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- Best Concealers
- How to Choose the Best Formula
- How to Apply Concealer
- How to Choose the Best Shade
- Meet the Experts
By Brooke Knappenberger
last updated
Contributions from
Samantha Holender
in Buying Guides
No beauty product works harder than concealer. Have an angry and annoying red pimple? A full-coverage formula can save the day. Stayed up way too late? Color-correcting concealers will hide dark circles in a swipe. Have fine lines that need to be blurred? The best concealers for mature skin have you covered. The best concealers ever do it all—and last all day.
At Marie Claire, we have tested hundreds of formulas to find the top-performing options on the market. Ahead, you’ll find the tried-and-true concealers our team of editors keeps well-stocked in our makeup bags, from drugstore concealers like the e.l.f. Camo Concealer to more luxurious finds like Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer. There's something for every concern and price point ahead.
Best Concealers
- Best Overall Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Best Budget Concealer: E.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer
- Best Luxury Concealer: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid
- Best Concealer for Acne: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
- Best Concealer for Undereyes: Dior Backstage Concealer
Best Overall Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Beauty Editor Samantha Holender has tried well over 50 concealers, but she consistently goes back to this one. "It covers up my dark circles, never, ever separates, and makes me look like I got a full night's sleep despite the fact that I most definitely did not," she says. Not only does she apply it under her eyes, but she also uses it on the high points of her face to add extra dewiness.
Pros: Great for dark circles; Provides a brightening effect; Suitable for all skin types; Long-wearing; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
E.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer
This pick has 'camo' in the name for a reason. E.l.f.'s Camo Concealer is a champ at covering up dark circles, scars, and redness. Its incredible staying power means I won't have to touch up in the middle of the day. A little goes a long way here, meaning one tube will last you a long while. And if your skin tends to be drier, there's a hydrating formula for you.
Pros: Under $15; Great for spot concealing; Long-wearing; Blendable; Vegan.
Cons: Limited shades for darker skin tones; Not great for dry skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid
Generally speaking, Charlotte Tilbury never misses with her products, which rings true with her concealer. For those who dread a cakey look (like me!), this ultra-creamy formula complete with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, plus with niacinamide, is a win. I especially love how this concealer looks just like your skin, but better, no matter how many layers I throw on.
Pros: Hydrating formula; Long-wearing; Waterproof; Wide shade range; Made with skincare ingredients; Buildable coverage; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
NARS has great concealers, and while their Radiant Creamy Concealer is high on our list of favorites, it is on the glowier side. If you prefer a matte finish, this is the one to grab. This little pot concealer is a champ at covering acne thanks to its high-coverage formula and blurring effect. In fact, Luna says she uses this concealer when she needs a little more coverage.
Pros: Great for acne; Long-wearing; Vegan; Buildable coverage; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
Dior Backstage Concealer
The Dior Beauty Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer is makeup artist Jonet Williamson's favorite thanks to its balance of hydration and long-wear. "Because it's infused with caffeine, I like to use it under the eye to help with puffiness. Also, I love that I never have to worry about it creasing or giving flashback when worn at night during flash photography," she says.
Pros: Hydrating formula; Waterproof; Long-wearing; Non-creasing; Helps to depuff undereyes.
Cons: Reviewers note that the packaging could be improved as it can get messy.
Also Recommended
Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer
Under-eye concealer constantly creasing? Laura Mercier has the solution. "No matter what eye cream or powder combo I tried, I always had product settling into little fine lines," says Holender. "This is the first concealer I've used that actually stays put, without sinking into my skin. I also like to apply it on the bridge of my nose and forehead for an added brightness." Don't believe her? Try it for yourself.
Pros: Great color range; Hydrating formula
Cons: Doe-foot applicator is a little chunky
Best Concealer for Dark Circles
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
As someone with "perpetual dark circles," Style Editor Emma Childs was thrilled to find a full coverage formula capable of disguising purple tone. "I need a product that offers full yet never cakey coverage and effectively brightens my, at times, raccoon-like appearance. This dermatologist-tested formula delivers tenfold on its promise of crease-free 16-hour wear, and I was astounded by how masterfully it lightened my purple-hued under-eyes. In short, the product strikes me as magic," she shares.
Pros: Great for dark circles; Provides a brightening effect; Non-creasing; Long-wearing; Dermatologist-tested; Wide shade range; Waterproof.
Cons: Over $30.
Best Medium-Coverage Concealer
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer
Thanks to late nights and early mornings, my concealer needs to be high coverage. Of course, I'm also burdened with dry under eyes, so not just any concealer will do it for me. Enter: Rare Beauty's Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer. This concealer has just the right amount of coverage to rescue me from pesky dark circles, yet doesn't get cakey as the day goes on. It also doesn't dry out my skin and sets perfectly with a touch of setting powder.
Pros: Wide shade range; Hydrating formula; Provides a brightening effect; Suitable for all skin types; Vegan.
Cons: May crease if you apply too much.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Don't just take the internet's word that this viral concealer is worth the hype. Hear out E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla. "The texture is super lightweight, and the coverage is virtually undetectable on the skin," she shares. "I have dry skin so I avoid powders at all costs, but if you're on the oilier side, I would recommend setting this one down to stop it from moving around your face. For extra staying power and a touch more coverage, I let it sit under my eyes for a minute or so before I blend it in—made such a difference!"
Pros: Great for dark circles; Non-creasing; Hydrating formula; Provides a brightening effect; Made with skincare ingredients.
Cons: May crease if you apply too much.
Best Illuminating Concealer
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
A matte, full-coverage concealer, this Hourglass option is ideal for full-glam or special events. "I wore it to my brother's wedding and it didn't budge throughout the night," shares Marzovilla. "It's waterproof, sets without creasing, and doesn't settle into my fine lines. I do have dry skin, so I try to make sure that I keep my base really hydrated to get the best effect."
