Concealer was one of the first beauty products that I ever bought. I was desperate to cover my persistent dark circles and those pesky blemishes that kept cropping up. At the time I didn't realise there were different formulas, each suited to a different problem and each working in a different way to solve it. I used the same hard, lipstick-esque bullet all over my face not realising that it was never going to cut it. Several years, and even more concealers, later I've discovered a fair few that I can rely on to correct and perfect my skin, leaving me feeling that bit more confident. The number of consistencies can be overwhelming and leave you feeling as though none of them are actually right for you but when you crack what needs to go where and how you can use each of them differently everything becomes that bit easier. For Dark Circles: The Urban Decay Naked Concealer

Dark circles are my number one problem. No matter what I try they are always there, I have just come to accept that and try to reduce them where possible. The Urban Decay Naked Concealer has an excellent level of coverage and pigmentation meaning the tiniest bit goes a long way, especially as it's so easy to blend out. As a result it is easy to go overboard and if you put on too much it can crease a little, but that's to be expected if you are over-applying any product. Get the right amount and this is a dream under the eyes. It's light so doesn't sit in fine lines and gives a nice radiance to the skin without being too much. The shade Light Warm works perfectly under my eyes with a yellow undertone that helps to counter the dark purple veins. If you were just looking for the 1 concealer then this also doubles up well for blemishes.

Available in 8 shades for £17.50

For Radiance: The YSL Touche Eclat

Not strictly a concealer, this is often used as a concealer but has very little coverage. If however you're just looking for a way to lighten the under-eye area and add some brightness into your complexion this is perfect. It gives a very subtle hint of riddance to the skin, personally I like to take this in a V shape under my eye after I've applied the Naked Concealer to add in a little more brightness. Shade 2 is a good match for me with a a warmer undertone to it. This is also nice along the top of the cheekbones, brow bones and along the cupid's bow to add a little more definition.

Available in 11 shades for £22.50

For Blemishes: The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

As far as affordable concealers go you can't go far wrong with this one. The texture is similar to that of the Naked Concealer but not quite as fluid. It blends out beautifully and covers blemishes well. It has a high coverage but doesn't look cakey and blends well into other base products so you can achieve a brilliant flawless finish. Personally I find this a little too heavy for under the eyes and the shades are quite right on me for a brightening effect but when it comes to blemishes this is my go to.

Available in 4 shades for £5.59

I finally feel as though I have cracked my concealer combination and I had a routine that works for me. No matter what your skin complaint is there is a concealer out there that will work for your and whatever your problem is. This edited down collection work well for me and hopefully the suggestions will help you next time you head out to find something to brighten your dark circles or cover the re-occuring 'friend' that keeps appearing on your left cheek...

What are your favourite concealers?