No matter your skin type or shade, concealer can do a lot to create a flawless appearance. Here are some tips on the various kinds you have to choose from.

Solid: These usually come in wand or stick forms. They provide the best coverage and are particularly effective on scars, bruises and acne spots. They are thick and help fill up indentations, so if you want to hide pockmarks or old chicken-pox scars, these are the way to go. If you have mature skin, avoid these as they can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

Stick: A solid concealer in a stick form, sticks are a great addition to your purse for quick-fixes on the go. They cover completely, so if you have a scar, bruise, or dark area that’s particularly stubborn, a stick is a good way to hide it. These can look cakey, however, so apply sparingly.

Liquids: These are best for women with dry, aging skin—and those who are going through chemotherapy. They also work well for all-around coverage. They’re often considered one of the best choices for under-eye circles, since they’re easy to blend on tender skin and you don’t have to rub too much. Liquids provide a sheer coverage and a light finish, and can help make red veins on the cheeks and nose less visible. However, they can fade faster, so be sure to set with powder.

Cream: These concealers usually come in a tube or pot-like container. Some come in color combinations that can be especially effective for covering blemishes or scars. Coverage is not as heavy as stick concealers, but they do cover well (better than liquids) and are great for all skin types. Apply sparingly, as too much can look cakey. At the right level, cream concealers give off a dewy look.

Powder: With the popularity of new mineral makeup, powder concealers are now available. These are best for covering larger areas, and grant a lightweight feel. Users also rave about the natural look even after applying powder foundation. Powder is not the best choice for dry skin, however, as it can settle into fine lines. Powder concealer also doesn’t cover blemishes very well—choose another option for those.

What shade? There are a couple rules for choosing a shade. First, consider your skin tone, and go just a half-shade lighter. For pale skin, use a light beige with yellow undertones. Cool skin tones do well with peach or apricot colors. Warm skin appears more flawless in yellow tones. Olive skin should go for medium beige with pink undertones, and darker skin should choose a medium to medium-dark shade with peach undertones. Test along your jawline. (Always buy products that you can return if they’re not right, and make sure to be very careful around cosmetic counter testing units. Use disposable applicators to avoid infection.) Another test: if your concealer is too light or too pink, it will emphasize the dark area rather than concealing it. Or, try a bit of concealer over your foundation. If you can’t see it, you’ve got the right shade.

You may want also to consider what you’re trying to correct. If you have ruddy tones or broken capillaries, a blue or green concealer will cover better than a yellow. Yellow is best for covering dark areas or undereye circles, and for overall concealing. If you have pale- or yellow-tone skin, you may want to try shades of lavender and rose for a livelier complexion.

For a more natural-looking concealer, try a cream-to-powder foundation under your regular foundation.

How do you choose the best concealer for you? Let us know.

Photo courtesy of incurable_hippie via Flickr.com.

We’ve collected a bit of information here to help narrow it down for you. As a basic rule: oily skin types should go for more powder and matte formulas, whereas normal to dry can use more oil-based options. If you’re going through chemotherapy, you most likely have dry and dehydrated skin which will work best with liquids. Here are the foundations, and when it’s best to use each one.

Liquid: The most popular option, liquids have been around for a long time and continue to be favorites because they’re so flexible and natural-looking. Oil-based formulas are best for dry to normal skin, and water-based formulas are better for those with oily skin. Liquids also work well in color combinations, if you’re into making your own shades by mixing two or more colors. Be careful of the long-wearing, smudgeproof versions. Though they may stay on longer, they typically have waxy and oily ingredients that can cause skin irritation or breakouts. (In humid conditions, though, they can be lifesavers.) Oil-free options or matte finish brands are best for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Ultra-mattes can also be good for oily types, but tend to leave the skin dry and taut.

Tinted Moisturizer: These are great for ladies who don’t want a lot of coverage but need something to even out skin tone and relieve dry skin. It also cuts down on the application process, combining two steps (moisturizer and foundation) in one. Tinted moisturizers usually come with effective sunscreens, and are great for normal-to-dry skin types. If you’re going through cancer treatment, this is a great option for casual days. If you have acne-prone skin, however, these may not be for you. (Try Juice Beauty Organic Mineral Light Moisturizer.)

Mousse or Whipped: These simply have a little air whipped into them. The process makes the foundation lighter and smoother, so it goes on your skin a little easier. This can be a good option for mature skin as it’s less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Cream-to-Powder: These go on as a liquid or crème, but then dry to a powder finish. If you like the quick application and no-powder mess, this option is for you. Cream-to-powders also offer a bit more coverage than liquids or mousses. However, some can create a thicker, made-up look, and the cream ingredients can make oily skin types look more oily. This option is best for normal to dry skin types.

Cream: Cream foundation is a good choice for those with dry or mature skin. It provides medium to heavy coverage, and helps skin look soft and smooth.

Sticks: These foundations come in solid form and have more of a drying effect, which may make them best for those with oily skin. They are also good for covering scars and flaws, and for creating more coverage. These are often used in photography sessions, but for everyday use, you may find them too heavy and thick-feeling.

Pressed Powder: These come in a compact and act much like any pressed powder, with a little extra coverage ability. They feel light on the skin and are great for women with normal to oily or combination skin. If you have flaky or mature skin, don’t chose pressed powder.

Powder: Similar to pressed powder, loose-powder foundations help control shine. However, they can be too drying. All but the most oily skin types may want to use these for touch-ups only. They also work well when you’re in a hurry, and can be great options for young girls just starting out on makeup as they’re light and easy to apply.

Minerals: Perfect for people with sensitive skin, minerals are the latest to hit the market. The foundation is made mostly of inert minerals, and is brushed on with a large foundation brush. Dry skin types, however, may want to steer clear, as the powder can accentuate fine lines. (To try: Jane Iredale.)

How do you choose the best foundation for you? Let us know.

Photo courtesy of Anita_Bonita1 via Flickr.com.