Budget Beauty: Seven concealers under P500 for your every skin issue
When I first started doing my own makeup, I thought that all good concealers were expensive and far beyond the means of my student budget. Even now, I have to content myself with reading about the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer, MAC Pro Longwear concealer, YSL Touché Eclat Radiance pen concealer, and the Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape concealer. I'm sure those are all amazing and I'd love to add them to my collection someday, but right now, my needs require me to use concealer almost all the time and it would be impractical for me to splurge on something I use every day.
I have some blemishes and scars from acne, and I get dark under eye circles when I'm sleep-deprived. Using concealer daily means I need to replenish my stock regularly so I'd rather stick to products that won't burn a hole in my pocket with every purchase. Luckily, being on the PV team has introduced me to concealers that are affordable yet so good, I sometimes don't believe I'm seeing the price correctly. If you're not ready to splurge on a pricey concealer, check out these amazing budget options instead!
Got pimples? Choose a formula that's full-coverage and budge-proof:
Ellana Concealer and Foundation (P499 at Ellanacosmetics.com)
This powder is amazing. It offers full coverage to hide even the darkest, reddest blemishes and sticks so well even on oily skin! Since it's mineral, it's great for soothing sensitive, troubled skin as well. You need to use a primer for maximum opacity and staying power, but it's still a fantastic formula. It's a bit too heavy for use all over the face so I recommend using only a small amount of powder for spot concealing.
Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret (P349 at SM Beauty)
This is a full-coverage concealer that can cover up your pesky pimples and stay on the whole day. The thick formula may seem difficult to use because it doesn't spread or blend easily, and this is precisely why it's best for spot concealing. Pick up a tiny amount, put it right on the spot, and it will set like cement!
Haven't gotten forty winks? A hydrating formula is your BFF:
Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret with Applicator (P349 at SM Beauty)
Compared to the first formulation, this concealer has a light, creamy consistency that makes it easier to use on dark undereye circles and eyebags. The yellow tone helps to brightens the area and while it creases a bit after a few hours, lightly patting it will blend it back in place.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles (P399 at department stores)
This concealer has a cult following abroad, and for good reason! It's lightweight with medium coverage that is buildable. The sponge applicator makes it easier to blend, especially for those on-the-go. Now that it's available in local Maybelline counters, you can easily swatch it first to see if it will work for you.
Catrice Camouflage Cream (P329 at Watsons)
If you have the darkest under eye circles ever, this one is for you. This is our weapon of choice when we spend nights working on projects, crying over heartbreaks, and binge-watching our favorite dramas. It has full, heavy coverage and it doesn't budge. It is creamy and it easily melts on the skin. It can, however, get cakey when layered on so just get a dab or two with a brush and apply it lightly so you can adjust accordingly.
Need a glow that doesn't involve shimmer? This concealer brightens!
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (P199 at department stores)
The Fit Me concealer is so creamy, lightweight, and blendable. Some people even consider this a dupe for the NARS Radiant concealer. It has medium coverage that can be used on both under eye circles and light blemishes. I find that it gives a subtle glow when applied on the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones - just blend it out to diffuse the pigments! On me, it stays on the whole day but note that I'm not very active and my face does not get too oily.
Looking for your holy grail? I've found mine!
The SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer (P320 at Althea Korea)
I grabbed this when I had a layover in Korea because of fellow PV writer Kim's rave recommendation. Swatching it on my hand for the very first time, I was shookt. It was SO GOOD. It’s so creamy, has full coverage, and the shade was just perfect for my skin tone. It stays on the whole day, and it doesn’t crease... ever! It is the best concealer I've tried considering its price.
The only downside is that there are just three shades available. I got 02 Rich Beige, the darkest one available, which suited my NC35-37 skin. If you run a bit darker than that, this may not work for you.
Have you tried any of the concealers on this list? How did it work for you? I'm always interested in hearing about awesome budget concealers so if you know of any to rave about, do share in the comments below!
