Beauty: Go in disguise

Concealers: Yves Saint Laurent, Clarins, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Face. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Concealer is one of those desert island items. Get the right one and, like a master of camouflage, it really will conceal those imperfections such as fine lines and fatigue. No one need ever know the ugly truth about those dark under-eye circles and broken capillaries.

Clarins Instant Light Perfecting Touch
$70 for 2ml

Another of the ever-popular complexion-perfecting pens. This works by brightening dark areas, fine lines and signs of fatigue, so the skin is left looking radiant. Portable and ready to whip into action any time.

From selected department stores, pharmacies and beauty therapists.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
$69 for 2.5ml

The original illuminating golden pen that acts as a concealer, corrector and skin embellisher. When it came out 12 years ago it was an instant hit because it can lighten dark zones anywhere you need it and helps skin look more radiant by reflecting light so that wrinkles and flaws are blurred. Now comes in three shades. It's probably won more awards than Clint Eastwood and all are deserved. As good as the day it was invented.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer To Go
$36 for the compact.

American makeup artist Bobbi Brown is a devout believer in concealer and says: "Concealer can change your life." This little kit is for touch-ups on the run, because you must practise good concealer habits all day long. Top left is a light bisque corrector for very dark circles, bottom left the skin-tone-correct sand creamy concealer and, right, a pale yellow sheer finish pressed powder to make the concealer stay put. A gem.

From Smith & Caughey's Queen St. 

Chanel Corrective Concealer Stick SPF15
$59 for 1.5g

This stick concealer comes with light-reflecting pigments to optically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and spots. As well, it has skin-friendly things such as jojoba oil and ginkgo biloba to nourish and stimulate skin. Glides on easily but gives a matt finish. And an SPF is always appreciated.

From selected department stores and pharmacies.

Face Stockholm Magic Wand
$58 for 3.5g

When Gun Nowak couldn't find the right makeup colour anywhere she came up with her own and opened her first Face Stockholm Store in 1980. At last the boutique skincare and makeup line is available here. This liquid concealer in a cool silver pen is ideal for when you want light, sheer coverage over dark circles, blemishes and any discoloration.

To order ph (03) 379 8398.

GET THE LOOK

To be your own best illusionist and make anything that's not perfect about your face disappear, you need to spend time concealing.

1. Although concealer should be lighter than your skin tone it should still be in the same colour family. A pink-based one will do you no favours if, like most people, you have a yellow-toned complexion.

2. A fluid concealer pen is generally best at reflecting light to make skin look more radiant and conceal minor imperfections. And because it tends not to settle into lines and wrinkles, it's good for mature skin.

3. Cream concealer is like heavy artillery - it does a no-holds-barred job of concealing. But avoid using it near wrinkles because it will settle there and draw attention to them.

4. The most obvious place to use it is under the eye. Use a concealer brush right up to the lashes and in the inner corner, avoiding the eyelid. Then, says Bobbi Brown, use your fingers and gently press. The idea is not to rub away the concealer.

5. Before, after or instead of foundation? It used to be used before. Some makeup artists use it instead of foundation in a certain area. Now, it's commonly used after foundation. Ultimately, it's your call. Whatever works best for you.