lasts a very long time on the skin. So while it works wonders around the face, Tarte needs to come out with some lighter shades if pale people want to highlight their under-eye area.
Tarte Cosmetics Shape Tape retails for $27
2. Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer - Swan
Oh lord was this a huge disappointment. When I heard Too Faced was coming out with this concealer, I jumped for joy, but was quickly saddened when I went to go and use it and it was too dark, and very yellow. Now, I think it's very yellow and I have yellow undertones, so if you don't have those undertones, you are probably going to look like you have jaundice. What ever happened to a good ol' neutral undertone?
While I enjoy the formula of this concealer as it is super hydrating for my dry skin and provides a smooth, dewy finish, it is too dark to highlight my fair complexion. It is kinda like the same situation with the Shape Tape. I can use it around my face without it looking noticeably different from my entire complexion, but if I start drawing triangles under my eyes, boy will you notice a darkening. Too Faced just expanded their foundation shade range, so why wasn't this released to coordinate with those shades? I use the former lightest shade in Swan in the Born This Way Foundation, and while this concealer is lighter than that foundation, that foundation is already two shades too dark for me. Too Faced needs to step it up.
3. Maybelline Superstay Better Skin - 10 Ivory
While I will always support the concept of a concealer that is good for your skin, this one won't work for those with fair skin. It is way too dark to highlight the under-eye with, and it is even a little too dark to spot conceal with. If it wasn't for the shade, it does have a very nice, natural finish. I love the formula of the concealer itself, but with the lightest shade being darker than any of go-to foundations, it just isn't worth it.
However, if your skin is a bit darker than mine by a shade or two, you could definitely make this work. It is a very hydrating formula, which is perfect for dry skin or those who prefer a more dewy finish. You could try using a foundation lightener [I will be mentioning one in a bit;)] if you really enjoy the formula.
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind - Ivory + Brightener
Who else was super excited when Maybelline expanded their shade range of this concealer?!? Who else wanted to cry when their new lightest shade still wasn't light enough... Don't get me wrong, this is my favorite concealer of all time, but Maybelline's new lightest shade "Ivory" still isn't light enough.
However, the "brightener" shade is my favorite concealer of all time and it is totally fair skin approved. The swatch on my arm doesn't do it justice because it looks like it my exact skin tone, but I promise, it is lighter! Since it is a pink shade, it does brighten the under-eye area, and since this is a full coverage concealer, it covers up my darkness and makes my under-eye area look flawless for hours. I've gone through a dozen of these babies, and they aren't leaving my collection anytime soon! Plus, since it is an anti-aging product, it is hydrating and perfect for dry skin as well :)
5. Flower Beauty Light Illusion - Fair
Drew Barrymore, why do you have to do us pale people so dirty? This has to be one of the darkest "fair" concealers of all time. How is this "fair"? I won't drone on about this for very long, but all I can say is that this concealer is not workable for fair skin; not under the eye or as a spot concealer. It also oxidizes and gets darker once applied, so it gets worse. While I hear the formula is super creamy, crease proof, and smoothing, if I am going to have to use a ton of shade adjusting product to correct it, it isn't worth my time.
The Flower Beauty Light Illusion Full Coverage Concealer retails for $10
6. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD - Y21
Win win for pale people! I love this concealer for a number of reasons. Not only is it super light in color, but it is also super hydrating and leaves behind a nice dewy, and natural, finish to the skin - perfect for those with dryness. It isn't a very heavy concealer, but it is full coverage and does a wonderful job at highlighting the under-eye area. It doesn't last the longest on the face since it is more of a dewy finish, but I love how it makes me look photo-shopped. I used this concealer for my senior portraits and it looked stunning. While I wish more product came in the container, it is one of the lightest concealers on the market next to a white concealer. If you have fair skin, this concealer is for you.
7. Bh Cosmetics Total Coverage - White Corrector
As promised, here is the shade adjuster I alluded to before. While this can be added to foundations, concealers, or any cream that you need to be lightened, this concealer can be used alone. It has a nice natural matte finish, and you get a ton of product for such an affordable price. It provides pretty decent coverage, and it blends out really well. If you have super fair skin like me, or just like a super highlighted under-eye, you should really give this one a try.
The Bh Cosmetics Total Coverage Concealer retails for $6
Additional Tips + Ideas
Since some of the most popular concealers have proven to be a tad disappointing, may I point out that there are other options out there: color correctors. In the picture on the left, I have the Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Corrector in Lavander and the NYX Color Corrector in Lavander. Both are closer to a white shade, so they will help highlight your face if you have fair skin. The only issue with purple shades is that they can tend to make you look a bit dull, so I suggest you mix these with other concealers.
On the other hand, pink color correctors like the Maybelline brightener shade (top) and the Ulta color corrector (bottom) in pink are both great options to brighten and highlight the face, and they tend to look more natural than purple shades. Pink or salmon shades correct for darkness, but they also work with the natural rosy tone in your face so they offer a natural, soft highlighted look. If you have the extra cash, Urban Decay makes my all time favorite color corrector in pink. It has the creamiest, most flawless coverage, but it does come with a heftier price tag ($29). If you don't have that kind of cash, the Ulta one is only $9 and works very well!
Are there any concealers I should give a try that wasn't included on this list? I'm always trying new products out, so let me know what concealers you reach for in the comment section down below!
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Thanks for reading,
Stina :)
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