Your Guide to the Best Concealers
Are you looking for a concealer? Our team of experts has done the research to help make your choice easier! After carefully comparing hundreds of concealers, we have compiled a list of the best products for different budgets.
Maybelline New York Multi-Use Concealer and Contour Product, Under Eye Dark Circles Treatment, Corrects Redness and Brightens Dull Skin, Instant Age Rewind Eraser, 6 ml, Shade: 20 Light
Best overallHelps conceal blemishes? Check. Can be used to define your cheekbones? Yes. Works with or without foundation? Absolutely. All these qualities make this Maybelline concealer our top pick.
Pros
- Is fragrance-free
- Helps conceal blemishes
- Can be used to define your cheekbones
- Offers hours of crease-resistant coverage
Cons
- Some users think the applicator is poor quality
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Concealer, Light Ivory, 3,50 mL
Runner upThe NYX Professional Concealer is easy to dispense, apply, and spread. It comes in 24 different shades, lasts almost the entire day with minimal touch-ups, and is great for disguising discoloration.
Pros
- Easy to apply and blend
- Comes in as many as 24 shades
- Lasts multiple hours with minimal touch-ups
- Formula is long-wearing and humidity-resistant
Cons
- Might be too heavy for mature skin or undereye area
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick Conceal and Contour Neutral Nude For Thought, 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 1), 808
Budget pickThis concealer comes at a pocket-friendly price. Despite that, it is very long wearing, glides smoothly onto the skin, and is super easy to blend. All in all, it’s a good product at a great price.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Is very long wearing
- Glides easily onto dry mature skin
- Super-easy to blend
Cons
- Might be too subtle for some people
Best premium
The Maybelline liquid concealer is incredibly easy to apply and blend, sets pretty quickly, and offers great coverage. On top of that, its non-comedogenic formula prevents it from setting into pores.
Pros
- Sets pretty quickly
- Non-comedogenic, so won’t set into pores
- Doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply
- Offers great coverage
Cons
- Expensive
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer, One-Swipe Full Coverage, Matte Finish, Waterproof, Transfer-Resistant, Longwear Up to 24 Hours, 10 ml, Shade: 330 Ivory
Also goodThis waterproof concealer won’t only cover blemishes with ease but will last for up to an entire day. On top of that, its affordable asking price and smooth finish make it a hard product to beat.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Gives a smooth finish
- Covers blemishes with ease
- Works great on pigmentation spots
Cons
- Drier very quickly, so it’s imperative to blend it immediately
Concealer buying guide
Concealers are one of the most important products in any makeup bag – they can cover up blemishes, dark circles and other imperfections, and give your skin a more even tone. But with so many different types and formulas on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
What is a concealer?
A concealer is a type of makeup that is used to cover up blemishes, dark circles and other imperfections on the skin. It is usually applied with a brush or finger, and can be found in both liquid and powder form.
The benefits of using a concealer
There are many, but the main one is that it can help to even out your skin tone and give you a more polished look. If you have dark circles under your eyes, a good concealer can make a big difference in how you look.
Concealer can also be used to cover up blemishes, redness and other imperfections. It can be a great way to create a more even base for your makeup.
Types of concealers
There are two main types of concealers – liquid and powder.
Liquid concealer
Liquid concealer is often more buildable and therefore can be used to create a more natural look. It is also generally more hydrating, so it’s a good choice for those with dry skin.
Powder concealer
Powder concealer is typically better at covering up blemishes and other imperfections. It can also help to mattify the skin, making it a good choice for those with oily skin.
Concealer formulas
Concealers come in a variety of formulas, from thick and creamy to light and airy. The right formula for you will depend on your skin type and the coverage you’re looking for.
Thick and creamy formulas
These offer the most coverage and are ideal for covering up blemishes and other imperfections. They can be a bit heavy, so they’re not the best choice for those with dry skin.
Light and airy formulas
These offer lighter coverage and are more buildable. They’re a good choice for those with dry skin, as they won’t accentuate any dry patches.
What to look for when buying a concealer
There are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re shopping for a new concealer.
Coverage
The first thing to think about is the level of coverage you need. If you’re just looking to even out your skin tone, a light-coverage concealer will suffice. However, if you’re trying to cover up blemishes or other imperfections, you’ll need a full-coverage concealer.
Skin type
It’s also important to consider your skin type when choosing a concealer.
- If you have dry skin, you’ll want to avoid anything that’s too thick or creamy, as this can accentuate dry patches. Instead, opt for a light-coverage concealer with a more airy consistency.
- On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you’ll want to steer clear of anything too hydrating, as this can make your skin look even shinier. A powder concealer can help to mattify the skin and absorb any excess oil.
Concealer shades
Another thing to keep in mind is the shade of the concealer. You’ll want to choose a shade that’s close to your natural skin tone, but not too light or too dark.
If you’re not sure what shade to choose, it’s always a good idea to get color-matched by a professional at a makeup counter.
Tips for applying concealer
Now that you know what to look for when buying a concealer, here are some tips on how to apply it.
- Always start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help the concealer go on smoothly and prevent it from creasing.
- If you’re using a liquid concealer, dot it on with your finger or a makeup brush. Then, use a patting motion to blend it into your skin.
- If you’re using a powder concealer, apply it with a brush and then use a tapping motion to blend it in.
- Be sure to blend the edges of the concealer into your skin so there’s no harsh line.
- Set your concealer with a dusting of loose powder to help it stay in place all day.
The bottom line
Picking the right concealer can make all the difference in your makeup routine. When shopping for a new concealer, keep in mind the coverage you need, your skin type and the shade of the concealer.