Best Concealers Worth Buying

A great concealer does a lot of quiet work. It brightens tired eyes, hides a blemish before a meeting, softens redness around the nose and sharpens a brow or lip line. Pick the wrong one, though, and it creases, cakes or turns gray by lunchtime. That is why the best concealer for you depends on where you are using it and what you want it to do.

This buyer's guide breaks concealer makeup down by formula, finish and job. You will learn which types work best under the eyes and which are built for spots, how to choose a shade that actually blends, when color correctors help, and how to apply concealer so it disappears into your skin.

How we chose: what makes a concealer worth buying

Use these criteria to judge any concealer, whatever the price.

• Coverage that matches the job. Under-eye areas often need light to medium coverage that stays flexible; blemishes need denser, more opaque coverage.
• Texture and flexibility. A good under eye concealer moves with the skin without settling into lines.
• Wear. It should stay in place for hours without sliding, fading or caking.
• Shade range and undertones. Look for a broad range with warm, cool, neutral and olive options at every depth, plus brightening shades.
• Blendability. It should blend smoothly with fingers, a sponge or a brush, without dragging.
• Skin-friendliness. Fragrance-free or simple formulas suit sensitive eyes and skin better.

Best picks: concealer types and who they suit

Liquid concealers with a doe-foot applicator

The most popular format, ranging from lightweight brightening formulas to full-coverage long-wear versions.

• Best for: under-eye use and general touch-ups.
• Notes: dot rather than swipe heavily, especially on delicate under-eye skin. Lighter, hydrating formulas are kinder to fine lines.

Cream concealers in pots or palettes

Thicker, more pigmented formulas.

• Best for: blemishes, redness, pigmentation and tattoos or birthmarks.
• Notes: warm the product on the back of your hand first; use a small brush for precision. Can look heavy under the eyes on dry or mature skin.

Stick concealers

Solid, twist-up formulas that are easy to carry.

• Best for: quick touch-ups, travel and spot concealing.
• Notes: apply with a light hand and blend well. Firmer sticks can drag on fragile skin.

Pen concealers with brush tips

Light, liquid formulas dispensed through a brush.

• Best for: brightening the inner corners of the eyes and around the nose.
• Notes: coverage is usually sheer; great for a fresh, minimal look.

Color correctors

Tinted concealers designed to neutralize discoloration before regular concealer goes on.

• Peach or orange tones offset blue or purple under-eye shadows, especially on medium and deep skin.
• Green tones neutralize redness from blemishes or flushing.
• Lavender or yellow tones can brighten sallowness.

• Best for: pronounced darkness or redness that regular concealer alone cannot cover.
• Notes: use a thin layer. Too much corrector shows through.

Who each pick is for

What to consider before you buy

Shade matching: two different goals

You may need two shades:

• Under the eyes: choose a shade about one shade lighter than your skin, or your exact match with brightening undertones. Too light creates a reverse-raccoon effect or an ashy cast on deeper skin.
• On blemishes and redness: match your skin or foundation exactly. A lighter shade draws attention to a spot.

Test in daylight, and check undertone: warm peach or golden tones often look more natural under the eyes than pink, which can emphasize darkness.

Under eye concealer: special considerations

The skin under your eyes is thin and moves constantly, so it shows texture and creasing first.

• Moisturize first with an eye cream or a lightweight moisturizer.
• Use less product. Apply a few dots to the darkest area, usually the inner corner and the hollow, not a big triangle.
• Tap, don't rub. Use your ring finger or a damp sponge to press product in.
• Set lightly. A small amount of finely milled powder prevents creasing, but too much looks dry.

Finish

• Matte holds up on blemishes and oily areas.
• Natural or satin works almost everywhere.
• Radiant or brightening suits the under-eye area and adds a fresh glow.

Long-wear vs. hydrating formulas

Long-wear formulas resist creasing and fading but can feel dry. Hydrating formulas are comfortable and flexible but may need a touch of setting powder. Many people use a long-wear concealer for blemishes and a hydrating one for under the eyes.

Pairing with foundation

Concealer and foundation should have compatible textures; mixing a very dewy concealer with a full matte foundation can look patchy. Our guide to the best foundation explains how to choose a base for your skin type. Whether to apply concealer before or after foundation is personal: after is the most common approach, since foundation already covers some discoloration and you will need less concealer.

