Imagine your makeup bag gets ransacked, and only one item is left behind. What would you want that product to be? While red lipstick can give you a fun and festive look, and mascara can make your eyes look amazing, the most practical choice might be concealer. “It really is a fantastic makeup tool. Concealer is such a confidence booster when it comes to evening out blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles,” says Michael Anthony, a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “You can even use it to highlight under your brows, carve a bit more shape from your lip line, or hide discoloration around your nostrils.” In other words, this multiuse wonder can give you the complexion of your dreams while also making certain features pop.
With this in mind, we set out to test the very best concealers available today. We spoke with top makeup artists to ask them what you should consider when shopping, then had our editors test the most beloved and highly rated concealer options.
Our Top Picks
Best Splurge:
Best for Mature Under-Eyes:
Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer at Nordstrom$42
Best for Dark Circles:
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer at Amazon$46
Best Lightweight:
Best Medium Coverage:
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer at Amazon$32
Best Full Coverage:
Best Buildable Coverage:
Best Shade Range:
Best Water-Based Concealer:
Why We Love It: This liquid concealer has a natural finish and offers medium coverage that you can layer to be full coverage should you need it. The creamy formula blends easily, and won't settle into fine lines. While it can be used to hide blemishes or even out your skin tone, it is particularly good for dark circles because it contains tiny light-reflecting particles to add brightness to that area. Plus, the doe foot applicator makes it easy to dab concealer wherever you need it.
Who It’s For: Looking for a one-and-done option? Look no further. This concealer offers enough coverage for pimples, redness, and dark spots and the liquid formula won’t settle into fine lines around your eyes. The natural finish makes it ideal for those with dry, normal, or combination skin because it’s not too matte, but also not super dewy.
Size: 0.4 oz | Shades: 25 | Coverage Level: Medium
Tatianna, tester with combination skin: “A little goes a long way when it comes to this concealer—you only need a small dab. And it definitely made my under-eye area pop—I got comments that my face looked radiant and glowy while wearing it.”
Why We Love It: If you have ever dealt with your concealer looking crusty after a few hours of wear, this option may solve that problem. The formula contains hyaluronic acid and argan oil to make it highly blendable and moisturize your skin as it provides coverage. Beyond that, it offers SPF 27 protection and blends easily, even on textured skin.
Who It’s For: Go ahead, treat yourself. While this may be the most expensive option on the list, you get a good amount of bang for your buck. The stick formula allows you to be more precise with application, so you can really stretch out how long this lasts you. The hydrating ingredients also make it good for those who have dry skin or who are looking to address areas that have wrinkles, since the smooth formula won’t cake and draw attention to those lines.
Size: 5 grams | Shades: 12 | Coverage Level: Full
Kate, tester with combination skin: “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. It layered well and worked with my foundation, plus I found that it didn’t get dry or flakey as the day went on.”
Best for Mature Under-Eyes
Armani Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
Why We Love It: Hide red spots and brighten dark circles with this buildable concealer. It contains glycerin, caffeine, and vitamin E, all of which help to depuff and diminish the look of circles and fine lines. The doe foot applicator has a precise tip, allowing you to dab it onto even the smallest of spots, while the wider, flat side can cover larger areas in just one swipe.
Who It’s For: Though this option will work for any age, it’s particularly good for mature skin. The radiant finish adds just enough glow without drawing attention to textured skin and the smooth formula helps it glide over wrinkles. Though the brand lists it as providing medium coverage, our testers found that it was on the lighter side and you’d need to build it up for more coverage.
Size: 0.4 oz | Shades: 21 | Coverage Level: Light to medium
Nikki, tester with combination skin (not shown): “I appreciated the blurring and smooth effects of this concealer and it did not crease or settle into my fine lines or pores. The finish is that of naturally radiant, glowy skin and it stayed in place even when not set with powder.”
Best for Dark Circles
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Concealer
Why We Love It: Say bye-bye to dark circles—at least temporarily. Niacinamide in this formula helps to brighten darker under-eyes and hyaluronic acid helps soothe any puffiness. Another perk: The natural finish closely mirrors your skin, making it possible to hide whatever you want but still get that barely any makeup look.
