The 9 Best Concealers For Every Budget And Beauty Issue
If you’re anything like us, a good concealer (or two) is an essential part of your beauty kit. It’s there for you after a night of partying, when hormonal cysts are saying hi, and when post-inflammatory pigmentation just seems like it will never fade away. Even if you’re having your best skin day, a little concealer in the right places can brighten and lift the face.
However, there’s nothing worse than investing in one that gives sub-par results, no coverage, blends to nothing, creases like crazy or fades through the day. So, we’ve rounded up the best concealers, from those so pigmented they could take out a tattoo or your ex, to the beautifully blendable, medium-coverage concealers for when you’re embracing a more natural look.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Wand Concealer, $32
Shades: 16
Finish: Illuminating medium-coverage
Coverage: 6.5/ 10
Applicator: Sponge
This brightening concealer uses subtle color-correcting pigments to illuminate the undereye and conceal pigmentation. Although the formula is super lightweight, it still camouflages our dark spots and red marks left behind after pimples. The formula has a beautiful luminosity that helps brighten the skin, and light-reflecting pigments that also help to blur and conceal. It blends easily and looks natural, and its hydrating formula means this might also be the best concealer for dry skin.
Application tip: Dab onto the skin and blend out with your finger or a damp makeup sponge.
Huda Beauty Overachiever Concealer, $30
Shades: 20
Finish: Natural-matte full-coverage
Coverage: 10/ 10
Applicator: Cooling metal tip to soothe and de-puff the delicate under eye area as you apply.
Packing 31% pigment and light-reflecting spheres that have a soft, blemish-blurring effect, this creamy formula is your go-to for instantly hiding dark circles, spots, hyperpigmentation, and any redness. Whether you want to build and blend or opt for high impact full-coverage, the luminous matte finish looks natural, and there’s no flashback!
Application tip: Blend out with a brush or damp sponge and set with loose powder.
e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer, $5
Shades: 18
Finish: Matte full-coverage
Coverage: 9/ 10
Applicator: Doe-foot wand
This super full-coverage formula instantly conceals and cover pimples and dark circles and blends out easily with a damp makeup sponge without losing its coverage. The formula dries down very matte, so if you have dry skin, hydrate well beforehand. Alternatively, if you’re a girl who gets oily by 11 am, this is the best concealer for oily skin! Don’t judge this concealer on its price, judge it on its performance!
Application tip: A little goes a long way, so go slow and build-up if needed. Set under eyes with loose powder.
Too Faced Born This Way Concealer, $29
Shades: 20
Finish: Natural-matte full-coverage
Coverage: 8/ 10
Applicator: Doe-foot wand
This hydrating, lightweight concealer gives beautiful coverage without feeling heavy and dries down to a powdery finish. It’s perfect for giving the illusion of a full eight hours of sleep, hiding blemishes or concealing pigmentation. The formula looks flawless all day and doesn’t crease.
Application tip: Blend out with a damp sponge, finger or concealer brush. Set under eyes with a dusting of powder.
L.A. GIRL HD Pro Concealer, $5
Shades: 30 (plus 10 color correctors)
Finish: Matte full-coverage
Coverage: 8/ 10
Applicator: Brush
This hugely popular drugstore concealer offers impressive pigmentation and effortless blending with its smooth, creamy formula. It’s ideal for quickly concealing pimples, dark circles, and pigmentation! It lasts well throughout the day without fading and doesn’t feel heavy or look cakey.
Application tip: Blend with your finger, sponge, or a densely-packed concealer brush.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, $27
Shades: 48
Finish: Matte full-coverage
Coverage: 10/ 10
Applicator: Squeeze tube
This award-winning concealer gives ahhmazing full-coverage that doesn’t crease or crack and effortlessly covers without the need for building up. It’s also jam-packed with anti-aging peptides, vitamins, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to improve the appearance of wrinkles over time. If full-on coverage is your dream, this is definitely a great option, although it is a little more difficult to work with than some of the other formulas on our list.
Application tip: The formula is incredibly thick, so squeeze out a small amount onto the back of your hand and use a brush to warm up the formula and then dab onto the skin. You can use a damp makeup sponge to blend out or use a dry makeup sponge for extra coverage. Set with a loose powder.
YSL Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Concealer, $35
Shades: 16
Finish: Illuminating buildable coverage
Coverage: 7/ 10
Applicator: Brush