Yahoo Lifestyle We've tested *hundreds* of concealers to bring you 30 of the very best
If you're looking for an under-eye concealer that actually covers dark circles and a cover-up that will blur away blemishes, we can help.
As if choosing the best foundation for your skin type wasn't already tough enough, choosing the right concealer to suit your specific needs is another mission all on its own. We hit up Hourglass' Global Beauty Director, Marc Reagan, and Bobbi Brown's Senior Pro Artist, Warren Dowdall, to get some expert advice on finding (and applying) concealer like a pro...
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How to apply concealer
The ideal environment for base makeup is even skin, free of any dry patches. But whose under-eyes match that description? (Nobody’s - the answer is nobody’s.) Reagan suggests laying down moisturiser or eye cream for any areas you are concealing, ensuring “a smooth application, allowing the concealer to blend evenly.” We love CeraVe's Eye Repair Cream.
“When concealing spots, ‘pinpoint concealing’ works best,” says Dowdall. “Apply in a crosshatch pattern, with light layers of product from the top to bottom of the blemish and then from left to right, building up to your desired level of coverage. Once completed, pat around the edges to melt the concealer onto the surrounding skin.”
For concealing under eyes, it's all about technique, says Dowdall. “For a universally flattering lift effect, apply a small amount of concealer towards the inner corner of the eye and a small amount on the outer corner, pulling upwards in the direction of the temple. Blend out with a concealer brush for a bright, wide-awake under eye.” Clever, huh?
Finding the best concealer shade
Before picking a shade, decide where you’re actually using your concealer. Multitasking with your old faithful on both under-eyes and blemishes might save time and money, but according to Reagan, the best strategy is to pick a brighter shade for under the eyes, and for blemishes to opt for a foundation-matching shade, “erring on the side of warmth”.
That being said, it's also important to keep in mind seasonality... “Keep a couple of different shades to transition from season to season” explains Reagan. “Everyone’s skin tone changes from time to time, and the worst thing is to get stuck with a single colour that isn’t blending into the skin no matter what you do.”
How to fix concealer creases
Let's unanimously accept it - creases are basically inevitable. Reagan promises you can hold them at bay (for a while) with primer, sparing application and setting powder. But when it does happen (it will), just take your ring finger and gently pat in the product to melt it into the skin.
Ready to find your perfect cover-up? We've reviewed some of the highest-rated concealers in the UK, to bring you a zero bullsh*t guide to the ones that work...
#FAUXFILTER Under Eye Color Corrector
Formula: OK, OK, while this isn’t technically a concealer, it’s, arguably, just as important – particularly for those who suffer from discolouration and dark spots. Enter: Huda Beauty’s colour corrector. Use this lil orange bad boy before concealer and watch discoloration and uneven dark circles disappear before your very eyes. Purple, blue, brown or shadowed complexion concerns? I don’t know ‘em! It’s creamy in consistency and blends out seamlessly.
P.S. Don’t let the colour throw you off. Your concealer will counteract the corrector, making for a brighter and more even tone.
Staying power: Layering a number of base products onto the skin may seem daunting but this colour corrector is super lightweight and goes pretty unnoticed. It doesn’t crease and stays all day.
Shade range: Huda Beauty’s Faux Filter Color Corrector is available in 7 shades; the peachier tones cancel out darkness and pigmentation in warmer undertones while the pinker shades work for cooler undertones to create even skin or a blank canvas for other complexion products.
Concealer
Formula: This is the exact concealer formula I expected REFY to launch – lightweight, serum-based and a creamy dream to apply. Working on that 'clean girl' aesthetic that Jess Hunt so effortlessly pulls off, the formula has enough oomph to brighten the under eye and fade pigmentation. You may need something a little thicker to cover a pimple, but it keeps the skin looking naturally blurred and radiant.
How's it done? The key ingredients are brown algae extract and phytosqualane (vegetable squalane), both working to enhance hydration for as long as you wear it. You can wave goodbye to dry and flakey under eyes with this in hand.
Staying power: This concealer puts to bed the misconception that light and creamy formulas will vanish by midday. It stays all day and, thanks to the hydrating ingredients, it doesn't crease or cake. Mist the new Face Setter over top and you've got a makeup look that isn't going anywhere.