Who It’s For: Whether you have slightly dark under-eyes or something more akin to raccoon eyes, this concealer can help. The medium coverage is buildable, allowing you to adjust how much camouflaging it does. Translation: You can apply with a lighter hand on days you are well rested, and slick on more after a late night. The wider doe foot applicator is ideal for larger areas, but if you want to dot it on a blemish, you may want to consider using a more precise brush.
Size: 0.24 oz | Shades: 31 | Coverage Level: Medium to full
Lauren, tester with combination/dry skin (not shown): “Nothing is worse than when your makeup pills—and this concealer didn’t at all. It also layered really nicely and offered medium to full coverage. In fact, the coverage was so good that I didn’t feel like I needed any foundation.”
Why We Love It: Adequate coverage with skin care benefits? Yes, please. This lightweight concealer is pretty much a tinted serum. It contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) to help with hyperpigmentation, and caffeine and vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone. The fragrance-free formula is also great for those with sensitive skin or who simply don’t like scented products.
Who It’s For: This lightweight formula will work on anyone looking for a little boost of hydration and luminance, but the nourishing formula is particularly ideal for those with dry or combination skin. Those with dark spots may also want to put this concealer at the top of their list, as the brightening ingredients can help diminish uneven pigmentation as it covers it.
Size: 0.1 oz | Shades: 20 | Coverage Level: Medium to full
Danielle, tester with dry skin: “I have sensitive skin and this didn’t irritate my skin at all, even after wearing it all day. The formula also melted into my skin better than other products I’ve used. The lightweight formula also blended really well when I used a brush.”
Best Medium Coverage
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
Why We Love It: Celebs like Amal Clooney and Kate Moss and InStyle editors alike rave about this skin care-infused brand on the regular and this long-wear concealer is one of the collection’s top-rated products. The slim doe foot applicator makes it easy to apply product wherever you need it—from tiny blemishes to sizable under-eye circles, and the fact that it provides medium coverage that is buildable means it can camouflage just about anything you need.
Who It’s For: Along with moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this concealer contains vitamin C to visibly brighten. In other words, it’ll help put a little pep in your skin’s step. The radiant finish adds to that glow and with 30 shades, it’s easy to find your perfect match.
Size: 0.25 oz | Shades: 30 | Coverage Level: Medium
Nikki, tester with combination skin (not shown): “I didn’t even need foundation when using this concealer—the coverage was that adequate. It was particularly excellent at disguising discoloration on my face. It also evened out my skin tone underneath my eyes, though I wouldn’t say it necessarily brightened that area. I’d recommend it to anyone who desires a natural, everyday finish.”
Why We Love It: While some matte foundations and concealers can look cakey and dry, this formula is lightweight and gives your complexion just a hint of matteness without overdoing it. Consider this product if you have a long day ahead of you or for an event, as it is long-wearing and resistant to water, sweat, and humidity. The pump delivery system also makes it easier to customize how much product you dispense, so you don’t waste a drop. Hint: Our testers said a little goes a long way with this pick.
Who It’s For: Matte formulas are often a go-to for those with oily or combination skin, as they can help tame oil slicks that may pop up during the day. But because this option isn’t overly matte, it will also give a smooth, velvety finish for those with normal or even slightly dry skin.
Size: 0.3 oz | Shades: 16 | Coverage Level: Full
Chrissy, tester with combination skin: “This product is very buildable and was helpful in covering dark spots and redness, as well as brightening underneath my eyes. Even though it is full coverage, it didn’t crease and had a smooth finish and felt like it blended into my skin rather than sitting on top of it. And though it had a matte finish, it didn’t make my skin look dull.”
Best Buildable Coverage
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer
Why We Love It: Some days you may just need a touch of coverage, other days require a bit more war paint to hide dark circles and spots. No matter what you need, this concealer has your back thanks to its buildable coverage. It has a gel-like texture which makes it highly blendable, so as you build you don’t have to worry about it looking like you spackled makeup onto your face.
