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The 17 Best Concealers for Every Skin Type and Concern, Tested by Our Editors

We tried over 60 concealers, and these formulas covered dark circles, spots, and acne.

In This Article

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In This Article

  • Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Look For
  • How We Tested
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Why Trust Byrdie
Two people with a varying skin types testing concealers for every skin type and concernTwo people with a varying skin types testing concealers for every skin type and concern

Byrdie

TL;DR

Our best overall pick is the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer, available in 31 shades. It offers coverage that corrects and conceals while depuffing and brightening uneven skin texture. For a drugstore concealer, consider the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer, a full-coverage formula with impressive staying power—lasting nearly 12 hours.

Few makeup items are as versatile as concealer. Whether you’re looking to brighten your under-eyes, cover breakouts and discoloration, or highlight and sculpt your features, reaching for a great concealer is bound to get the job done. “Think of concealer as the body shaper for the face,” says celebrity makeup artist Saisha Beecham. “It tucks away anything you may not want people to see publicly and highlights what you want to accentuate.” 

However, concealer is just as personal as it is valuable in your makeup collection. Finding one that works well for your skin type, aligns with your makeup preferences, and wears well throughout the day can be challenging. So, we tested more than 60 concealers to find the best options available today. We evaluated each one on its shade range, coverage, formula, finish, application, wear, and overall results, and those that impressed us the most appear on this list. We also consulted with three makeup artists to learn more about what to consider when buying concealer. From blemish banishers to brightening heroes, we’re sharing the concealers that do what they’re supposed to do best.

Site Loop: The Byrdie Team Tests for the Best Concealers

Top Picks

Best Overall:

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer at Sephora$32

Jump to Review

Best Full Coverage:

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer at Amazon$32

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:
SALE

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer at Amazon$16$13

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer at Sephora$29

Jump to Review

Best for Dark Circles:

Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer at Sephora$30

Jump to Review

Best Natural Finish:

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer at Amazon$39

Jump to Review

Best for Acne:

Nars Soft Matte Concealer at Sephora$36

Jump to Review

Best for Dry Skin:

Kosas Concealer at Amazon$32

Jump to Review

Best Stick Concealer:

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer at Amazon$77

Jump to Review

Best Long-Wearing:

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer at Amazon$36

Jump to Review


Best Overall

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer with Fermented ArnicaHaus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer with Fermented Arnica
Credit: Haus Labs by Lady Gaga
$32 at SephoraView on Hauslabs.com$32 at Kohls.com
What We Like
  • Buildable coverage

  • Looks seamless on blemishes and under the eyes

  • Minimal fading and creasing throughout the day

What to Consider
  • Texture may be a bit thick for some

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 31 | Finish: Natural/soft matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Throughout our concealer testing journey, we found lots of formulas we love, but this one from Haus Labs stands out. It’s available in 31 shades that span from fair to deep in a variety of undertones. It has medium coverage that can be built up to effectively coverdark circles, blemishes, and dark spots, and a natural, slightly matte finish that looks smooth on the skin. The texture takes a bit of getting used to since it’s thick and a bit paste-like, but it was still blendable with our fingertips, a damp sponge, and a brush.

What impressed us most was how well it lasted, with minimal creasing and fading throughout the day. It gave the under-eye area a smooth, even, and brighter look. We also appreciated that it layered well and played nicely with our foundation and skincare products; we never experienced pilling when testing this one. 

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Haus Labs Trichlone Concealerm

Lauren Pardee, senior editor with combination/dry skin (not shown): “This product layered really nicely, which was a big win for me. Nothing is worse than when your makeup pills and this didn’t at all—nor did it change color, cause irritation, or breakouts.”


Best Full Coverage

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape Full-Coverage ConcealerTarte Shape Tape Full-Coverage Concealer
Credit: Ulta
$32 at AmazonView on Ulta$32 at Target
What We Like
  • Excellent coverage

  • Available in 36 shades

  • Smooth, even finish on the skin

What to Consider
  • Can emphasize dryness

Coverage: Full| Shades: 36 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

It’s likely no surprise that we’re recommending this iconic concealer from Tarte; it spent years being the bestselling concealer in America. If you’re looking for a full-coverage option, this is the one for you. Just one swipe totally covers dark circles, blemishes, dark spots, and redness, making your complexion look smooth and even. It comes in a range of shades that range in depth and undertone. It’s great for daily wear if you’re sparing with it, and it can be built up to suit a full glam occasion makeup. 

