If you’re someone who strives for a flawless complexion and desires to address imperfections like dark circles, blemishes, or redness, chances are you’ll appreciate the magic of a concealer. These little miracle workers can be lightweight or full coverage, adept at camouflaging skin concerns, and perfect for touch-ups throughout the day. It’s worth noting that concealers come in a variety of formulations, such as liquid, cream, or stick, each with their unique attributes.
Speaking of cream-based concealers, these formulas are more likely to provide dense coverage, especially for those with pronounced skin imperfections. They typically contain higher pigment levels which offer substantial coverage. However, this might give a heavier look on the skin, which is where liquid or stick concealers come into play. They provide the coverage you need, without the cakey finish, as long as you choose a shade that matches your skin tone.
Concealers come in several different formulations (liquid, cream, stick) and finishes (matte, satin, dewy), and feature light-, medium-, and full-coverage options to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a perfect product to cover up a late night or just want to even out your skin tone, concealers are the answer.
The most significant caveat when it comes to concealers is the lack of inclusive colors currently available, with most being optimal for light-to-medium skin tones. That said, there are several brands that are getting it right and checking all the boxes in terms of coverage, longevity, and shade range. So, if you’re ready to uncover the secret to flawless skin, check out our top picks for concealers that correct, conceal, and enhance.
- Radiant finish
- Creamy texture
- Long-lasting
NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer is the secret to all-day perfection.
The luminous, creamy concealer delivers a flawless look that lasts up to 16 hours—with just one swipe. Its multi-active botanical blend will firm, reduce redness, and strengthen your skin for a youthful appearance.
It’s also infused with unique powders that help even out skin tone and blur the appearance of imperfections. Not to mention, you can use this formula for highlighting and contouring as well. It comes in 30 shades, so you’ll find the perfect color for you!
According to reviews, “Creamy, easy to blend, hydrating, good coverage, works on everyone. I love that it also comes in minis because it is perfect for my makeup kit.”
- Matte finish
- Hydrating properties
- Wide shade range
Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer is a full-coverage formula with a natural matte finish that smooths and brightens, making it perfect for concealing dark circles, blemishes, and other skin imperfections.
It also has a crease-proof formula that won’t cake or settle into fine lines. The up to 16 hours of flawless wear make this concealer an excellent choice for those who want to look their best all day long.
The smooth applicator helps you apply the product easily and quickly so you can get back to your day without having to worry about smearing the makeup or creating a mess. Plus, the label’s shade range from fair to deep will help you find the perfect color match so that your skin looks its best no matter the occasion.
“f I had to pick one makeup product to have the rest of my life this would be it! So creamy and doesn’t crease,” shared one makeup enthusiast.
You’ll love the way this creamy concealer from Kosas hides dark circles and brightens your under-eye area, making you look like you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep.
It’s infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid to help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and discolorations over time. Plus, it doubles as an eye cream and spot treatment!
In terms of application, the flat doe foot applicator lets you apply just the right amount, so you don’t have to worry about wasting any product.
As one wearer points out, “It’s lightweight, creamy, and blendable! It has medium coverage so it’s great for a natural, no makeup look.”
- Long-lasting
- Lightweight feel
- Precision applicator
Fenty Beauty’s liquid concealer is the perfect way to conceal blemishes, redness, and more. It’s crease-proof, medium to full coverage, and arrives in a whopping 50 shades to choose from.
It can easily be built up to full coverage, so it’s great for hiding dark circles under your eyes or any other issues with discoloration. It also works great as a brightener under the eyes—just apply a thin layer of the creamy formula and then blend it out using a damp blender.
The formula is designed to last all day without settling into fine lines or oily areas of your face (even if you have combination or dry skin), so you can feel confident that your makeup will stay put throughout the day.
“I’m literally in love with this applicator. If never been able to make such concise lines before,” explained one shopper. “This product doesn’t dry down fast and blends beautifully. 10 out of 10!”
- Natural finish
- Multi-use formula
- Super coverage
We all know the struggle of finding the perfect concealer: it’s hard to find one that delivers full coverage without looking cakey, and most of them leave us feeling dry and uncomfortable.
Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer is changing all that. It has a lightweight feel that makes it easy to work with, but it still packs a powerful punch when it comes to covering dark spots or blemishes.
Plus, it’s formulated with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to replenish your skin’s moisture while you wear it. It’s also oil-free, so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts!
- Radiant finish
- Hydrating properties
- Creamy texture
Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer is a must-have for any makeup bag!