Shade range: 24 shades ranging from fair to deep with a variety of undertones.
Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer
Formula: Whether it's a blemish you're attempting to 'guise or dark under eyes à la a long night out on the town you need to mask (read: bc you're at work...), there is nothing MAC's brand new Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift base product can't conceal.
The formula itself is filled to the brim with nourishing goodness, made up of 80 per cent skincare ingredients, including niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Plus, its medium-buildable coverage is ideal for day-to-night wear without feeling thick, heavy or claggy on the skin.
Simply dot, swipe and glow to conceal and reveal a fresh, brighter-looking undereye!
Staying power: Once set in place with a powder of your choice, this concealer will stay put all day long. I have recently put it to the test, wearing it at a number of all-day festivals and during many 8+ hour work days, and there has been no sign of separation, cakiness, setting in lines/wrinkles or general wear. Keep looking fresh with MAC from dawn 'til dusk, peeps.
Shade range: The brand pulled through with a whopping 44 shades of this concealer – as they should. Find your shade match on their website, here.
Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer with Fermented Arnica 7ml
Formula: The Haus Labs concealer is a new-found fave and the vegan formula has recently made its way into my everyday routine – and that's because of its medium-buildable coverage with a lightweight feel. Bye-bye dark circles!
However, not only is it soothing and calming under the eyes thanks to the inclusion of fermented arnica (an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient used in skincare to decrease puffiness), but it's also non-comedogenic. For those lucky enough not to know, this means that the formula and ingredients will not clog pores and is perfect for those with acne-prone skin.
Staying power: Finding a non-crease concealer is like waiting for rain in a drought, useless and disappointing (shoutout to the ones who get the ref!). However, Gaga's triclone formula dries down pretty matte, stays all day and has minimal creasing. Set in place with the Bio-Blurring Talc-Free Loose Setting Powder for a fail-safe satin finish.
Shade range: The product is available in 31 unique shades, ranging from fair to deep. To find out yours visit their website and take the handy 'shade finder' quiz.
Surrealskin™ Awakening Concealer
Formula: When you're Kim Kardashian's MUA, your pro-performance skills and ability to conjure up an innovative makeup formula is never doubted – and rightly so, seeing as Mario really has created the best of the best with this concealer. In other words, it's a makeup bag staple!
Now, although I tout myself as a 'full-coverage skeptic', this concealer really did debunk any hesitance I had, visibly lifting, blurring and brightening my under eyes, dark spots and blemishes all in one. Plus, its creamy, light-weight blend of ingredients are, surprisingly, self-mattifying, meaning that there's no need to powder!
Staying Power: Generally, I first apply my concealer at 7am and then take off my makeup circa 8pm – that is, on an 'I'm working in the office' day. And while my skin type is the definition of oily, this formula really does stay put for over 12 hours. Impressive, much?
Shade range: 22 shades – ranging from light, light-medium, medium, medium-dark and dark.
Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer 6.8ml
Formula: For starters, let's talk about the applicator. A squidgy, nifty sponge, that allows you to sweep it on and blend seamlessly, with ease. We especially love how easy it is to apply beneath your eyes – aka, the place it's most tricky to do, without creasing and cake. It's one of those clever concealers that manages to give high coverage but is lightweight and hydrating. So, no need to worry about it clinging to dry patches.
Staying Power: The brand claims that the concealer offers up to 12 hours of moisturising wear, but I must disagree. When set with powder, I could go up to 20 hours if I had to without it budging! There's a reason one is sold every 6 seconds!
Shade range: Available in 15 shades with a range of undertones perfect for highlighting.
F*CK I'M FLAWLESS MULTI-USE PERFECTING CONCEALER
Formula: We've all heard about the famous Il Makiage foundation - well, unless you've been on a digital detox. The super-star formula has made waves all over social media thanks to its impeccable coverage and blurring formula.
Lucky for us, the brand has also concocted a wonderful concealer that delivers high coverage with no caking. It's oil-free, blurring and gives a smooth matte finish.
Staying Power: The long-lasting, matte formula stays put, without the need to set with powder.
Shade range: There are 30 shades to choose from in a range of diverse undertones.
Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Formula: It's light enough to layer, but pigmented enough to cover and correct any imperfections (spots and dark circles). Don't be put off by the 'matte' name, it isn't the slightest bit cakey.
Staying power: It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day.
Shade range: 16 shades that cover most skin tones.
Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
Formula: Hailed a hero by beauty folks in the know thanks to its unbeatable shade range, impressive full coverage, and non-crease consistency, this is definitely one to try if you usually struggle trying to find your perfect colour match.
Staying power: One of the best in the biz, it'll stay put through sweat, rain, and whatever else gets thrown your way.
Shade range: There are an incredible 50 shades to choose from - it's the biggest, most diverse concealer shade range going.
Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
Formula: It offers remarkable coverage for how barely detectable it is, a perfect solution if you want to conceal without wearing foundation. It drastically brightens and lifts, playing with light to mask the depth of bags or snatch the face; crediting mica-based pearls for a light diffusing effect, soft-focussing silica for smoothing and glow peptides for reflecting light.
Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, niacinamide and vitamin C, work to create the qualities the formula mimics.
Staying Power: It's so lightweight and life-like, it's not going to last 12 hours. But I'd far rather have a little post-work re-application than opt for a less magical product.
Shade Range: A solid 30 shades, if you've tried the Beautiful Skin foundation, the same number will be your corresponding concealer for an exact match, or a shade or two lighter for illuminating and under-eye.
Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Formula: If you haven't seen this concealer floating about on TikTok, then where have you been? I mean, other than it being just about every single influencer's fave, it's Hailey Bieber's, too! Its medium coverage and creamy formula make for an all-natural finish. Think a glazed doughnut base, if you will.
Staying Power: As said in the name, this concealer is brightening, so, is preferably set with a translucent powder. Though, if you have more of a dry skin texture it'll last all day without, too! Hailey proves just that.
Shade range: There are a grand total of 28 shades to choose from.
16HR Camo Concealer
Formula: When I say a little goes a long way, I have never meant it more than with this concealer. A small dot of the doe-foot applicator can cover your entire under-eye and it’s super-pigmented. This is for you if you want a picture-perfect base.
Staying power: The matte finish has staying power but it did succumb to a tiny bit of creasing at the end of the day.
Shade Range: 26 shades
Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Formula: Glam girlies, this one is for you. Opt for the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer on the days you'd like a little more coverage as this is thick and creamy, yet not at all heavy.
Staying Power: Not only does the formula conceal my dark circles and blemishes immaculately but it also stays on all day (and night!), too.
Shade range: A healthy 22 shades make up this concealer range.
Lasting Perfection Concealer
Formula: This concealer has been an internet fave for as long as we can remember (seriously, it's been a go-to since secondary school). It delivers full coverage whilst still being lightweight and easy to blend. The formula is also vegan and promises an impressive 16 hours of wear.
Staying power: 16-hour wear
Shade Range: 20 shades, ranging from deep to fair.
£3.59 at collectioncosmetics.com
Luminous Silk Concealer
Formula: This one feels super-lightweight but it still covers EVERYTHING. Because it goes on so… silky (ahem) it’s ridiculously easy to blend and doesn’t crease. Also, it makes you look like you’ve had at least 10 hours sleep. We love to see it.
Staying power: Yep, this one didn’t budge once I buffed it in.
Shade Range: An impressive 20 shades
Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer
Formula: Selena Gomez, you have outdone yourself with this epic concealer formula - and with almost 100 5* reviews on Space NK, it seems we're not the only ones who think so! The hydrating concealer gives a buildable medium-to-full coverage, that feels lightweight (and won't settle into fine lines). Plus, the packaging is oh-so chic.
Staying power: The long-wear, sweat-resistant formula will stay put.
Shade Range: A wonderful 48 shades to choose from.
Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer
Formula: You can tell this concealer has been infused with coconut water and hydrating hyaluronic acid, as it gives a fresh, dewy finish - perfect for under the eyes. The coverage is seriously impressive, it will hide dark circles (no matter how intense), and it doubles up as a spot concealer if you set the liquid down with a translucent powder.
Staying power: 8 hours +
Shade range: There are 20 shades available on the Too Faced website, ranging from "very fair" to "very deep". They've also covered different undertones with pink, neutral and gold formulas.
