Generally, I don’t think I ask much from my cosmetics – simply erase all signs of age, time and fatigue.

Easy peasey, right?

In reality, if I can look like I didn’t spend the night covered in small children who treat nighttime as an MMA championship, I will consider going outside. One product I won’t leave the house without is concealer.

The right product can make you look refreshed and rested. Not “Before Kids” rested, but definitely “hit the snooze button” rested.

Trust me when I say that I have tried every product on the market; high-end, low-end, pan, wand, brush, cream, stick and everything in between. I based my selections on the following criteria:

Coverage – Since I haven’t found a concealer that mimics the effects of a paper bag over my head, I look for concealers that cover what they’re supposed to (dark circles, sun spots and those adorable laugh lines) and endure throughout the day. If makeup doesn’t last past my first coffee or my toddler whipping a toilet brush at my face, you don’t get my money.

Skin tone – My skin has an interesting hue, the result of Middle Eastern/Eastern European heritage. I need a concealer with yellow undertones. As a result, I’ve never been able to use most drugstore brands. Most of them have a pink/peach payoff that looks, at best, mismatched and at worst, completely cray.

Make-Up Atelier Fluid Concealer: Oh, how do I love thee. Makeup artists and beauty insiders can’t get enough of this concealer. The pros favour its performance and shade range, and everyone loves that it’s cruelty-free. The texture is light and silky but not thin. Blends seamlessly into skin and is perfect for every day use.
($18, beautylish.com)

 

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes: When I first went looking for this at Shoppers Drug Mart my shade was sold out. When I went online, it was also sold out. This isn’t a coincidence or a failure to order enough inventory – they just can’t keep them in stock. This product is a game-changer for tired eyes – a concealer with an added BB component means that imperfections are concealed and the eyes actually look brighter and less droopy. It could only be more perfect if it were available in a bra. ($29, beautyBOUTIQUE.ca)

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick: Full disclosure: my very first concealer was a Max Factor foundation stick. After Max Factor was purchased by Procter & Gamble, I couldn’t find it anywhere. I had no suitable replacement until I found Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick. Don’t let the title fool you – it’s so creamy and blendable that it has become my favourite go-to concealer. The thicker consistency offers medium to full coverage without feeling greasy or heavy. And talk about longevity; I can endure a full day of parenting/working/feeling like a failure/cooking/cleaning/nursing/ordering in/watching four straight hours of Caillou/drinking wine in my closet.
($55, bobbibrowncosmetics.ca)

 

When all else fails, remember that a huge pair of sunglasses and an even bigger coffee will work just fine.