Finding the perfect concealer shade can feel like a beauty mission—especially when you’re shopping online or trying to navigate the wide variety of undertones and finishes. e.l.f. Cosmetics has made a name for itself with affordable, high-performance concealers like the 16HR Camo Concealer and the Hydrating Camo Concealer. But how do you find your exact match in their lineup? This guide breaks it all down.
Why Shade Matching Matters
Wearing the wrong shade can cause the concealer to look too ashy, orange, or cakey. A well-matched concealer should blend seamlessly into your skin or foundation, providing a natural, flawless finish—whether you’re covering blemishes, discoloration, or under-eye circles.
Know Your Undertone: Cool, Warm, or Neutral?
One of the first steps to matching your e.l.f. concealer is understanding your skin’s undertone:
- Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue.
- Warm undertones show hints of yellow, peach, or golden.
- Neutral undertones fall somewhere in between, with a balance of cool and warm.
How to Find Your Undertone:
- Look at your veins: Blue/purple = cool, green = warm, both = neutral.
- Try jewelry: Silver tends to flatter cool tones; gold flatters warm tones.
- Natural sun reaction: Burning easily may indicate cool undertones; tanning easily suggests warm.
Choosing the Right Formula
e.l.f. offers several concealer formulas, each with unique properties:
- 16HR Camo Concealer: Full coverage with a matte finish—great for oily or combination skin.
- Hydrating Camo Concealer: Same coverage as the 16HR, but with a satin finish—ideal for dry or mature skin.
- Flawless Brightening Concealer: Lightweight, buildable coverage with a luminous finish—perfect for natural under-eye brightening.
Choose your formula based on both your skin type and the kind of coverage you’re after.
Use Online Shade Matching Tools
e.l.f.’s website offers a shade finder quiz, where you input your foundation shade (from any brand) to get a suggested concealer match. You can also:
- Compare swatches on different skin tones provided on the site.
- Watch YouTube reviews and tutorials by beauty creators with similar skin tone and type.
- Use beauty apps like Findation or Temptalia’s Foundation Matrix.
Tips for Testing the Shade
If you can swatch in person:
- Test the concealer on your jawline for blemish coverage.
- For under-eyes, pick a shade that’s 1-2 shades lighter than your foundation.
- Check the color in natural daylight—it’s the most accurate.
Don’t Forget Oxidation
Some concealers may darken slightly after drying. The 16HR Camo Concealer has a quick-drying formula, so let it sit for 30 seconds before deciding if it matches. If oxidation is a concern, go half a shade lighter.
Bonus Tip: Mix & Match
Many makeup artists mix two shades for a custom match—one for the under-eye and one for blemishes. Since e.l.f. products are budget-friendly, it’s more affordable to have more than one shade for different areas or seasons.
Final Thoughts
Matching your e.l.f. concealer shade doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a clear understanding of your undertone, a reliable formula, and a few helpful tools, you’ll land on your ideal shade in no time. Whether you’re going for full glam or a natural no-makeup look, the right concealer can be your most powerful beauty weapon.