Who It’s For: If you always struggle with blending and getting that flawless look, this product will be the answer to your prayers. It contains hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which create a smoothing effect as you put it on
Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: 20 | Coverage Level: Medium
Jackie, tester with combination skin: “I love how easy this concealer is to build without using a ton of tools. Because it’s a more sheer formula, it went on easily and melts into your skin. It added a little hydration without ever feeling greasy.”
Why We Love It: It’s sad, but true: Not all makeup is created equally—especially when it comes to shade ranges available. And that’s exactly what Rihanna set out to address when she launched Fenty Beauty in 2017. Since then, the brand has become known for their incredible shade range and this concealer is a prime example of how they are killing it in that area. It comes in 50 different shades—with an array of light, medium, and deep shades.
Who It’s For: Those who traditionally have trouble finding the perfect match for their skin tone don’t need to worry with this option. Not only that, you can be assured that the hydrating formula will easily blend no matter what your skin type or texture.
Size: 9 milliliters | Shades: 50 | Coverage Level: Medium
Mariza, tester with combination skin: “This concealer worked better than a lot of others that I have tried and finding my shade was easy because of all the options. One thing to know: Quite a bit of product is on the applicator when you pull it out of the tube, so you may want to wipe a little off in the bottle before applying to prevent waste.”
Best Water-Based Concealer
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Why We Love It: Water-based concealers tend to be a bit more lightweight and give you an everyday, natural look. The magic of this water-based formula is that it is still full coverage without feeling heavy on your skin. It also has light-reflecting particles mixed in to brighten areas like your under-eyes or any other area you want to highlight. Also helpful: It’s waterproof and crease-resistant.
Who It’s For: Ideal for everyday wear, this concealer looks natural on the skin while hiding dark circles and bumps. The doe foot applicator has a slim tip and a bit of flexibility, making it good for those who want to use their concealer to highlight and get into tighter areas (think inner eye corners and around the nostrils).
Size: 0.2 oz | Shades: 22 | Coverage Level: Full
Michelle, tester with dry skin (not shown): “The coverage was thick and hydrating while also being very buildable. A little goes a long way because of the consistency of the concealer and I felt it did a great job of concealing flaws and imperfections. It also evened out my skin tone. I immediately noticed a huge improvement on dark spots on my chin as soon as I applied the concealer on them.”
Best Silicone-Based Concealer
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Creaseless Precise Angles Concealer
Why We Love It: While water-based concealers give you a natural look, silicone-based versions are ideal for long days and events, as they have a bit more staying power. This creamy silicone-based concealer has a matte finish and is twice the size of most concealers, meaning it will last you a long time. It also contains caffeine to wake up tired skin, making it particularly great for under-eye bags and circles.
Who It’s For: The applicator on this concealer is genius. It has an ultra-precise tip to spot conceal and a broad side to sculpt and enhance areas you want to draw attention to. In other words, it’s a great tool if you want to use your concealer to both hide and to highlight or contour. Plus, it is a long-wear formula, so you can apply in the morning and not have to worry about it all day (or night).
Size: 15 milliliters | Shades: 18 | Coverage Level: Full
Danielle, tester with combination skin: “When I initially opened the concealer, I thought the brush was too large. But I was proven wrong. It was quite interesting and I liked that the applicator brush was angled as it allowed me to get in closer under my eyes and around the corners of my eyes than I typically would.”
Why We Love It: Hyaluronic acid and peptides hydrate skin as you wear this concealer, while arnica calms blemishes or redness. The super creaminess of the formula does double duty, making it easy to blend and smoothing over any rough or dry patches.
Who It’s For: The radiant finish of this concealer helps keep dry skin from lookingcakey.
Size: 0.2 oz | Shades: 38 | Coverage Level: Medium
Amy, tester with dry skin: “Its coverage is medium to buildable and is enough coverage for me, especially since I do not wear foundation. A little goes a long way and it works well to conceal the dark circles under my eyes."
