Brightening concealer

Getting your 8 hours of sleep isn’t always easy, but with a little extra help, nobody has to know. A good brightening concealer can lift, lighten and refresh your under-eye area, as well as illuminate the rest of your complexion, in seconds. In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the best brightening concealer, how to apply it like a pro, and how to unlock that fresh, wide-awake glow every day of the week.

What exactly is a brightening (or illuminating) concealer?

Brightening concealers are specially formulated to reflect light and add radiance to your skin. Unlike standard concealers that are mainly designed to cover blemishes or imperfections, brightening versions are packed with light-diffusing pigments that counteract shadows and bring life back into dull or tired-looking areas.

There are two main types of brightening concealers to explore – one that works wonders under the eyes, and another that’s perfect for adding highlight and dimension to the rest of your face.

Eye brightening concealer

Working as an under-eye brightening corrector, it’s ideal for cancelling out dark circles and dullness under the eyes. The best brightening under-eye concealer should be lightweight and offer buildable coverage that won’t settle into fine lines. Bonus points if it contains skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or caffeine to help depuff and hydrate while you wear it.

Highlighting concealer

Working like the best concealer and highlighter in one, it adds dimension and glow where the light naturally hits. Go one shade lighter than your skin tone, with a radiant (but not sparkly) finish. A pen-style applicator or precise wand can help with targeted application. The best concealers for highlighting blend seamlessly and leave your skin looking luminous.

How to apply brightening concealer

Getting that bright, lifted look is all about how you apply your concealers.

• Under the eyes: Start with a well-moisturised eye area. Dot your illuminating under-eye concealer in the inner corners and just below the outer third of your eyes – two dots are often enough. Blend upwards using your fingertip or a damp sponge for a second-skin finish.
• To highlight: Apply a small amount of the concealer to the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the centre of your forehead, the brow bone, and just above the cupid’s bow. Gently tap and blend with your fingers, a brush, or a damp sponge.
• Finish off: After you’ve finished the rest of your make-up, set everything with a light layer of face powder to make it last.

Explore Notino’s range of brightening concealers and make every makeup moment a feel-good one.