19 of the Best Concealers, According to Makeup Artists
Updated: Apr. 12, 2024
The right concealer will help you look awake, alert, and ready to face the day (or night).
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Concealer really is your secret weapon for a flawless complexion. That tube, wand, or pot can make blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, and even dark spots or circles vanish. The best concealer, according to makeup artist and PÜR’s global education director Lynnette Cole, is one that “melts into the skin and blends seamlessly into the foundation for an even-toned look.”
Whether you pick up the affordable Maybelline concealer with near-perfect reviews or a splurge-worthy cover-up that’s on par with the best anti-aging eye creams, the best concealer for you is one that works with your personal style. “Do you prefer the natural look, or are you more of makeup maven?” asks New York City–based makeup artist Alexandra Baranoff. “How you wear your makeup will help determine the formula that you choose. Whichever style you are, always opt for a concealer that brightens the under-eye area.”
Even more importantly, be sure your concealer is the right shade for your skin tone. Cole suggests that you “try testing your concealer on your neck. If it disappears, it’s the right shade.” You’ll also want to know how to apply concealer properly.
How do I pick the right concealer?
When shopping for concealers, look for one that works for both your skin type and concern. The types of concealers:
- Gel
- Cream
- Liquid
- Stick
- Cream-to-powder
- Color correcting
Gel concealers are the newest type on the market and are best for mature or dry skin because the formula marries an eye cream and a concealer into one product. The other types of concealers can be used for all skin types, and unlike a gel concealer, they can also be used as a highlighter or to hide blemishes if you have acne-prone skin.
What is the most natural looking concealer?
If you like the “no makeup” makeup look, use a concealer that matches your skin tone, and then apply a bit of blush and lip stain or gloss for a polished finish. If you’re looking for a concealer that will work with your favorite foundation, Baranoff advises: “The general rule is to use one shade lighter than your foundation. Going too light will only make the skin look ashy or can add a touch grayness to your face.”
For women of color, dark under-eye circles and blemishes can seem more intense, but this isn’t the time to consider your undertone. “Unlike choosing a foundation, the right concealer really depends on what you’re trying to conceal rather than the undertone,” says Nechelle Turner, Jane Iredale’s national makeup artist. “A concealer that is yellow-based will neutralize and conceal redness, whereas something warm will neutralize the blue, gray, purple cast that you see in dark circles.” Looking for an under-eye concealer to even out skin tone? Turner suggests using a concealer that’s a “half shade lighter than your foundation shade.”
Here are the best concealers for every conceivable need, skin shade, style, and budget. Stock up on the right ones for any beauty emergency, and you’ll always look awake, alert, and ready to face the day (or night).
Best concealer for all skin types
Hide Premium Concealer
Hide Premium Concealer lives up to its name, as it hides everything from tattoos to acne breakouts to rosacea. An almost weightless formula, it lasts up to 12 hours and is shine-proof and sweat-resistant. The hydrating, oil-free concealer comes in 20 shades, provides full coverage that looks natural, and easily blends into your skin.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Good for all skin types
- Cream concealer with a matte finish
- Won’t clog pores
- Covers scars
Cons:
- It can be difficult to figure out which side of the applicator creates thin or flat lines
Best for color correction
Jane Iredale Circle/Delete Concealer
Turner loves this little pot of Circle/Delete Concealer that contains both a highlighter and a concealer. With options from light/medium to peach/deep gold, the two colors can be mixed to create a bespoke concealer that matches your skin tone and covers anything—including dark under-eye circles.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Buildable formula
- Can also be used as a highlighter
- Moisturizing formula contains moringa butter and avocado oil
- Plumps and brightens the under-eye area while diminishing the appearance of fine lines
Cons:
- It might take a few tries to create your perfect shade
Best brightening concealer
Trinny London BFF Eye
Designed to blend seamlessly into the under-eye area, this gel serum concealer brightens while hiding dark circles. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to nourish delicate skin. One reviewer raves: “If you’re looking for a hydrating concealer that looks natural and brightening, this is it!” Another states, “It’s become the one product I will religiously use every day!”
