Concealer

Various types of concealer, matched to skin tone.

A concealer or colour corrector is a type of makeup used to mask pimples, dark circles and other small blemishes visible on the skin. Concealers usually do a good job of hiding blemishes by blending the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone. This product is mainly used by women, but use among men is increasing.

Both concealer and foundation are typically used to make skin appear more uniform in color. These two types of cosmetics differ in that concealers tend to be more heavily pigmented, though they are available in a wide range of opacity. Also, foundation is usually applied to larger areas. The first commercially available concealer was Max Factor's erace, launched in 1938. Concealer can be used alone or in conjunction with foundations.

Concealer is available in a variety of shades, from lightest to deepest. Some colors are intended to look like a natural skin tone, while others are meant to contrast with a particular type of blemish. White can be used to blur dark circles or bruising, and to brighten dull skin. Green and blue can counteract red patches on the skin, such as those caused by pimples, broken veins, or rosacea. A purple-tinted concealer can make shallow complexions look brighter. Colored concealers such as these are usually applied sparingly beneath a concealer or foundation that matches the wearer's skin tone. Skin-toned concealers are not only the most common type, but are often sufficient on their own at hiding or blurring imperfections.