This high-coverage concealer earned high marks during testing for its coverage, application, and wear. It applied nicely with fingers, a sponge, and a brush—the creamy formula was easy to blend using all three methods. Once we let it dry or set it with a light layer of powder, it locked in place and lasted all day with minimal creasing and settling into lines. While we think it’s a great option for all skin types, we recommend those with dry skin exfoliate and moisturize before applying this formula to prevent it from clinging to dry patches.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer

Byrdie

Katie, tester with dry skin (not shown): “This is the best concealer in the history of concealers, and I’m mad at myself for not trying it sooner. It’s everything I want in a concealer—creamy, blendable, buildable, long-lasting, full coverage, brightening, and smoothing.”


Best Drugstore

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof ConcealerL'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer
Credit: Amazon

$16

$13 at Amazon$16 at UltaView on Target

What We Like
  • Great coverage and affordable price range

  • Long-wearing and crease resistant

  • Inclusive shade range

What to Consider
  • Can look a bit cakey

Coverage: Full| Shades: 22 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for a high-quality concealer you can pick up at your local drugstore (but is on par with more high-end options), we recommend this one. It’s available in 22 shades (a lot for a drugstore option) that suit a range of complexions. It provides full coverage that effectively covers blemishes, dark circles, and discoloration, and dries down to a matte finish. 

Two things impressed us the most during testing: the coverage and the staying power. Just a small dot covered beautifully, and once it dried down, it lasted nearly 12 hours with minimal creasing or fading. If you have dry skin or you overapply it, this formula can look a bit cakey since it’s matte and on the thick side. So, we recommend moisturizing before using it and applying it a little at a time.

Photos of a person's face before and after using L'Oreal Paris Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full CoveragePhotos of a person's face before and after using L'Oreal Paris Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage

Byrdie

Daniela, tester with combination skin (not shown): “I haven’t been a fan of drugstore concealers in the past, but I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage this one offered. It did a great job of covering some discoloration on my skin.”


Best for Mature Skin

Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer

Sephora Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Awakening ConcealerSephora Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$29 at Sephora$29 at Kohls.comView on Makeupbymario.com
What We Like
  • Doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines

  • Depuffs and tightens skin

  • Wears well throughout the day

What to Consider
  • Some people find that it feels a bit drying

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 22 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Editor-in-chief Hallie Gould raved about this hydrating concealer, and so did our testers. It’s available in 22 inclusive shades, offers medium coverage, and has a natural finish that creates a blurring effect.

“I have especially crinkly under-eyes (I’m expressive!), and it’s difficult to find a concealer that won’t crease throughout the day,” says Gould. “Makeup by Mario’s formula leaves my under-eyes crease-free, hydrated, and bright until I remove it at night. The genius is in the ingredients: This concealer houses both caffeine (to reduce puffiness) and fermented marine microorganisms (for a visible tightening effect).”

A person before and after applying Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening ConcealerA person before and after applying Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Awakening Concealer

Byrdie

Hallie Gould, editor-in-chief (not pictured): “I love this concealer with my whole heart. It’s creamy, easy to blend, and stays put (for hours, and hours, and hours).”


Best for Dark Circles

Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Concealer

Sephora Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating ConcealerSephora Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$30 at Sephora$30 at UltaView on Ecosmetics.com
What We Like
  • Pointed applicator makes targeting small areas of the face easy

  • Smooth, natural-looking finish

  • Available in 50 shades

What to Consider
  • Can emphasize texture

Coverage: Medium to full| Shades: 50 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Put simply, we love this concealer for brightening dark circles. It’s available in a whopping 50 shades with an impressive dispersion of depth and undertones, and the formula is a pleasure to work with. It has a lightweight and creamy consistency that spreads easily. Just a few dots offer excellent coverage, though it is buildable, so you can layer it on to achieve full opacity. The natural finish looks truly skin-like, and we were so impressed by how smooth, bright, and even it made the under-eyes look. 