Why We Love It: There is no shortage of formulas that claim to be crease-proof, but this one really is—which is extra important if you have oily skin. See, oils can cause some formulas to separate and start looking streaky, especially in areas like eyelid creases, around your nostrils,or in wrinkles and fine lines (basically anywhere oil can pool or collect).
Who It’s For: As mentioned, those with oily skin will especially benefit from this crease-proof formula, but it will work on all skin types. If dullness is a concern, this concealer contains licorice root to brighten, plus the thick, creamy consistency helps to blur and smooth imperfections.
Size: 0.33 oz | Shades: 37 | Coverage Level: Full
Katie, tester with dry skin: “Tarte for the win! 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. It doesn't have a scent and works beautifully with my CC cream and blush. I will hit the bottom of the tube and immediately buy another.”
Best Brightening
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Why We Love It: Talk about easy application! This concealer has a cushion tip applicator affixed to the top of the tube, so you just twist to release some product and dab underneath your eyes to hide dark circles. Along with colors that will match most skin tones, it comes in a shade called Brightener, a pinky-peachy hue that will—you guessed it—brighten under your eyes for a more youthful glow.
Who It’s For: Some people are plagued with dark circles no matter what—even if they get tons of rest and take great care of their skin. If you can relate, a concealer specifically made for that area (like this one!) is the way to go. It offers crease-resistant coverage for up to 12 hours and at under $15, it’s a strong choice for those on a budget.
Size: 0.2 oz | Shades: 21 | Coverage Level: Medium
ElizaBeth, tester with combination skin: “To cover spots, you need a good amount of this product. But I was surprised by how little I needed under my eyes. The consistency is very even and the creamy texture gave a really nice finish—no greasiness at all.”
Best Matte Finish
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Concealer
Why We Love It: It must be acknowledged: We aren’t the only ones who love this concealer. TikTok is full of beauty lovers raving about it—and for good reason. Not only is it available in 50 shades, it has a serum-like formula that leaves skin smoother and a matte finish that gives your complexion a soft, velvety look. Oh, and the doe foot applicator is another selling point. It has a pointed tip to use on areas where you need precision and a hollow reservoir to avoid scooping up too much product as you pull it out of the tube.
Who It’s For: Though this formula is matte, it’s creamy and not at all drying. This means people with any skin type can rock it. The medium coverage is buildable, so if you have lots of spots you need to cover, you’ll be able to layer this product on until you get the look you want.
Size: 0.25 oz | Shades: 50 | Coverage Level: Medium
Caitlyn, tester with oily skin: “Immediately after putting this concealer on, I had to send a text to a friend because I was so impressed by how soft and diffused my skin looked. It created a soft filter on my skin, so my pores weren’t visible and neither were blemishes or dark circles. It held up beautifully all day and was never too matte, but also not shiny either.”
Best Multipurpose
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Why We Love It: Fine powder in this formula helps give your skin an even tone, making it great for any area of your face—including under-eyes, blemishes, dark spots, and more. Resistant to creasing and sweat, it’s a long-wear option that also won’t transfer onto clothes should you brush up against them.
Who It’s For: Because this concealer from Nars can be used on any area of your face, it will really work for anyone. The radiant finish is glowy without looking greasy and it’s made with a botanical blend that helps to keep skin hydrated as it sinks in.
Size: 0.22 oz | Shades: 30 | Coverage Level: Medium
Sheila, tester with combination skin: “This concealer worked well covering my dark circles and brightening them. It also did a nice job of concealing blemishes without looking cakey on those raised bumps. I liked that it had a lightweight feel and lasted throughout the day. I would recommend that those with skin that is on the oily side, set it with powder so it lasts.”
Our Testing Process
InStyle editors and our testing partners tried over three dozen concealers both at-home and in our NYC-based testing lab. They took note of the application, coverage, wear time, overall appearance as well as their skin type before giving the product a rating. The products that met or exceeded our brand standards made it into this story. Concealers is a category with lots of launches each year, so we regularly consider and test new products for consideration.
