The History Of Concealer, Understanding The Beauty Industry

The History of Concealer: How This Beauty Staple Evolved Over Time

When we think of concealer today, it’s hard to imagine a makeup routine without it. This magical product helps us to brighten our complexion and shine like the stars that we are. But did you know concealer has a rich history that spans centuries, evolving from ancient remedies to modern-day beauty essentials?

Let’s take a walk through time and explore the fascinating history of concealer, how it’s changed over the years, and why it’s become one of the most important tools in the beauty industry today.

Ancient Beauty Secrets: The Origins of Concealer

Long before the sleek concealers we know today, people were already using various methods to enhance their skin and mask imperfections. Ancient Egyptians were some of the first to dabble in the art of skincare and cosmetics. They created mixtures from natural ingredients like ochre (an earthy pigment the colour of brick), clay, and oils to brighten the skin, disguise blemishes, and even lighten dark spots. Cleopatra herself was known to use a mixture of ochre and other pigments to even out her complexion.

Fast forward to the Roman Empire, where women used lead-based powders to pale their skin and hide blemishes. These early beauty practices were not without their dangers, as some ingredients like lead were toxic, leading to skin damage and health issues.

Elizabeth Taylor & Cleopatra

The 20th Century: Concealer Becomes a Modern Necessity

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that concealer, as we know it today, started to take shape. The world of makeup was evolving rapidly, with products like foundation, lipstick, and mascara becoming more mainstream. Concealer, however, was still relatively unknown. In the 1920s and 1930s, women began to experiment with new formulations and began using makeup artists to create flawless complexions for Hollywood stars.

One of the first commercial concealers was developed in the 1930s by Hollywood makeup artist Max Factor. He introduced a line of makeup products to help actors cover up ‘imperfections’ under harsh studio lighting. These early products were heavy and waxy, offering full coverage, but they often left a visible layer of product on the skin.

Check Out Max Factors Current Concealers

Max Factor 1930’s

The Rise of the ‘60s and ‘70s: Concealer Becomes a Staple

As makeup became more accessible and social attitudes around beauty began to shift in the 1960s, concealer gained more recognition. Women of the time, inspired by icons like Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn, were embracing a more youthful, natural look, but they still relied on products to achieve a polished appearance. Concealer was now being marketed as a must-have item in the beauty kit, especially to hide dark circles under the eyes or to cover up redness.

During the ’70s, concealer formulas evolved further, with brands like Estée Lauder and Revlon creating lighter, cream-based formulas that blended more seamlessly into the skin. These formulas also came in a range of shades, making it easier for people with different skin tones to find the right match.

60′ & 70’s

The ’80s and ’90s: Concealer Takes on New Forms

By the 1980s and ’90s, concealer was a mainstay in makeup bags worldwide, but its formulations were becoming more diverse. Liquid, cream, and stick concealers hit the market, each offering a different texture and finish. As full-coverage looks became more popular, especially with the rise of supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell, concealers became more pigmented to provide maximum coverage.

In the 1990s, we saw the birth of “concealer pens” and lighter-textured formulas, allowing for quick touch-ups throughout the day. These convenient pens and click-style applicators became a hit, particularly for covering up under-eye circles and minor blemishes.

Cindy Crawford & Naomi Campbell

The 2000s and Beyond: Concealer Becomes More Than Just a Cover-Up

In the 2000s, the beauty industry truly revolutionized concealer. No longer just a product for covering imperfections, concealers were now formulated to correct skin issues. Color-correcting concealers became the norm—peach tones for dark circles, green for redness, yellow for dullness, and purple for yellow undertones. These concealers worked by neutralizing specific colors in the skin to give a more even complexion.

The rise of YouTube and beauty influencers in the 2010s brought a new era for concealers. Makeup tutorials became more mainstream, and products like Tarte Shape Tape and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer became cult favourites. With the growing demand for inclusivity in beauty, many brands expanded their concealer lines to offer a wide range of shades for all skin tones, something that was previously missing in the market.

Check out these links:

NARS Creamy Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape

Both Available Today On Amazon

Concealer Today: A Multi-Tasking Marvel

Fast forward to the present, and concealer is now an absolute essential in most people’s beauty routines. But it’s not just about covering imperfections anymore. Today, concealer does so much more. From brightening the under-eye area to sculpting and contouring, concealers now come in a range of finishes, from matte to dewy, offering both full coverage and light, natural-looking formulas.

With the development of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin E, modern concealers also hydrate and care for the skin while offering coverage. Some even have built-in SPF protection, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Why Concealer is Still a Beauty Staple

Concealer has evolved from ancient, sometimes harmful concoctions to become a skincare-infused, multi-functional product. Today’s concealers not only conceal blemishes but also hydrate, brighten, and even correct our complexion. It’s a product that celebrates diversity—allowing everyone to find the shade and formula that works for their unique skin.

Concealer is a testament to how far the beauty industry has come in terms of inclusivity and innovation. What started as a simple product to cover imperfections has become a game-changer for enhancing natural beauty and boosting confidence.

Thanks for reading our blog, we hope you enjoyed it! And remember, you are beautiful the way that you are, only wear makeup for yourself and yourself only, not for anyone, especially a man. x