What we loved:
Pros:
- Contains Duo Peptide Complex to firm under-eye skin
- With Zamac in its formula, it can reduce puffiness
- Buildable coverage
- Will not crease, melt, or move
Cons:
- Comes in only 12 shades
Best concealer that doubles as skin care
L’Oréal True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer
Skin care and beauty are combined in one tube when you use L’Oréal True Match. This two-in-one concealer contains 0.5 percent hyaluronic acid and glycerin, just like L’Oréal’s moisturizers. It not only minimizes dark circles, but it also provides 24-hour hydration, so it doubles as an amazing anti-aging eye cream, with a light dewy finish. Choose from 14 shades. You can also pair it with the L’Oreal Revitalift Eye Serum. Psst! Do you know the right order to apply your skin care?
What we loved:
Pros:
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Reduces puffiness if used daily for a week
- Fragrance and paraben-free formula won’t irritate sensitive skin
- Blendable and buildable coverage
Cons:
- Users report issues squeezing out the right amount from the tube
Best for sensitive skin
Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Under-Eye Concealer
This gentle liquid concealer is vegan and cruelty-free with zero parabens or sulfates, making it extremely safe for sensitive skin. Its brightening and moisturizing formula harnesses olive oil and grapeseed oil to create a natural, healthy look. It’s sheer but provides enough coverage to dim very dark circles—making you look like you got more sleep than you actually did. It’s so natural looking, you might be tempted to skip foundation altogether.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Stays on all day and night without creasing
- Hydrates the under-eye area
- Buildable to cover breakouts
- Shades range from Fair to Deep Plus
Cons:
- Tube can be difficult to squeeze
Best for full coverage
Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Industrial Strength Full Coverage Cream Concealer
Benefit’s original cream concealer in a pot has legions of die-hard fans. One Sephora shopper writes: “I have mature, dry skin and this is the only concealer I can count on to look normal and not cakey. I just dab with my finger and pat in lightly.” Another Sephora shopper says the concealer is “highly pigmented, great for covering up imperfections like pimples, sun damage, any discoloration.” This full-coverage concealer has a matte finish and is best used over foundation.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Easily evens out skin tones
- Covers everything
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Needs to be applied with a brush to conceal breakouts
Best for all over use
NYX Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Offering up to 24-hour moisturizing properties, NYX’s new Bare With Me Concealer Serum is the only concealer designed to be used wherever you need it—face, neck, arms, or anywhere you want extra coverage. While it is a gel, it does provide medium coverage of everything from redness to acne to dark circles. Its soothing formula helps rehydrate dry patches and provides a natural finish that won’t irritate acne.
What we loved:
Pros:
- One-touch pump keeps oxygen out of the bottle
- Formula contains green tea, tremella mushrooms, and cica
- Vegan
- Comes in 13 shades
Cons:
- Pump may be hard to get used to
Best buildable concealer
Pacifica Liquid Cover Concealer
Made with alpine rose, iris, seaweed, coconut water, and hyaluronic acid, this silicone-free liquid concealer sounds like luxury. But believe it or not, you can buy Pacifica Liquid Cover Concealer for just $13! Since its natural beauty formula is free of talc, minerals, parabens, or phthalates, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive, oily, and dry skin. Plus, its lightweight, buildable formula won’t crease or look overdone. One reviewer raves: “I loved the way this made my skin feel—it was luminous without being oily, coverage was good without looking cakey, and the best part was the all-natural ingredients for my sensitive skin.”
What we loved:
Pros:
- Great for all skin types
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Good range of shades
Cons:
- Some shades sell out quickly
Best drug store brand
Lottie London Got It Covered Concealer
At under $6, Lottie London Got It Covered Concealer is a hands-down fantastic bargain. Formulated with vitamin E, this is a luxe concealer that’s also vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens. It has a built-in sponge applicator that allows you to quickly cover dark circles or skin imperfections.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Won’t cake or crease
- Full coverage
- Easy touch-ups due to applicator sponge
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Not as many shades as some other brands
Best concealer with SPF
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27
Martha Stewart is in love with this buildable concealer. She says, “I use it to cover everything from a blemish to enlarged pores and bruises.” This new version of Clé de Peau’s famous concealer brightens skin and evens out hyperpigmentation. Use it to erase dark spots and under-eye circles, and rest assured that the concealer’s SPF is helping to prevent future sun damage. The hydrating formula also smooths skin and gently diffuses fine lines and wrinkles.