Pros: Long-wearing; Waterproof; Non-creasing; Provides a brightening effect; Great applicator; Suitable for all skin types.
Cons: Over $30.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27
I know this pick is pricier, but it saved me during a major breakout. All of my redness from acne magically disappeared with a few dabs of this concealer, which blends seamlessly. I love how I can count on this concealer to last me throughout the day, too. Rather than applying the stick directly to my skin, I like to use a small concealer brush to pack on the product on problem areas.
Pros: Great for acne; Blendable; Long-wearing; Provides sun protection.
Cons: Over $30; Not great for dry skin.
Pink Lipps Cosmetics 5-Star Soft Matte Concealer
Makeup artists know best, so when Kenyata Gant, a Kansas City-based makeup artist told me about this drugstore formula, I had to try it. "The formula is a soft matte texture for all skin types and has a color matching technology that doesn’t oxide into the skin. It’s waterproof once it sets. What you see is what you get," she shares. "These concealers also work well for acne coverage by color correcting and working as a 2-in-1 as both a concealer and foundation."
Pros: Suitable for all skin types; Waterproof; Multi-use formula; Under $20; Non-creasing; Buildable coverage; Vegan.
Cons: Limited shade range.
Best Brightening Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat High Cover Radiant Under-Eye Concealer
A classic since 2008, this YSL formula is a cult favorite for a reason. "Not only is the gold bottle exquisite and has stood the test of time—there's nothing like patting it onto your face in a vanity to make you feel fancy, even if you're applying it in your run-down college bathroom (and I did)—but it works magic on dark circles and any other parts of your face that need brightening. I think of it like a Highlighter Lite," shares Jenny Hollander, Marie Claire's Digital Director.
Pros: Provides a brightening effect; Great for dark circles; Buildable coverage; Easy to apply with brush tip; Suitable for all skin types.
Cons: Over $30; Limited shade range for darker skin tones.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Concealer
Of all the drugstore formulas out there, this Maybelline pick may be my favorite. On days when I'm in a rush, I dab a little bit of this concealer on my under eyes to look instantly awake. It also has a natural finish, so it's perfect for that no-makeup look. The spongy top of the tube is a nice addition as it makes application super easy and oddly fun.
Pros: Under $15; Easy to apply with sponge-tip applicator; Great for dark circles; Hydrating formula; Buildable coverage.
Cons: Limited shade range.
How to Choose the Best Formula
Of course, your definition of the “best” concealer will depend on your beauty needs. “Brands do a great job of really laying out what to expect from their formulas,” pro makeup artist Ehlie Luna tells Marie Claire. “What you should look for depends on your skin type, concerns, and the look you’re going for.”
For example, if your under-eyes are dry, Luna says to make sure your concealer is a hydrating formula. Go with a full-coverage concealer if hiding spots is your priority, while a matte finish would be ideal for oily skin. As a last tip, Luna says: “When concealing around the face, you may even want to opt for a cream concealer, while a liquid texture can work better under the eyes.”
How to Apply Concealer
Most concealers have a doe-foot applicator that can applied directly onto the face. For the under-eyes, apply a small dot on the inner corner of your eye and a diagonal swipe from the outer corner of your eye toward your temple. Blend with a brush for a fuller coverage finish or a makeup sponge for a softer finish, explains Williamson.
If you're trying to cover a blemish, layering is key. Apply a small dot underneath the foundation and let it set before adding coverage. If redness is still peaking through once the foundation is applied, feel free to blend a bit more product on top.
How to Choose the Best Shade
Typically, you want to brighten the under-eye area, opting for a color that one to two shades lighter than your natural skin tone. That in mind, makeup artist Michele Shakeshaft recommends switching to a more natural shade for face application. "The under-eye area is deeper because of our bone structure, so we are looking to bring that area forward, brighten, and lessen the look of depth," she says. "On the face, we want to neutralize the dark areas, but have them blend seamlessly into the rest of the face."
Meet the Makeup Experts
Ehlie Luna
Ehlie Luna is a pro makeup artist whose experience goes from key makeup artist for the New York City Ballet to freelance commercial work in 2020 allowing her to move deeper into content creation. Her work has been featured in music videos and has graced the red carpet and catwalks of New York Fashion Week. She’s also worked with brands such as Daily Paper, Mac Cosmetics, Pattern Beauty, Beautyblender, r.e.m. beauty, UOMA Beauty, Macy’s, and more.
Jonet Williamson
Jonet Williamson is a New York-based Pro Makeup Artist and Content Creator specializing in relatable beauty from a pro perspective. Her work has been featured in commercial campaigns for Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, L'Oreal, Shea Moisture, and more. If you follow her online you can expect to see lots of fresh skin, a vibrant use of color, striking graphic liner shapes, and soft glam looks fit for a red carpet.
Kenyata Gant
Kenyata is a Kansas City-based makeup artist and entrepreneur. In 2011 from her kitchen, Kenyata created her own makeup line. In 2014, Kenyata became a self-taught MUA where she sold her lip products to all of her clients. In 2016, she opened The Pink Lipps Cosmetics Store where her high-quality products are sold, and where she services her clients alongside her team of five. As a pro makeup artist with nine years of experience, Kenyata specializes in soft glam and bridal makeup.
Mali Thomas
Leading the #DewyBrownGirls makeup movement, Mali Thomas, A.K.A. King Mali Magic, is known for her ability to create a luminous glow on any skin type. With over 10 years of artistry experience, Mali has worked with some of the most notable names in the industry.
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Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor
Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors.She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.
She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
With contributions from
- Samantha HolenderBeauty Editor
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