I'm Ending My Relationship with My Foundation for This More Naturally Appearing One-Step Alternative.

      At times, I feel that working as a beauty editor is akin to adopting an alter ego after the school run. While I am irresistibly drawn to products—such as a lavish new moisturizer or a shimmering lip gloss—I find that I actually engage with very few of them in my everyday life. During work hours at my laptop, writing, researching trends, and testing for beauty awards, my desk is cluttered with top perfumes, advanced serums, and innovative skincare tools. However, outside of work, my beauty routine competes for attention amid packing school bags, organizing an incessant influx of toys, and addressing questions about how the world began at 6 a.m. (I welcome answers on a postcard.) The reality is that with two young children, the luxury of taking the time to apply a complete makeup look without interruption has vanished. And I know I'm not the only one in this situation. Almost everyone I know from various professions has been adopting a more minimalist approach to beauty in recent years. Yet here's my truth: although my simplified makeup routine stems from necessity, I never quite feel genuinely polished when I walk out the door with just my natural skin. As someone who frequently battles acne breakouts, when my skin is particularly troubled, I yearn for the coverage that a full foundation can provide. Thankfully, there is a solution—the “foundcealer.”

      What Is a Foundcealer?

      “Whether you’re short on time or simply want to streamline your routine, discovering a concealer that also serves as a foundation can be transformative,” explains celebrity makeup artist Tania Grier. In essence, a foundcealer is a multifunctional concealer that allows you to apply coverage precisely where needed, rather than covering your entire face with foundation. For me, it’s mainly for blemishes and dark circles, while for you it might target areas of redness or hyperpigmentation. Leaving some skin exposed can create the illusion of fresh, bright, and even skin while softly blurring any imperfections you might like to minimize. Moreover, it is quick to apply and helps reduce the number of items in your makeup bag, allowing you to eliminate foundation entirely.

      How We Selected

      I personally tested all of the foundcealers on this list, evaluating them based on their coverage (in my case, hiding a significant stress-related breakout and dark circles from sleepless nights), comfort on the skin, versatility on various facial areas, and the diversity of skin tones available. I also consulted makeup artist Tania Grier for her expert choice and reached out to my beauty editor colleagues for their suggestions as well.

      The Best Foundcealers

      **Best Overall:** Merit Beauty The Minimalist (£34)

      **Best for a Natural Finish:** Erborian Super BB Concealer (£27)

      **Best Multitasker:** L'Oréal Paris Skin Ink Foundcealer (£15)

      **Best for Brightening:** Rimmel Multi-Tasker Wake Me Up Concealer & Foundation (£13)

      **Best for Customisable Coverage:** TirTir Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer (£13)

      1. **Merit The Minimalist**

       If time is of the essence in your makeup routine, then Merit Beauty is definitely the way to go, and their complexion stick has become a staple in my emergency handbag. From the very beginning, this foundcealer was designed to replace traditional foundation by allowing precise application where needed on the face. It works well for blemishes and under the eyes—simply dab it on and blend with your fingertips. (Though I admit I have a fondness for the Merit Blending Brush as well.) The finish is natural, so it won’t completely conceal angry spots, but it minimizes redness and softens skin discoloration, making me feel instantly more put-together.

       **Pros:** Easy precision application, buildable coverage, natural finish

       **Cons:** Dry skin types may need to prep with a rich moisturizer or oil beforehand

      2. **Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer**

       When I'm particularly fatigued in the mornings and need a reliable all-rounder, Nars’ concealer checks all the boxes (no wonder it's the #1 concealer in the UK). With a multi-active botanical blend, it has a rich texture that easily covers everything from redness to dark circles, providing medium to full coverage without appearing cakey. I would gladly use it all over my face for its naturally glowy finish.

       **Pros:** Medium to full coverage, extensive shade range, fresh and radiant finish

       **Cons:** Can appear a bit cakey on active breakouts

      3. **Erborian Super BB Concealer**

       Though marketed as a 'BB Concealer', this product offers impressive coverage without looking heavy on the skin. It has a lovely serum-like consistency, enriched with brightening niacinamide and ginseng, making it feel more like skincare, which d