The formula lasted beautifully with minimal creasing and fading when set with a light layer of powder. The pointed doe-foot applicator also makes it super easy to apply the concealer near the inner and outer corners of the eyes. It’s an excellent choice for all skin types, though, like many concealers, it can emphasize dry patches, so we recommend moisturizing before applying it.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Concealer

Byrdie

Caitlyn, tester with oily skin (not shown): “The applicator tip is small and pointed, so it’s best the perfect shape for those delicate hollow areas around the eyes. I felt like one dot over my dark circles or a blemish was all I needed. It’s very pigmented but in the best way.”


Best Natural Finish

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush ConcealerHourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Credit: Ulta
$39 at Amazon$39 at Sephora$39 at Ulta
What We Like
  • Has a natural, blurring finish

  • Easy to blend

  • Buildable coverage

What to Consider
  • Not many pink-toned options for those with cool undertones

  • Can emphasize dryness

Coverage: Full| Shades: 22 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This pick from Hourglass offers a ton of coverage but mimics the true texture and finish of real skin, making it an excellent natural-looking concealer. It packs a punch in terms of pigmentation, but unlike some full-coverage concealers that are matte and dry, this one has a natural finish and is a total breeze to blend. Just a few dots were all we needed to cancel out discoloration and brighten our under-eyes. We could add a bit more product to create a more glam look, but we loved that whether we used just a dot or built it up, it maintained a natural, blurred finish. 

Some testers got excellent wear out of this formula, while others experienced a bit of creasing and found that it highlighted dryness. Applying an eye cream first and setting it in place with a fine translucent powder yields the best results. We also found that the shades run pretty yellow, so we hope the brand expands the color selection with some more cool-toned options. 

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer Loop

Michelle, tester with dry skin (not shown): “It evened out my skin tone, and I immediately noticed a huge improvement in dark spots on my chin as soon as I applied the concealer on them.”


Best for Acne

Nars Soft Matte Concealer

NARS Soft Matte Complete ConcealerNARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$36 at Sephora$36 at Ulta$36 at Nordstrom
What We Like
  • Covers acne and scars

  • Matte, blurring finish

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider
  • Can look slightly dry on dry skin

  • Tricky to apply with a sponge

Coverage: Full| Shades: 30 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No 

This Nars concealer has been popular for many years (and beloved by Byrdie editors), so it’s no surprise that it earned high ranks during testing for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It has a solid, creamy, but not super emollient, formula that covers blemishes, dark spots, and discoloration with aplomb. A little bit goes a long way, so it doesn’t look heavy or cakey on the skin. The formula is buildable and sets to a matte finish with a bit of a blurring effect, essential if you’re on the hunt for a blurring concealer for oily skin.

This moisturizing concealer camouflaged discoloration and acne, and also wore well throughout the day. Testers found that applying a light setting powder helped to lock it in place. We thought it performed decently under the eyes, though some people found it a bit drying for use in this area. We didn’t love using it with a damp sponge because the stiffer formula was tricky to blend this way, but it applied perfectly with our fingertips.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Nars Soft Matte Complete ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Byrdie

Ali Webb, associate style editor: “This concealer offers blurred, soft-focus coverage for all your areas of concern, but the best part just may be the inclusion of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins to help skin look and feel better from the inside out.”


Best for Dry Skin

Kosas Concealer

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening ConcealerKosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$32 at Amazon

$32

$16 at Sephora$32 at Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Creamy, hydrating consistency is easy to blend

  • Dewy finish

  • Available in 38 shades

What to Consider
  • Can settle into fine lines

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 38 | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This Kosas Revealer concealer has been a longtime favorite among customers looking for the best concealer for dry skin—and we loved it, too. It’s formulated withhyaluronic acid and peptides to boost moisture, so it’s one of the best hydrating concealers we have yet to try. It has a super creamy, serum-like formula, lending a texture that’s spreadable and easy to blend. It offers medium buildable coverage, though we noticed we did need to layer it up more than other options to yield our desired coverage. 

