Concealer has always been a constant in my makeup bag. It’s seen me through teenage breakouts, that brief-but-committed concealer on the lips phase (IYKYK), and now it’s the one thing that makes me look like I’ve had more than six hours’ sleep. So when I got an early preview of Charlotte Tilbury’s new Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, it was always going to get a proper test run.
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While there are plenty of concealers out there, finding one that actually works and stays put all-day-long is way harder than it should be. My skin is on the drier side, which means anything too matte tends to cling and settle into my creases, while anything too sheer tends to fade before I've even left the house.
Of course, this concealer claims to do what all other concealers do - “not crease” or “cling to dry patches” - but it's the formula which really sets this one apart. Yes, it's nice to see hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene in there, but the secret to that blurring finish is thanks to the Powder Blur Technology™ - the same tech that can be found in the popular Airbush Flawless Foundation (which I also love). The result? A concealer with the ability to control oil and shine whilst providing a matte finish that brightens the eye-area and beyond.
How I tested Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer:
As a beauty writer, I’ve tested plenty of concealers over the years, from super matte formulas to sheer ones. I’m also a big fan of Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation, so when I saw this new concealer uses the same blurring technology, I had a feeling it would be a good. And because my days are a mix of press events, meetings, filming, and the odd after-work gym session - I need a concealer that still looks good by the end of the day, not just at 9am.
I’ve got dry skin, which means full coverage concealers can be hit or miss. I did my usual base prep (moisturiser, vitamin C serum, SPF) and, at first, skipped eye cream to see how it sat without anything too slippery underneath.
I applied it in an upward direction, the way professional makeup artist Anouska Bloom shows in her tutorial video below, using the diamond applicator to get right into the inner corners and sweep out towards the outer corners for a lifted look. I also dabbed it onto redness around my nose and between my brows, plus one stubborn blemish on my cheek that refuses to leave. I wear shade 6.5 Natural/Warm and always go two shades lighter than my base to properly brighten and lift.
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I blended the concealer out with my double-ended REFY brush and was genuinely surprised by how quickly it melted into the skin. It layered perfectly over my foundation (in the video I’m wearing the Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader Foundation Drops), and even with setting powder over the top, there was zero creasing. The real test is always what it looks like later on, and this stayed put all day without me needing to touch up before dinner. The only thing I haven’t properly tested yet is how it performs in proper heat and humidity, but for normal day-to-day wear, I’ve got no complaints.
To get the full lowdown, I also spoke to pro makeup artist Anouska Bloom, who told me why she’s been reaching for this concealer on her clients lately. I asked her all the important questions - how best to apply concealer, what skin type this particular is best for, and what product it works best with. Scroll to the bottom to see her answers.
Why you can trust me:
I’ve been a beauty journalist for six years now - four at The Mirror and almost a year at Glamour - and testing products is a big part of the job. I attend press events for new launches, speak to dermatologists, aestheticians and pro makeup artists for their honest expert take, and I always study the ingredient list before trying anything so I can work out which skin types it’s actually best suited to.
When it comes to testing, I put everything through its paces - long office days, sweaty gym sessions, and the unpredictable UK weather (downpours included) - to see if it really lasts, plays nicely with the rest of my routine, and does what it claims. If I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely rate it.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer: My Verdict
There are 34 shades in total, spanning fair, medium, tan and deep with cool, neutral and warm undertones, which makes shade matching refreshingly straightforward. The brand also makes some big claims: non-comedogenic, 24-hour oil control, water- and sweat-resistant, humidity-proof. I’ve tested it through long days and it holds up well, but as I haven’t worn it through peak summer heat just yet, so I’ll reserve full judgement on that front (until I book a flight, that is).
If I had to give one downside, it’s that this isn’t always the concealer I reach for on very natural makeup days. It leans matte and it leans full coverage, so if I’m wearing a sheer skin tint, it can look slightly too “done” unless I use the tiniest amount and really sheer it out. It’s definitely more of a perfected-base concealer than a barely-there one.
That said, if you love a smooth, polished finish and want a concealer that actually covers while still feeling comfortable, this is a very strong contender. It brightens, blurs and lifts in all the right places, and comes off easily with makeup remover - which, after a long day, is exactly what I want.
FAQ's:
Meet the expert - Anouska Bloom, professional make-up artist.
Which skin type would you say this concealer is best for?
“Honestly, this beautiful concealer is perfect for all skin types - even dry skin if prepped well with the right skincare before applying and applied in thin layers, and blended well. Normally full coverage concealers aren’t great with dry under eyes but the formula has managed to stay hydrating whilst also giving that airbrush finish. The concealer has a soft matte, blurring finish that helps to smooth pores and control shine so if you have oily skin, it's likely you're going to love this texture.
As it's designed to give full coverage without feeling too heavy on the skin, if you have a normal skin type there is nothing not to love about this concealer.” - Anouska Bloom, professional make-up artist.
What is the best way to apply concealer?
"Even on myself, never mind my clients, I never ever use the applicator directly onto the face. My style is a fresh, skin like finish. You but better. I want the thinnest layers of makeup possible. You will overload the face with product using the applicator, especially the one on this concealer as it's pretty big and you'd dispense far too much.
The best way, apply onto the back of your hand and using a flat brush, pick up the product, apply one stroke in the area that needs it and blend upwards in the dab dab motion. A lovely brush for this is the Hollywood complexion brush (small side). Dab until the product is blended beautifully. Dabbing instead of swirling allows you to keep the coverage."
Should you apply concealer or foundation first?
“It depends, sometimes I like to use the underpainting technique, therefore concealer would be strategically placed to camouflage and lift before foundation. Sometimes I use it before to spot conceal on clients that need some extra coverage under their foundation. However, the majority of the time I apply foundation in order to create an even complexion. Then I add concealer for coverage and to snatch the face.”
What would you say this concealer is best for?
“I’ve been using this concealer to cover blemishes on my clients with my ‘spot concealing technique’. This is where I take a little product onto the back of my hand and, using a small brush, dab it over the blemish. I’ve also been using two shades: first, one that matches my client’s skin tone to neutralise discolouration under the eyes, and second, a shade two shades lighter to brighten and lift the face as a final step after cream blush. I call this ‘reverse contouring’.
The product is beautiful - it ticks every box you’d need a concealer to tick. Honestly, when it’s applied correctly in thin layers (I’d avoid using the applicator directly on the face, because you’ll dispense too much product), it gives a skin-like finish for the day, worn alone, or a snatched, airbrushed look for the evening.”
