Concealer can be one of the most transformative tools in your makeup bag. When you find the right one, it can brighten your complexion, disguise tired under-eyes, and help you feel like a more polished, confident version of yourself. Whether you’re running on little sleep or trying to mask dark circles and blemishes, a well-formulated concealer can make a noticeable difference.
But finding that one “holy grail” concealer? Not always easy.
Sure, the makeup aisle is packed with options. You’ll see words like “full coverage,” “hydrating,” “crease-proof” plastered on every tube. The truth? Not all of them live up to the hype. And what works for someone with oily skin might cake up on someone with dry patches.
To find the best concealers on the market, we put over 8 best options for you. From that, four standout products emerged: an all-around everyday pick, a long-wear hero, a budget-friendly brightener, and a radiant formula that’s easy to match online.
Why Concealer Matters
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Boosts Confidence
- Concealer provides an instant confidence boost by concealing imperfections and enhancing natural beauty.
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Versatility
- Whether you prefer a minimal look or a full-face glam, concealer can be tailored to suit your makeup preferences.
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Quick Fixes
- In a rush? Concealer is a quick fix for tired eyes, blemishes, and redness, helping you achieve a polished appearance in minutes.
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Photography Ready
- Concealer is a secret weapon for flawless photos, ensuring you look your best even under the scrutiny of high-definition lenses.
Our Top Picks
- BEST OVERALL: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer at Amazon
- BEST BUDGET:Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer at Amazon
- BEST DRUGSTORE: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
- BEST WATERPROOF: Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
- BEST CREASE-FREE: L.A Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
- BEST LONG-WEAR: M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer
1. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Price: $29.00
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Long-Lasting Wear | |
| Crease-Proof Formula | May tend to cause dryness |
| Skincare-Friendly | |
| Crafted in the USA |
Experience makeup magic with NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, a beauty gem hailing from the United States. This cult-favorite is your ticket to a flawless complexion, thanks to its long-wearing and crease-proof formula. Worried about your skin? Fear not! This concealer is paraben-free, alcohol-free, and has no synthetic fragrances, making it a skincare-friendly choice. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. With a medium dark shade boasting yellow and golden undertones, NARS ensures that beauty knows no bounds. Get ready to glow with confidence, courtesy of this American beauty staple.
Crafted in the beauty labs of the United States, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer reflects the innovation and quality associated with American beauty products. The concealer encapsulates the essence of the vibrant and ever-evolving beauty industry in the United States.
2. Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Price: $30.00
Cruelty-FreeAdheres to cruelty-free practices, ensuring no harm to animals in its production.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Numerous Shades | |
| Full Coverage | Limited Availability |
| Long-Wearing |
Welcome to the world of flawless beauty with Tarte’s Shape Tape Contour Concealer. Discover the enchantment of this Contour Concealer in the lovely Light shade, tailored for fair skin with pink undertones. This beauty gem comes in a new box, boasting 0.3381 fl oz (10 ml) of radiance. Enriched with Shea Butter, Sunflower, Peony, Licorice Root, and Vitamin E, it’s more than makeup – it’s a skincare indulgence.
Tarte Shape Tape is cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty practices, and proudly adheres to a clean beauty ethos by excluding parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, and gluten. Elevate your beauty routine with this concealer, where flawless coverage meets conscious care for your skin. Welcome to the world of Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer – where radiance and kindness collide.
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Price: $8.80
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Effortless Dark Circle Erasure | |
| Redness Correction Mastery | Cap can get messy |
| Dull Skin Illumination |
Introducing Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, celebrated as America’s Number 1 concealer. This beauty essential not only erases dark circles, corrects redness, and brightens dull skin but also doubles as a versatile contour and highlight tool with its range of shades. Infused with Haloxyl, it goes beyond makeup, turning back time by diminishing fine lines, blemishes, and dark circles for a radiant and refreshed eye area.