It did a nice job of concealing redness around breakouts and brightening the under-eye area while maintaining a dewy, skin-like finish. We enjoyed using it on top of foundation or tinted moisturizer and also thought it looked gorgeous when used to spot conceal and brighten our skin on minimal makeup days. It slightly settled into fine lines due to the super creamy texture, but we could mitigate that by setting it with a light layer of setting powder. 

Kosas Revealer Concealer Loop

Elena, tester with dry skin (not shown): “Because it’s creamy and hydrating, it has a smoothing effect and a more dewy, natural finish. It melts into the skin and holds up for a full day.”


Best Stick Concealer

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27
Credit: Nordstrom
$77 at Amazon$77 at Nordstrom$77 at Saks Fifth Avenue
What We Like
  • Mess-free packaging and application

  • Excellent coverage and easy to blend

  • Wears nicely throughout the day

What to Consider
  • Limited shade range

  • Thick consistency can take some getting used to

Coverage: Full| Shades: 12 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No 

Concealers in stick format are mess-free and easy to use, aka, great to keep in your bag for touch-ups on the go. We love this one because it offers full coverage, has a blendable formula with a natural matte finish, and is formulated with SPF 27 (though you should apply a separate sunscreen to your face first for proper protection). 

We were quite impressed by how easily we could blend it with our preferred application method. Some stick concealers have stiff textures that are hard to spread. While this one has a thick consistency that could take some getting used to, we had no issue blending it to achieve even coverage. It covered dark circles, blemishes, and sun spots perfectly, leaving behind a smooth veil of color. Once applied, it lasted nearly all day long without creasing or fading.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 Loop

Kate, tester with combination skin (not shown): “This concealer is in a stick form, so I tried both methods of dabbing directly and putting some on my finger first. Both worked well. I didn’t have to use very much product to get a lot of coverage, which was nice (especially considering the cost of it).”


Best Long-Wearing

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer

MAC Pro Longwear ConcealerMAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Credit: MAC

$36

$31 at AmazonView on Ulta$31 at Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Wears well all day with minimal creasing or fading

  • Lightweight texture

  • Smooth finish and full coverage

What to Consider
  • Pump packing dispenses too much product

  • Could have better shades for those with fair and deep skin tones

Coverage: Full| Shades: 16 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No 

Finding a concealer that provides the coverage and finish you’re looking for while remaining intact all day and night is tricky, but this one from Mac seriously impressed us. Once you apply it, it lightly sets down and locks in place—it was the most long-wearing, budge-proof, and crease-resistant concealer we tested. The formula is creamy, lightweight, and richly pigmented, so a small dot spreads easily and covers beautifully. It has a matte finish that isn’t dry or chalky; it looks smooth and feels comfortable on a variety of skin types. We enjoyed using it under our eyes and on blemishes. 

Although we loved its appearance and performance, we didn’t love the packaging. It has a pump top that makes it difficult to control how much product comes out, leading to some waste. We also feel that the shade range is lacking a bit on the deep and fair ends of the color spectrum. However, if longevity is your goal and you can find a shade that suits your complexion, we think you’ll be pretty pleased with this option.

Photos of a person's face before and after using MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer

Byrdie

Chrissy, tester with combination skin (not shown): “The concealer is very smooth and feels soft. A thin layer goes a long way, and it held up well after all-day wear.”


Best Radiant Finish

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer

Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye ConcealerArmani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$42 at Sephora$42 at Nordstrom$42 at Bloomingdales
What We Like
  • Natural, radiant finish

  • Lightweight and easy to blend

  • Hydrating

What to Consider
  • Coverage isn’t very buildable

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 22 | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: No 

Like the brand’s iconic Luminous Silk Foundation, this lightweight concealer has a gorgeous, radiant finish. You can swipe it on and blend it out in seconds, leaving you with a natural and even-looking complexion. It looks beautiful on bare skin for no-makeup makeup days, but can also be layered on top of foundation for more done-up looks.  

It was super easy to blend and felt comfortable and hydrating on our skin during testing. We do wish it had better buildability so it could fully cover discoloration, but it did a nice job of blurring imperfections and creating uniform-looking skin.

