What's the best makeup or concealer that covers up melasma?

I think you might need a different concealer - one that provides more coverage. I try to use a concealer to create a 'clean canvas' so to speak...so that any blush will apply true to color. Theoretically, you should be able to wear whatever blush that goes with your general coloring. What brand of concealer are you using? I have been using Make Up For Ever's concealer and Laura Geller's new concealer (came in the TSV)...I'm really impressed with LG's, but wish it was a bit lighter (I'm pretty fair skinned). If you have large areas of melasma to cover, you might try something like Dermablend, a brand made for corrective cosmetics like port wine stain etc.

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Cover Fx Cosmetics is the best line I have ever worked with for concealing skin conditions including Melasma. For 6 years since I began using the product, I have been able to balance out skin with the condition to a point where you can't see the pigment difference.  I recommend reading the Cover Fx website which is www.coverfx.com.  It is not a selling website.  It is an educational website that will talk to you not only about the condition but also give you tips on how to apply makeup as simply as possible.  The website will then help you locate a store near you or you can call their 800 number if you can't find a store in your area.  In the meantime, keep using a good sunscreen as additional exposure to the sun can make melasma spots darker.  I suggest using a full sunscreen even if you are already using a moisturizer with a sunscreen to make sure you are getting sufficient protection.

Mary Ellen, as an industry makeup artist, I've encountered many "problems" on  skin that need to be camouflaged. Melasma is hyperpigmentation that usually arises from birth control pills or pregnancy, (hormonal) and aggravated even worse by the sun. Once you have it, it's hard to get rid of, but there are procedures that can help dramatically. A non-invasive peel you can do is the VI peel. It's conducted in a dermatologists office or med spa. It's fantastic for lifting melasma and there really is no downtime, just a few days of peeling. The new skin that turns over is beautiful and drastically more even toned. This is NOT a chemical peel, it's a very simple skin shedding peel, but goes into the dermis deeper to "lift" the dark pigmentation. Another procedure that could be helpful is called Cosmelan. It's a "mask" your doctor applies that you wear for hours at home. I've read the results are dramatic with this one. It can be costly, anywhere between 800-1000. As far as makeup goes, the best for covering stubborn melasma is Dermablend. This foundation and concealer is used for trouble areas, like scars and tattoos. If you find that it streaks, then your application is incorrect. It's very concentrated, so to sheer it out, you can add a bit of moisturizer to it and mix and apply w/ a makeup brush. Use a latex sponge (as opposed to non-latex) to blend out. Another great product for covering melasma or any hard to conceal imperfection, is MAC Full Coverage Foundation. It comes in a vast array of shades in neutral cool and neutral warm and can be found easily at your local mall.   Kimberley Bosso - Makeup Artist - Los Angeles

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One of the best preventative measures you can take with melasma is to use a good physical sunblock everyday, as UV exposure can cause your melasma to worsen. Colorescience mineral makeup is a wonderful tool in that it is the purest mineral makeup available with zinc and titanium to provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. For concealing: Use a primer first to create a good base for the minerals to adhere to. Apply a foundation color 2 times lighter than your natural skin tone to the areas of melasma, almost "painting" in the darker areas. Apply your natural foundation color over the top. Finish with an achromatherapy spritzer to set the makeup and you will have a very natural look with flawless coverage and wonderful UV protection.

Over time, I've come to accept my dark spots and patches as part of "me". The more I try to cover and hide the areas, the more obvious they become... So, for my fair, rosy complexion, I use a sheer, just slightly darker than my skin tone and a tiny bit warmer make-up base. Yes, SHEER. My goal is to blend the dark spots and patches so they are not as obvious. Oh, sure -- you can still see them. But people don't stare or anything like that. When I used to try to cover them with concealers, I always had people looking really hard to "see what's under there", or so it often seemed that way to me! To "just blend in" I use a tinted SPF 30 physical sunblock (DDF Enhancing Sun Protection)as my moisturizer. It does not leave me shiny or make me oily, later on... And, only sunblock will prevent these age spots and melasma from getting worse! On top of the moisturizer I use Colorescience SPF 30 powder called Sunforgettable in Almost Clear. I can vary the intensity of the powder if I want more or less coverage. Blend, blend, blend -- it's still me -- but my dark spots as less obvious (and less distracting to on-lookers, I like to believe!)