What to Keep in Mind
- Water vs. Silicone-Based Formulas: There are two types of concealers—water-based and silicone-based. Each has their pros, so it really comes down to what your skin needs. “Silicone-based concealers are a bit thicker and more velvety,” says Anthony. “These work well for those with dry or mature skin as it can help to fill in fine lines and create a smoother appearance.” On the other hand, water-based concealers tend to be more lightweight and more breathable, making them ideal for those who need less coverage or who have sensitive or acne-prone skin. So, how do you tell the difference between the two when shopping? “When you look at a list of ingredients, both often begin with water—but that doesn’t mean it is water-based,” says Amanda Gabbard, a celebrity makeup artist in NYC. “If there is a word like Dimethicone or Cyclopentasiloxane in the first five ingredients, then it is a silicone-based product. If not, it’s likely water-based. Just remember, be on the lookout for 'cone' and 'oxane'!”
- Skin Type: Sticks, creams, liquids—there are a variety of different types of concealers to choose from. “Your skin type can help you determine which is best for you. If your skin is more mature or dry, a thicker stick formula may make skin appear cakier or drier,” says Marylisa Diaz, makeup artist and director of makeup at the Julien Farel Restore Salon in NYC. If you’re skin is sensitive, consider fragrance-free formulas and if you tend to breakout, prioritize a noncomedogenic formula—that means it won’t clog pores. “Regardless of skin type, I typically recommend a concealer that is rich in moisture, as it will make the application appear smoother,” says Diaz.
- Shade: Pay attention to what colors the concealer of your choice comes in. You want to be able to match your skin as close as possible. If you don’t, you could wind up drawing even more attention to the area you’re trying to cover. Equally as important as finding a concealer that comes in an array of shades is knowing how to pick the right color for you. Most concealers are divided by undertone (i.e., cool or warm), so it’s important to know yours, says Anthony. There are a number of ways to figure out your undertone. One of the easiest is to look at the veins in your wrist. If they appear more blue or purple, you have warm undertones. If they look more green, chances are you have cool undertones.
Your Questions, Answered
How should you pick a shade of under-eye concealer?
“Testing your concealer in natural light and indoor light can be very helpful—as we have all had the experience of leaving the bathroom and being surprised at how different things look in the sunlight,” says Anthony. While it is usually recommended that you find an under-eye concealer that matches your skin exactly, when it comes to covering dark circles, makeup artists recommend picking a shade one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. This will brighten that area and counteract those deep purple shades. And finally, no matter what color you choose, blending is key. “A lot of people forget to blend—so blend even more than you think you need to,” says Anthony. All of the makeup artists we spoke to recommended using a damp sponge to gently tap underneath your eyes and blend out concealer.
How should you cover dark circles?
Before you reach for your concealer, you want to hydrate the area under your eyes. This will help your concealer go on more smoothly. “The skin around our eye (upper and lower) is 70 percent thinner than the rest of our face—so you want to be gentle with whatever you apply,” says Gabbard. “There's a reason why we encourage people to use their ring finger to tap on product and blend—it is less dominant, so your touch won’t be as firm.” Oh, and Gabbard insists it is important not to forget your upper lids. “That area also takes on that light lavender shade. So make sure you apply concealer to that area, too.”
What’s the best way to put on concealer?
“Experiment with different applicators like a dense brush and a Beautyblender sponge. Or try a fluffy brush which can feather the concealer and blend it easily,” says Anthony. “These different tools will give you different coverage and you may find you are more comfortable with one over the other.” Once blended, Anthony recommends setting it with some powder to stabilize it and help it stay put for as long as possible. “Just consider the finish you want beforehand,” he says, noting that a light dusting with a brush will give you a more natural look, while patting it on with a puff will give you a more matte look.
Why Shop With Us
Bethany Heitman is a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience working for some of the leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publications—including Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, People StyleWatch, Health and more. She is a skin care aficionado, who is deeply proud of her nightly seven-step skin care routine. For this story, she collaborated with InStyle editors who tested a multitude of concealers and spoke with three different makeup artists (Michael Anthony, Amanda Gabbard, and Marylisa Diaz) to gather their insight on what makes for a great concealer.