Maybelline’s commitment to a flawless canvas extends with sheer, medium, and full coverage foundations, liquid and powder formulas, along with a comprehensive lineup of concealers, face primers, contour, highlighter, and setting powders. Unleash your creativity with Maybelline—whether it’s crafting the perfect base or experimenting with eye shadows, mascara, brow pencils, eyeliners, and a spectrum of lip products, from bold lipsticks to plumping glosses. Elevate your beauty routine with Maybelline, where concealing meets anti-aging care, and endless possibilities await.
4. Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
Price: $40.00
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| No Caking, Just Perfection | |
| 24-Hour Longevity | Cap can get messy |
| Waterproof & Sweatproof |
Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation is not just a makeup product; it’s a confidence booster. This makeup gem goes beyond the ordinary, offering buildable coverage that feels weightless yet delivers impactful results. Say goodbye to cakey foundations as this formula effortlessly blends.
The buildable coverage is truly weightless, providing a flawless, matte finish that lasts all day without any caking. Its resilience against water and sweat is impressive, making it a reliable choice for various occasions. Waterproof and sweatproof, it withstands the elements, ensuring your beauty remains intact throughout the day. The generous 1.0 fluid ounce size is a testament to its commitment to your beauty journey. Urban Decay Stay Naked is not just a foundation; it’s a confidence boost, a long-lasting matte finish, and a beauty essential that effortlessly adapts to your unique style.
5. L.A Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
Price: $5.25
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Warm Honey Elegance | |
| Compact Size, Big Impact | Cap can get messy |
| High-Definition Finish |
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Warm Honey is more than just a makeup product; it’s a beauty enhancer that empowers you to create a flawless, radiant look. The HD formula ensures precise coverage, allowing you to achieve a professional and polished look effortlessly. The Warm Honey shade adds a touch of warmth and radiance to your complexion, enhancing your natural Packaged in a convenient 0.28-ounce tube, it’s the perfect size to slip into your makeup bag for on-the-go touch-ups. beauty.
The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer effortlessly blends into the skin, offering buildable coverage for a customized and seamless finish. Enjoy a professional-level finish with the HD quality, ensuring your complexion looks camera-ready in any lighting.
6. M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer
Price: $40.35
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Warm Honey Elegance | |
| Compact Size, Big Impact | Cap can get messy |
| High-Definition Finish |
M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer in NW15 is more than a makeup product; it’s a beauty statement. This 0.3 fl oz concealer is a beauty revelation, offering enduring coverage and a radiant finish. The NW15 shade adds a touch of sophistication, brightening and perfecting your complexion with a natural radiance. Achieve a flawless look with the buildable coverage that effortlessly blends into the skin, allowing you to customize your desired level of perfection. Elevate your makeup routine with this versatile and luxurious beauty essential.
7. Fièra Luxury Concealer & Foundation
Price: $35.00
Finding the right concealer as your skin changes with age can be tricky—but Fièra Luxury Concealer & Foundation makes it easy. Specifically made for women over 40, this 2-in-1 product gives you full coverage while also treating your skin with anti-aging ingredients. It covers everything from dark circles and age spots to fine lines and redness, without settling into wrinkles or drying out your skin.
The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and antioxidants that help hydrate and firm over time. And the best part? You only need a tiny amount—just a quarter of what you’d normally use with other concealers. It melts into the skin with the warmth of your fingers for a smooth, natural finish that lasts all day.
Whether you’re getting ready for a day at work or a night out, Fièra gives your skin a healthy, radiant look while supporting long-term skin health. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, paraben-free, and made for real women looking for real results.
What We Like
- Formulated for mature skin
- Anti-aging ingredients
- Full coverage
- Lightweight and long-wearing
What We Don’t Like
- Can be thick if over-applied
- Needs warming before application
8. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
Price: $7.00
If you’re someone who struggles with dark under-eye circles or occasional blemishes—but hates when concealer creases or looks cakey by lunchtime—the e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer might be worth trying. I’ve been using the shade Light Ivory, which has subtle golden-beige undertones, and found it surprisingly flattering on fair skin.
The formula is full-coverage, but doesn’t feel heavy or drying. It has a creamy texture that blends smoothly, especially if you warm it slightly on your hand first or use a damp sponge. While some concealers need constant touch-ups, this e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer holds up for most of the day without clinging to dry patches or settling into fine lines.