Site Loop: Person’s face before and after using Armani Luminous Silk Concealer

Nikki, tester with combination skin (not shown): “The Armani Luminous Silk Concealer left my skin looking radiant. The product did not crease or settle into my fine lines or pores, and I appreciated the blurring and smoothing effect on my skin.”


Best for Oily Skin

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles Concealer

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles ConcealerYves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles Concealer
Credit: Yves Saint Laurent
$40 at NordstromView on Yslbeautyus.comView on Neiman Marcus
What We Like
  • Natural matte finish that lasts all day

  • Excellent coverage

  • Pointed applicator allows for precise application 

What to Consider
  • Shade range could be improved

  • Transfers a bit, so we recommend setting with powder

Coverage: Full| Shades: 18 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No 

Sick of concealer breaking down on your oily skin? This one has a soft matte finish and a long-wearing formula that totally stays put. It provides full coverage that blurs the appearance of dark spots and under-eye circles. It dried down quickly and set in place without looking heavy or cakey. Just a few dots were all we needed to get adequate coverage, and we loved how smooth it looked on bare skin or over foundation. 

The wand has a diamond-shaped applicator with a pointed tip, which helps place the product precisely in the inner corners of the eyes and creases of the nose. Once dry, we were impressed by how well the formula wore—we didn’t experience much creasing or fading throughout the day. While there are 18 shades available, we feel like the range is lacking options for those with fair and deep skin tones and people with cool undertones.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles Concealer

Byrdie

Daniella, tester with combination skin (not shown): “The product layers extremely well. I applied it after my skincare routine, and it didn’t pill or rub off at all. I felt like my face looked like the perfect template. Although you may want to set it with a spray or powder, as there was some minimal product transfer.”


Best Under-Eye Concealer

Live Tinted Hueskin Serum Concealer

Live Tinted Hueskin Serum ConcealerLive Tinted Hueskin Serum Concealer
Credit: Ulta

$28

$26 at Amazon$29 at UltaView on Livetinted.com

What We Like
  • Caffeine helps depuff and brighten under-eyes

  • Shades range from very fair to very deep

  • Can be built up for full coverage

What to Consider
  • Can emphasize dry patches

Coverage: Medium to full| Shades: 20 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Many of us rely on concealer to cover up and brighten dark under-eyes. In our opinion, this Live Tinted pick is the best under-eye concealer we tried on this list. It’s packed with ingredients that benefit the skin, like niacinamide, bakuchiol, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid to brighten, smooth, depuff, and hydrate. We also love a concealer that you can achieve light to medium coverage with, but also build up for more intense opacity, and that defines this concealer. It has a creamy texture that spreads easily, creating a blurring veil of coverage to even out discoloration while maintaining a natural-like appearance. A second coat can be applied with your fingertips or a brush to achieve full coverage. This versatility makes it a great option on minimal makeup days and for special occasions. 

Despite the serum-like formula, which can often contribute to an oily consistency that breaks down, this one remained intact when set in place with powder. Although it emphasized a bit of dryness, we still love it for all skin types (so long as you prep your skin properly), and we love that the shade range is very inclusive. 

Live Tinted Hydrating Serum Concealer Loop

Danielle, tester with dry skin (not shown): “The coverage was nice. I really liked the texture and how it felt on my skin, especially after a full day of wearing it.”


Best for Sensitive Skin

Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer

ILIA True Skin Serum ConcealerILIA True Skin Serum Concealer
Credit: Dermstore

$32

$26 at Amazon

$32

$23 at Sephora

$32

$23 at Ulta

What We Like
  • Fragrance-free

  • Skin-like finish and lightweight formula

  • Buildable coverage

What to Consider
  • Could be more long-wearing

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 20 | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Finding a concealer that’s lightweight, comfortable, doesn’t cause irritation,and covers sensitive skin effectively can be a challenge. This one is great because it has a weightless, serum-like texture that feels utterly undetectable on the skin; it’s free from synthetic fragrance (which can be irritating for those with sensitivity) and offers medium, buildable coverage.

