I thought I had had found the ultimate concealer. Two weeks ago I met its match.

And the gold medal goes to...

ysl touche eclat concealer
(Image credit: Rex)

And the gold medal goes to...

I have worked in the beauty industry for eight years and in that time I have tested many, many concealers in search of the best concealer. I am particularly picky about them, because annoyingly rather than a one-of-a-kind heirloom that I can flog on the Antique's Roadshow, the only thing that I have inherited from my family are dark and puffy under eye bags.

However, despite how many I've trialled, not one has replaced my favourite Clarins Instant Concealer. This wonder product is the best concealer in the world. In my eyes at least. It's the only thing that I will use to cover up annoying spots, take down redness and, more importantly, disguise my pesky dark circles.

Clarins Instant Concealer, £22.50 John Lewis

ysl touche eclat concealer

Buy Now

Then two weeks ago, something miraculous happened. I attended a dinner to celebrate the launch of the YSL Touche Éclat High Cover Radiance Concealer - the brand's new concealer and an extension of the Touche Éclat family. I have a hunch that every woman I know has had the original Touche Éclat in their makeup bag at some point, and if not they've definitely tried it. It's one of the world's most iconic beauty buys. However, I also have a hunch that at some point, we've all used it wrong. Because, it is in fact a highlighter (some would argue it's the best highlighter when used correctly) not a concealer. The brand listened to consumers and decided that 'if you can't beat them, join them.' And so they created a Touche Éclat product that actually did conceal.

Ladies and gents, it is so brilliant it has officially dethroned my favourite.

Yves Saint Laurent Éclat High Cover Radiance Concealer, £26

ysl touche eclat concealer

Buy Now

What makes this concealer my new number one?

  • It's high coverage, but doesn't get flaky
  • It has light reflectors and soft focus fillers in the formula, so it brightens even the darkest of shadows, whilst also blurring
  • It feels so soft on, I don't feel like I'm wearing anything
  • It has caffeine in it, which boosts micro-circulation, so should technically help with my dark circles

I'm sold. Hook, line and sinker.

Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.