What we loved:
Pros:
- SPF 27
- Targets hyperpigmentation
- Long-lasting up to 16 hours
- Smooth, full coverage with anti-caking formula
Cons:
- Pricey
Best color-matching concealer
Younique Touch Skin Solution Concealer
Younique’s Touch Skin Solution is a bit like a miracle in a bottle. The color matches are so spot-on that when you apply it, you might wonder if the bottle is holding a better version of your skin. This full-coverage concealer quickly covers dark circles as well as hyperpigmentation and blemishes, and it won’t cake, flake, or turn shiny. What’s in it, exactly? In addition to pigments, you’ll find skin-brightening caffeine, squalane, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Blendable full coverage that looks natural
- Long-lasting and won’t flake or cake
- Over 25 shades
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- May not be the best fit for dry skin
Biggest variety of shades
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is known for its inclusivity, and Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer is no exception. This liquid concealer offers a whopping 50 shades and undertone options that range from very fair to rich and deep. Using a vegan and cruelty-free formula, this concealer is sweat-resistant and long-lasting, providing medium to full coverage with a matte finish. It can be used as an under-eye concealer or to disguise blemishes or other skin issues. One reviewer loves that it’s “sweat proof, even under masks” and that “no touch-ups are needed, even after hours in the heat.” Here are more Black-owned beauty brands you’ll want to shop.
What we loved:
Pros:
- 50 shades that includes undertones to create the perfect match
- Creamy formula that’s easy to blend
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
Best for mature skin
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty The Etherealist Super Natural Concealer
Reviewers rave about this full-coverage concealer that gives you that “woke up like this” glow. If your under-eye area is showing signs of aging and you don’t want your concealer to exacerbate it, this is the formulation for you. It contains luminescent pearls that create an HD effect—highlighting your skin while blurring imperfections. It also has an oxygenating complex that’s perfect for the delicate under-eye area. “I have dry, mature eyes with my fair share of lines,” writes one fan. “It did not dry out my under-eye, and it brightens the eye without emphasizing lines.” Pair it with the best foundation for mature skin.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Can be used as a highlighter and an under-eye concealer
- Full coverage with a satin finish
- Blurs fine lines
Cons:
- Limited darker shades
Best long-wear concealer
Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless Oil-Free 24 Hour Concealer
This creamy Smashbox formulation may last longer than you will, and it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. You can use it under your eyes without worrying that it will settle into lines, and its color-correcting properties will make dark circles vanish. Plus, 91 percent of Sephora customers who bought it would recommend it, with one saying, “This is my absolute holy grail concealer. It lasts all day even if I don’t set it with powder. Not too dry, not too oily, it doesn’t break me out, and it’s never cakey.”
What we loved:
Pros:
- Gentle, oil-free formula works well with sensitive skin
- Last for 24- hours
- Natural finish
Cons:
- Some shades sell out quickly
Best for medium to dark skin tones
Vasanti Liquid VO2 Under-Eye Color Corrector and Concealer
Specifically designed to meet the needs of medium to deep skin tones, this Vasanti Color Corrector and Concealer is vegan and cruelty-free, with zero gluten or parabens. This easy-to-blend concealer can be used under the eye to fade dark circles or as a full-coverage option to cover blemishes. Since it has an all-natural hydrating formula, it works for any skin type.
What we loved:
Pros
- Orange-based color corrector that suits darker skin tones
- Long-lasting, up to 24 hours
- Natural, buildable coverage
Cons:
- Can be more of a color corrector than a concealer depending on skin tone
Best anti-aging concealer
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under-Eye Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
The fan-favorite, Bye Bye Under-Eye Concealer from IT Cosmetics, is a beauty product made with skin care ingredients. It’s a waterproof, full-coverage concealer packed with anti-aging peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and hydrolyzed collagen. This concealer can also hide redness, hyperpigmentation, age spots, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. But be warned: Use the tiniest amount to start and then work your way up; otherwise, it will be too thick. “A little goes a long way, so it’s well worth the price—I don’t think I’ve ever appeared so well rested in my life!” says one Sephora reviewer. “I have a genetic predisposition to dark circles and bags, and this covers both. I wish I had started using this product years ago.”