This formula covered discoloration due to blemishes and darkness under the eyes so well during testing. Thin, serum-y concealers often lack coverage, but this one covered what we wanted in just one or two layers. It looked natural and skin-like when used on bare skin and over foundation, though it started to break up after a few hours. So long as you’re not looking for something with serious longevity, we think you’ll enjoy this pick on your sensitive skin.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Ilia True Serum ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Ilia True Serum Concealer

Byrdie

Mia, tester with combination skin (not shown): “I was super impressed—it’s a serum concealer, and usually these don’t pack a ton of punch when it comes to coverage. I found that it covered my under-eye darkness, acne spots, and redness on my cheeks.”


Best Medium Coverage

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy ConcealerNars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$36 at Sephora$36 at UltaView on Narscosmetics.com
What We Like
  • Buildable coverage

  • Easy to blend

  • Radiant, skin-like finish

What to Consider
  • Can emphasize skin texture

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 30 | Finish: Radiant | Cruelty-Free: No 

Those who want visible coverage but want their skin to look natural will get on well with a medium-coverage concealer like this one from Nars. The Radiant Creamy Concealer has been a fan favorite for years, thanks to its creamy consistency, and we loved this about it during testing. It’s lightweight and easy to blend, leaving the skin with a radiant (but not greasy) finish. It did a great job concealing dark circles and blemishes while letting a bit of natural skin show through. 

We noticed that the formula clung to dry patches and texture a bit, so we recommend applying it to exfoliated and moisturized skin. But if you want a versatile product that can be used on minimal makeup days and for more done-up makeup looks, we recommend trying this one. 

Photos of a person's face before and after using Nars Radiant Creamy ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Byrdie

Sheila, tester with combination skin (not shown): “The product was high enough coverage for me to not feel the need to apply foundation if I am looking for an everyday, light makeup look.”


Best Light Coverage

Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer

Sephora Make Up For Ever HD Skin Smooth & Blur Undetectable ConcealerSephora Make Up For Ever HD Skin Smooth & Blur Undetectable Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$33 at Sephora$33 at Nordstrom$33 at Macy’s
What We Like
  • Looks great on bare skin

  • Lightweight

  • Natural, skin-like finish 

What to Consider
  • Buildability could be better

  • Shade range could be more extensive for deep skin tones

Coverage: Light to medium| Shades: 20 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: No 

Some concealers can look stark on bare skin when you’re just trying to even your skin tone rather than perfect or brighten it. We highly recommend this one if you want a product to softly even discoloration on no-makeup makeup days. The brand markets it as a medium-coverage concealer, but we found the coverage to be on the light side. 

Though we would love it if the formula were more buildable so we could achieve a bit more coverage, it does a great job of blurring the appearance of dark circles and blemishes without looking heavy or unnatural. It feels weightless, looks skin-like, and easily blends with our fingertips. It’s suitable for all skin types, and we found it wore best with minimal creasing when we set it with a powder.

Photos of a person's face before and after using Make Up For Ever HD Skin Smooth & Blur Undetectable ConcealerPhotos of a person's face before and after using Make Up For Ever HD Skin Smooth & Blur Undetectable Concealer

Byrdie

Jackie, tester with combination skin (not shown): “Because it’s so lightweight, it looks very smooth and blurs under my eyes. I was impressed that it did not crease or settle into fine lines or pores.”


Best Everyday Concealer

Dior Backstage Concealer

Sephora Dior Backstage ConcealerSephora Dior Backstage Concealer
Credit: Sephora
$33 at SephoraView on Ecosmetics.comView on Dior.com
What We Like
  • Buildable coverage

  • Natural radiant finish

  • Brush applicator makes it easy to target small areas of the face 

  • Lightweight, easy-to-blend formula

What to Consider
  • Could be a bit more long-lasting

Coverage: Medium| Shades: 22 | Finish: Natural radiant | Cruelty-Free: No 

Our favorite concealers for everyday wear have enough coverage to conceal discoloration but still allow a bit of natural skin texture to show through. This one does just that, thanks to its creamy and easy-to-blend formula that offers medium coverage. One layer evens out dark spots and under-eye circles, while additional layers help achieve a more perfected look. It has a natural-radiant finish that gives the skin a bit of a glow without looking oily, just healthy and hydrated. 

