I'm choosing to part ways with my foundation in favor of this more natural-looking one-step solution.

      Sometimes, I feel that working as a beauty editor is like adopting an alter ego after the school drop-off. While I find it hard to resist the temptation of a luxurious new moisturizer or shiny lip gloss, I actually engage with very few products in my everyday life. When I’m at my desk, writing about trends and testing for beauty awards, my workspace is cluttered with top perfumes, high-tech serums, and innovative skincare tools. However, outside of my working hours, my beauty routine struggles to fit in among the chaos of packing school bags, organizing an unending sea of toys, and fielding questions about the origins of the universe at 6 am. (Answers on a postcard, please.) The reality is that with two young children, the luxury of uninterrupted time for applying makeup has vanished. I know I’m not alone in this. Almost everyone I know, regardless of their background, has been gravitating towards a more simplified beauty routine in recent years. Yet, for me, even though I've streamlined my makeup process out of necessity, I don’t feel completely polished stepping out with just my natural skin. As someone who frequently battles acne breakouts, when my skin is particularly troublesome, I yearn for the flawless finish that full foundation used to provide. But there’s a solution: the “foundcealer.”

      What Is a Foundcealer?

      “Whether you’re short on time or looking to simplify your routine, finding a concealer that also acts as a base can be revolutionary,” says celebrity makeup artist Tania Grier. In essence, a foundcealer is a multifunctional concealer that provides targeted coverage where you need it instead of applying foundation all over your face. For me, that’s addressing blemishes and dark circles, while for you, it may mean tackling areas of redness or hyperpigmentation. By leaving some parts of your skin bare, you create an illusion of fresh, bright, and even skin, while blurring out areas you’d prefer to minimize. Even better, it's quick to apply and can eliminate the need for an entire foundation, thus streamlining your makeup bag.

      How We Chose

      I tested all the foundcealers on this list, evaluating them based on their coverage (I specifically assessed how well they handled a significant stress-related breakout and dark circles from consecutive nights of poor sleep), their comfort on the skin, versatility on different face areas, and shade variety. I also sought expert advice from makeup artist Tania Grier and consulted my network of beauty editor friends for their suggestions.

      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 Customizable Coverage: TirTir Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer (£13)

      1. Merit The Minimalist

      If quick application is essential in your makeup routine, Merit Beauty is the way to go, with their complexion stick serving as a must-have item. This foundcealer was specifically designed to challenge traditional foundation, allowing for easy application just where it's needed. It works wonders on blemishes and under-eye areas—just dab and blend with your fingertips (though I must admit, I have a soft spot for the Merit Blending Brush as well). The finish is natural; it won’t fully mask angry spots, but it reduces redness and softens discoloration, leaving me feeling more polished.

      Pros:

      - Easy to apply with precision

      - Buildable coverage

      - Natural finish

      Cons:

      - Those with dry skin may need to prep with a rich moisturizer or oil first.

      2. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

      When I wake up looking particularly tired, this versatile concealer from Nars meets all my needs (no wonder it’s the #1 concealer in the UK). Infused with a multi-active botanical blend, it has a rich texture that smoothly covers redness and dark circles while providing medium to full coverage without appearing cakey. I would happily use it all over my face for a fresh, radiant look.

      Pros:

      - Medium to full coverage

      - Wide range of shades

      - Fresh, luminous finish

      Cons:

      - Can become cakey on active breakouts.

      3. Erborian Super BB Concealer

      Despite its name, this 'BB Concealer' offers impressive coverage while remaining undetectable on the skin. Its serum-like texture, infused with niacinamide and ginseng, feels akin to skincare, making it ideal for drier skin types. Its creaminess helps to smooth uneven textures and tone down persistent blemishes without making it look like a makeup mask, resulting in naturally brighter and more even skin.

      Pros:

      - Lightweight texture

      - Smoothing