Even better, it’s packed with hydrating ingredients that help prevent that tight, flaky feeling some full-coverage concealers leave behind. It gives a soft satin finish—not too matte, not too dewy—making it look like skin, just better.
What We Like
- Hydrating yet full-coverage
- Long wear with minimal creasing
- Affordable and accessible
- Wide shade range
What We Don’t Like
- Can feel thick if over-applied
- May need setting powder for oily skin
How to choose the best concealer
Choosing the best concealer involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Identify Your Concerns:
- Determine the primary reasons you need a concealer. Whether it’s to cover dark circles, blemishes, redness, or brighten specific areas, understanding your concerns will guide your selection.
- Understand Your Skin Type:
- Consider your skin type (dry, oily, combination) as well as any specific skin conditions. Some concealers are formulated to address particular skin concerns, so choose one that complements your skin type.
- Select the Right Shade:
- Choose a concealer shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter for brightening. Test the shade on your jawline or wrist to ensure a seamless blend with your natural skin color.
- Determine the Coverage Level:
- Concealers come in various coverage levels, from sheer to full coverage. Select the level that aligns with your needs. Sheer coverage is suitable for a natural look, while full coverage is ideal for intense concealing.
- Consider the Formula:
- Different formulas cater to specific concerns. Creamy concealers are excellent for dry skin, while matte formulas are suitable for oily skin. Liquid concealers are versatile and work well for most skin types.
- Check for Additional Benefits:
- Some concealers come with added skincare ingredients, like antioxidants or hydrating components. Consider if you want additional benefits beyond concealing, such as anti-aging or moisturizing properties.
- Test Before Purchasing:
- Whenever possible, test the concealer in-store or check for sample sizes. This allows you to assess the texture, coverage, and shade accuracy on your skin before making a purchase.
- Check Longevity:
- If you need the concealer to last throughout the day, opt for long-wearing or waterproof formulas. This is crucial, especially if you have a busy schedule or live in a humid climate.
FAQs
Q1: What is the purpose of concealer in makeup?
A1: Concealer is a makeup product designed to cover imperfections such as dark circles, blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone. It provides additional coverage beyond foundation for a flawless complexion.
Q2: How do I choose the right shade of concealer?
A2: Choose a concealer shade that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter for brightening. Testing the shade on your jawline or wrist can help ensure a seamless blend with your natural skin color.
Q3: Can concealer be used for highlighting and contouring?
A3: Yes, many concealers are versatile and can be used for highlighting and contouring. Choose a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone for highlighting and a few shades darker for contouring.
Q4: What is the difference between liquid and cream concealers?
A4: Liquid concealers have a lightweight texture and are suitable for most skin types. Cream concealers tend to be thicker and are often preferred for dry or mature skin. The choice depends on personal preference and skin type.
Q5: How can I prevent concealer from creasing?
A5: To prevent concealer from creasing, set it with a translucent setting powder. Apply a minimal amount and avoid excessive product buildup. Additionally, ensure your skin is well-moisturized before application.
Q6: Can concealer be used without foundation?
A6: Yes, concealer can be used without foundation for targeted coverage. It’s a versatile product that can address specific imperfections without the need for a full face of foundation.
Q7: How do I cover dark circles effectively?
A7: To cover dark circles effectively, choose a concealer with peach or orange undertones to neutralize the darkness. Apply in a triangular shape under the eyes, blend well, and set with a light dusting of translucent powder.
Q8: How long does concealer last on the skin?
A8: The longevity of concealer varies depending on the formula and individual factors. Long-wearing and waterproof formulas are designed to last throughout the day, providing extended coverage. Proper setting with powder can also enhance longevity.
Conclusion
Finding the right concealer is like discovering a beauty secret that enhances your natural radiance. Whether you’re looking to conceal, highlight, or sculpt, these 12 concealers cater to a range of preferences and skin needs. Elevate your makeup routine and unveil perfection with the perfect concealer that suits your unique style and complexion.