We got several hours of wear out of this concealer before it started to fade, but it’s worth noting that we did see some patchiness under the eyes toward the end of the day. We recommend moisturizing before applying the concealer and setting it with powder for the best chance of longevity. Overall, we loved how it looked on bare skin and over foundation—like the best version of our skin.

A before and after photo showing the effects of Dior Backstage Flash Perfector ConcealerA before and after photo showing the effects of Dior Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer

Byrdie

Anna, tester with dry skin: “I love that it doesn’t have a matte finish like my other concealer. I felt like my eyes looked much more refreshed and highlighted rather than mattifying and cakey.”

What to Look for When Buying a Concealer

  • Formula: Concealers come in different formulas—like liquids, creams, and sticks—and can be used for various purposes. Professional makeup artist Amber Amos says thicker formulas like creams or sticks are great for concealing blemishes because they tend to stay in place and offer great coverage. Liquid and more emollient formulas are nice for under the eyes because they create a fresher and more natural look. 
  • Shade Range: The best concealer shade depends on what you’re using it for. Celebrity makeup artist Kelli Anne Sewell recommends using a concealer under your eyes that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone and has slightly pink undertones to cancel out dark circles. If you want to cover blemishes, she recommends getting a shade as close to your skin tone as possible. 
  • Finish: Concealers come in a variety of finishes, like matte, natural, radiant, and dewy. If you have oily skin, one with a natural or matte finish will probably wear better on you. If you have dry skin, one with a radiant or dewy finish can help enhance luminosity.  

How We Tested Concealers

A person applying a swatch of the NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer on their wristA person applying a swatch of the NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer on their wrist

Byrdie

We test products in real-life settings before we recommend them to you, and here is how we tested concealers:

  • Formulas Tested: 60+
  • Testing Period: 984 hours
  • Methodology: We tested concealers on a wide range of skin types and tones at home in real life as part of our usual makeup routines. We then took the ones that impressed us the most into the office to test them again in studio light and natural lighting.
  • Attributes Considered: We evaluated each concealer based on its shade range, coverage, formula, finish, application, wear, and overall results.
FAQ
  • What’s the best way to apply concealer?

    Figuring out how to apply concealer for the best results takes trial and error, though some techniques can help. When it comes to concealing blemishes, Sewell recommends spot concealing after foundation and letting it sit for a minute or two before blending. “This allows the concealer to almost ‘bake’ on your face and gives you maximum payoff and additional coverage,” she explains. 

  • Should you apply concealer before or after foundation?

    There are no rules when it comes to makeup application, but we typically recommend applying concealer after your foundation in areas that could use a bit more coverage. This helps prevent you from over-applying the product and ending up with thick or cakey makeup.

  • How can I mask under-eye discoloration and bags?

    For under-eyes, Beecham recommends applying a few dots and letting them sit for a minute before blending them out. “If you want to hide a deep under-eye bag, use your regular color concealer, but then take a color a few shades brighter with a thin brush and dab right into the crease and feather away the edges,” she says. “This will catch the light and make the bag appear less visible.” Once you’ve blended in your concealer, use a damp sponge or a fluffy brush to apply a light layer of setting powder to make sure it lasts.

Meet Our Experts

We tapped three professional makeup artists to learn all things concealers.

  • Kelli Anne Sewell is a celebrity makeup artist, content creator, and founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne. She has worked with clients like Alix Earle, Brooks Nader, and more.
  • Amber Amos is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist whose work has been featured in various publications.
  • Saisha Beecham is a celebrity makeup artist whose work has been featured on the covers of magazines.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an editor, an experienced writer in the beauty industry, and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She’s been using and testing concealers for more than a decade, and she’s tested nearly every one on this list for herself. She also reviewed testing insights from Byrdie, in which over 60 concealers were tested over a period of two weeks. Alyssa received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing.

Edited by
Ally Hirschlag
Updated by
Shauna Beni-Haynes
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