Beauty: Vanishing act - the art of concealer

Concealer is like calling in the heavy artillery.

Barely-there foundation is all very well for certain parts of the face but all-out cover is essential for most of us under the eyes right into the corners. Then, it's your call where else you need it. It can make you look like you've actually been to bed by making dark circles vanish, and freshen your overall look.

A brush is vital to gently pat it under the eyes and take it into the corners where it's usually darkest. The trick is to blend it well without wiping it off, and that's tricky with your fingers. Use it properly and it'll do more for you than your favourite lipstick.

1. Napoleon China Doll Concealer
$50 for 17.5ml

For any unwanted blemishes, this water-resistant number will come in handy over summer. Vitamins A, C and E act as antioxidants and help protect against the environment. Not quite sure about the iridescent touch though.

* From Napoleon Vulcan Lane and selected Farmers stores.

2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
$17.95 for 11ml

Yes please to some of that age rewinding. As well as concealing dark circles and brightening tired eyes, the caffeine and silk ingredients instantly lift the under-eye area for a perky, youthful look.

* From selected department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and variety stores.

3. M.A.C Studio Touch-Up Stick
$38 for 1.6g

This pencil can be used for the morning makeup routine but it really comes into its own as a portable concealer that can be pulled out of the bag at the first sign of wear and tear. It gives medium coverage you can build on with a matt finish. Best of all, it stays put, and there are plenty of colour choices.

* From Smith & Caughey's Newmarket and M.A.C Chancery.

4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer SPF10
$48 for 7ml

Double Wear concealer lasts 15 hours - long enough to work and have a bit of a night out with just one application. That's 15 hours of camouflage for under the eyes and blemishes, with transfer-resistant concealer that stays in place. It even moisturises the eye area, feeding antioxidants and conditioning ingredients to the skin. However, it won't be available for a few weeks.

From selected department stores and pharmacies from September 4.

5. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer
$44 for 11ml

As a fan of liquid concealers because they're easiest to blend, this was always going to impress. It has a long-wearing, moisturising formula that is not supposed to crease or settle into fine lines.

* From selected department stores and pharmacies.