What we loved:
Pros:
- Full coverage and waterproof with a natural finish
- A little goes a long way
- Lasts for 24 hours
- Wide variety of shades
Cons:
- The tube design makes it easy to use too much product
Best concealer for travel
BLK/OPL True Color Flawless Perfecting Concealer
Specifically created for women of color, BLK/OPL prides itself on creating luxury cosmetics at wallet-friendly prices. This drugstore beauty brand has an entire line of cosmetics—one could seriously get lost in their lipstick section. But we’re here to talk about concealer! And this creamy, full coverage stick concealer gets the job done while drenching your skin with vitamins A, C, and E. Since it comes in a lipstick-like tube, it’s easy to tote around, whether you’re heading out for the night or hopping on a plane.
What we love:
Pros:
- Perfect size for travel
- Buildable coverage
- Moisturizing formula with a matte finish
Cons:
- Not as many shades as some other brands
Best concealer that doubles as a highlighter
PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer
Cole particularly loves this moisturizing concealer because PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer doubles as a highlighter. “It covers imperfections, brightens, and nourishes skin with encapsulated retinol and antioxidant-rich superfoods,” she says. Reviewers love it too. One raves: “I use this product with or without foundation. Some concealers look off if you use them by themselves, but not this one—you can’t even tell I have any on.” That’s because it’s skin care masquerading as cosmetics. And since it can also help brighten skin, you can use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones. Another product for glowing skin? A facial scrub.
What we love:
Pros:
- Can be used as either a concealer or highlighter (or both)
- Covers, corrects, brightens, and plumps skin
- Push-button component makes it easy to open and close
Cons:
- Contains alpha hydroxy acid, which may increase sun sensitivity
Best clean beauty concealer
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
A concealer that melts into your skin and quickly evens out your skin tone? Yes, please! The True Skin Serum Concealer from Ilia is a multitasker, comes in 20 shades, and was named Glamour‘s Best Clean Concealer of 2020. It has a gentle, creamy formula that contains vitamin C, albizia julibrissin bark extract, and mastic. That mix of good stuff improves your skin’s texture while helping to alleviate blemishes, skin imperfections, and dark circles. While we’re on the subject of serums, these are the best face serums for every skin type.
What we loved:
Pros:
- Combines skin care and makeup
- Medium coverage
- Brightens and smooths complexion
Cons:
- Best to blend concealer with finger
Psst! You’ll love the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, too.
How to apply concealer
Now that you know the best concealers for every need, let’s get down to how to apply it for best results, starting with everyone’s favorite spot: the under-eye.
- Unless the concealer you’ve chosen is a concealer/moisturizer hybrid, you should first apply an under-eye cream or primer. This step not only moisturizes the delicate under-eye skin, but it also preps it for concealer and/or foundation. This is essential because makeup will adhere to and last longer on hydrated skin.
- Apply your concealer after your foundation and then blend it in with either your fingers or a makeup brush.
- Make sure to cover the sinus area, on the sides of the nose next to your eyes.
- After applying concealer to the under-eye area, tap lightly but repeatedly to blend and set it. Use the same method that you use to apply under-eye cream.
- To set the under-eye concealer to ensure it won’t flake, melt, or crack, lightly dust the area with either a translucent or complimentary setting powder using either a fluffy wide makeup brush or a velour puff.
And now for blemishes. When covering up red spots, Turner prefers to use a matte or semi-matte concealer, as “something dewy will be too shiny and will catch the light, drawing attention to the blemish.” Then, she says, follow these steps.
- First apply a liquid foundation, then “stipple concealer in the same shade or [a shade as] close as possible with a small brush on your blemish until it blends.”
- Afterward, use a setting powder to lock it all in.
Ideally, Turner adds, “use a concealer that is infused with antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrating properties. You want it to not only cover but also address the appearance of blemishes and discoloration.” Next, check out more makeup secrets of women who always look put together.
Sources:
- Lynnette Cole, a makeup artist and PÜR’s global education director
- Alexandra Baranoff, New York City–based makeup artist
- Nechelle Turner, Jane Iredale national makeup artist
Originally Published: June 22, 2021