Budget tiers

• Entry-level: many drugstore concealers perform impressively, especially liquid formulas.
• Mid-range: broader shade ranges and specialty formulas such as brightening or long-wear.
• Investment: prestige textures, refined finishes and extensive shade systems.

How to apply concealer step by step

1. Prep the skin. Moisturize, especially under the eyes, and let it absorb.
2. Correct if needed. Tap a small amount of color corrector onto very dark areas or strong redness.
3. Apply foundation if you wear it.
4. Place concealer strategically. Dot it on the inner corners of the eyes, the darkest part of under-eye circles, around the nose and on blemishes.
5. Blend. Under the eyes, tap with a finger or damp sponge. On blemishes, blend only the edges so the center stays covered.
6. Set. Lightly press powder over blemishes and under the eyes where you crease.
7. Check in natural light. Adjust any patches that look too light or heavy.

Bonus uses

• Clean up lipstick edges with a small brush and concealer; it helps define a bold lip from our best lipstick guide.
• Sharpen brows by tracing concealer beneath the arch.
• Prime eyelids with a thin layer to even out tone.
• Highlight subtly on the center of the forehead or chin with a slightly lighter shade.

Finish the face with color and definition: a flush from the best blush formula for your skin and a coat of the best mascara for your lashes. For the bigger picture, our best makeup products guide covers the essentials.

Making concealer last all day

• Layer thinly. Two thin layers, each blended and lightly set, hold better than one thick one.
• Use a setting spray after powder to melt everything together and reduce the powdery look.
• Carry a touch-up kit. A stick or pen concealer and a small sponge fix midday creasing faster than adding more product.
• Smooth creases before reapplying. Gently tap the area with a fingertip to redistribute product before adding a tiny bit more.

Watch the shelf life, too. Most concealers carry a period-after-opening symbol, an open jar with a number of months, on the packaging. Replace any product that changes smell, color or texture, especially if you use it on blemishes.

Common concealer mistakes

• Using too much. Heavy layers crease and cake. Start small.
• Choosing a shade far too light. It creates a gray or ashy cast.
• Skipping eye prep. Dry skin makes concealer settle into lines.
• Setting with heavy powder. This emphasizes texture, especially on mature skin.
• Rubbing blemishes. Rubbing removes product from the spot; pat instead.
• Ignoring hygiene. Wipe doe-foot applicators and wash brushes and sponges regularly, especially when concealing breakouts.

Concealer for different skin needs

Mature skin

Prioritize lightweight, hydrating formulas with a natural or radiant finish. Use very little product under the eyes, focus on the inner corners, and keep powder minimal.

Oily or acne-prone skin

Choose oil-free, long-wear formulas for spots. Apply concealer with a clean brush rather than fingers, and set lightly with powder. For persistent acne, a dermatologist can recommend treatment.

Deep skin tones

Look for brands that offer multiple undertones in deeper shades, and use peach or orange correctors for under-eye darkness before concealer. Avoid shades that are too light, which can look ashy.

Sensitive skin and eyes

Choose fragrance-free, minimal formulas. Patch test new products and stop using anything that causes stinging or irritation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best concealer for dark circles?

A lightweight, flexible liquid with a natural or brightening finish works for most people. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your skin or a match with peach or golden undertones. For very dark circles, use a thin layer of color corrector first.

Should under eye concealer be lighter than my skin?

Slightly lighter can brighten, but not by much. Going too light creates a gray or ashy look, especially on medium and deep skin. Many makeup artists prefer a shade close to your skin tone with a warm or peach undertone.

Why does my concealer crease?

Creasing usually comes from using too much product, skipping moisturizer or using a formula that is too thick. Apply less, tap it in, and set with a small amount of finely milled powder. A hydrating formula may help on dry skin.

Do I apply concealer before or after foundation?

Most people apply it after foundation, since foundation already evens out tone and you need less concealer. If you only use concealer for spots or prefer minimal makeup, you can skip foundation entirely.

Can I use concealer instead of foundation?

Yes, if your skin is fairly even. Spot-concealing redness and under-eye darkness can look fresher than full foundation. Choose a shade that matches your skin exactly for this approach.

Final thoughts

The best concealer is the one that matches your concern, your skin type and the finish you like. Choose a flexible formula for the eyes, a denser one for spots, and use less than you think. For more buying guides and makeup tips, visit our Makeup section.