This creamy concealer has medium coverage, but it is infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vegan collagen to help lift your face and give your skin a youthful appearance. It also conceals redness, corrects dark circles, brightens dark spots, and lifts sagging skin.
In addition to being lightweight and easy to blend, this concealer boasts over seventeen shades that are easy to match to your skin tone. The formula boasts vitamin C and niacinamide so you can use it as an anti-aging product as well as a makeup tool.
- Skin-enhancing formula
- Blendable texture
- Medium coverage
Ami Colé’s Skin-Enhancing Concealer is the liquid concealer you’ve been waiting for.
This medium-coverage formula blends in seamlessly, visibly brightening and blurring your skin as it goes. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like baobab seed extract and hibiscus flower extract, both of which defend your skin from environmental aggressors and are rich in antioxidants.
You’ll notice that your skin feels hydrated and smooth—not to mention it’ll look flawless!
“I really love the coverage on this. I used it with the Ami Colé tinted moisturizer and it didn’t disappoint me,” stated one wearer. “I also sometimes use it on its own and it holds up well throughout the day.”
- Long-lasting wear
- Blendable texture
- Affordable option
If you’re looking for a liquid concealer that offers full coverage, lasts all day, and is affordable—and you want it in a wide range of shades—NYX has got your back.
The highly pigmented formula can be used as an under-eye concealer to cover dark circles, or as a spot concealer to cover blemishes and scars. It’s also great for liquid contouring because it blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural look.
The blendable formula means it will never look cakey or heavy on your skin. It’s also vegan-friendly!
- Brightening effect
- Long-lasting wear
- Ethical and inclusive brand
UOMA’s concealer is a product that you can use to cover up those pesky imperfections.
It’s got a creamy, smooth texture, so it won’t make your skin feel dry or cakey. You can use it for full coverage or build as needed for lighter coverage. It even has a thin, skin-like finish, so it won’t look like you’re wearing any makeup at all!
Understanding how important it is to find products that last all day long—the UOMA formula keeps everything covered from the morning until the evening. You can use it sparingly and blend with your fingers, a brush or sponge for an airbrushed look that will leave people wondering how you do it.
As one reviewer reveals, “My undertone is warm, so the two work better together than they do alone. The formula is light but buildable.”
- Luminous finish
- Long-lasting wear
- Luxurious brand reputation
Wear your concealer with confidence, knowing that it’s not going anywhere.
Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer is a medium-coverage, long-lasting formula that glides on like silk and blends seamlessly into the skin. It contains glycerin, caffeine, and vitamin E—all ingredients that work to reduce under-eye puffiness.
This cream formula will hold up to hours of hydration while providing flawless, radiant coverage.
- High-quality formula
- Skin-loving ingredients
- Natural finish
Hourglass is bringing you the next generation of liquid concealer.
Their new formula is made with microspherical powders that blur and brighten for up to 16 hours, so you can be sure your concealer will stay put all day long.
The highly pigmented formula blends seamlessly into the skin, creating a natural, airbrushed finish. It’s also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it smudging or fading when you get caught in the rain.
It also includes a custom applicator that makes application easy no matter where you are—at home, at work or on the go!
How to Pick the Perfect Concealer
Skin Type
Firstly, knowing your skin type – whether it’s dry, oily, or combination – is critical. Those with dry skin may want to lean towards liquid or cream-based concealers that offer hydration and won’t cake or settle into fine lines. On the other hand, those with oily skin might find a matte finish, oil-free formula that resists sliding off during the day more beneficial.
Color Matching
Next, it’s all about color matching. The ideal concealer should be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone if you’re aiming to brighten the under-eye area or highlight specific parts of your face. On the other hand, for blemishes, it’s best to use a concealer that matches your skin tone to seamlessly blend with the rest of your makeup. Remember, color correcting formulas (greens, peaches, lavenders) can neutralize redness, sallowness, or dark circles, and should be used sparingly underneath a skin-tone concealer.
Purpose
Thirdly, consider what you’re trying to conceal. For under-eye circles, a hydrating, light-reflective product helps to brighten and reduce the appearance of fine lines. For blemishes, a thicker, highly pigmented product is a better choice. Some concealers are even formulated with ingredients like salicylic acid to help combat breakouts.
Finish
Lastly, finish and wear time are crucial factors. Do you prefer a dewy or matte finish? Dewy finishes can provide a more natural, hydrated look, while matte finishes have longevity and provide more coverage. Understanding how long the concealer lasts, and whether it creases, cakes, or slips are key factors to consider. A formula with long wear time will ensure you’re not needing to do touch-ups throughout the day.
Published by Malcolm Trapp