Can't Stop Won't Stop Contour Concealer
Formula: This concealer promises 24 hours of staying power and while I can’t say I tested it for that long it did last 35-degree heat for most of the day with minimal touch-ups. If you have a dry under-eye area make sure you pop an eye cream on before you apply as this concealer dries very matte.
Staying power: Once it’s on it’s staying put.
Shade Range: NYX Cosmetics is nailing it with 24 inclusive shades.
Touche Éclat Highlighter Pen 2.5ml (Various Shades)
Formula: YSL's Touche Eclat is an iconic beauty product - and for good reason - the illuminating formula helps give a lifted, fresh-faced look in just a few swipes. There's no shimmer or glitter in sight, just a light-reflecting formula that brightens up the whole face.
Staying power: At least 5 hours, you may need a little top-up come 3pm, but luckily the sleek gold pen is travel-friendly.
Shade Range: 13 shades available.
Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer 13.5ml
Formula: With ever so slightly less coverage than the others, this concealer is by far the most natural-looking (expect zero creasing or caking). Whilst it may not pack intensely pigmented coverage, the hydrating formula does help brighten, colour correct and blur, giving the complexion a smooth, even finish.
Staying power: It's made to be flexible, so won't break down if your skin is prone to oiliness. You can expect it to stick around all day.
Shade range: 20 shades
Magic Away Liquid Concealer
Formula: Dark circles? What dark circles? They literally vanish under this formula. The elastic-stretch texture creates a real airbrushed finish without feeling heavy and the sponge applicator makes it easy to apply.
Staying power: It’s not going anywhere, plus it’s waterproof.
Shade Range: 20 shades
£27.00 at charlottetilbury.com
Magic Touch Concealer
Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills has proved (once again) that she’s the queen of our make-up bag, with this A* formula. The concealer is packed with pigment, making it ideal for high-coverage fans. It’ll cover up pretty much anything – spots, pigmentation, a late-night Grey's Anatomy binge session…
Staying power: One of the best we've tried, it'll stay put all day.
Shade range: 25 shades
Radiant Creamy Concealer
Formula: It's light enough to layer, but pigmented enough to cover and correct any imperfections (spots and dark circles). It did crease up a little around my eyes, so I'd recommend setting it with a powder. The formula contains light reflectors which have an instant brightening effect.
Staying power: It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day.
Shade range: There are an amazing 22 shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. Yessss NARS.
Good Apple Lightweight Full-Coverage Concealer 10ml (Various Shades)
Formula: The little sister to KVD Beauty’s viral foundation, this concealer delivers high coverage without creasing or going cakey. Our tip? Let it sit on skin for at least 30 seconds before blending. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and oil-free.
Staying power: The satin finish has long-lasting staying power.
Shade Range: 32 shades
Stay Woke Brightening Concealer
Formula: A creamy dream to apply, this concealer is highly-blendable and conceals dark circles, blemishes and dark spots. It packs a pigment punch but doesn't feel or look cakey. The finish is satin-y, so perfect to pair with a lightweight foundation.
Staying power: It lasted most of the work day without creasing.
Shade Range: 19 shades
Synchro Skin Correcting GelStick Concealer
Formula: Shiseido are oh-so reliable when it comes to creating A* concealers, and this gel stick is no exception. This creamy mixture of three gels gives long-wearing coverage without any creasing. Great for covering both dark circles and blemishes, the concealer adapts to the skin's texture and helps smooth giving a seamless finish. It's also non-comedogenic, so won't clog pores - win, win.
Staying power: Impeccable longevity - you can expect it to stick around all day.
Shade Range: 16 shades.
Backstage Face & Body Flash Perfector Concealer
Formula: The luminous cover-up works as both a high-coverage concealer and a highlighter, it’s creamy, rich and smooths over dry skin. Designed for both face and body, the formula blends seamlessly without creasing, giving a glowy natural finish. Oh, and it's waterproof - genius, huh?
Staying power: The waterproof, creaseproof finish is bound to stay intact all day (and night).
Shade Range: 22 shades, to compliment the brand's existing foundation line.
Intensive Skin Serum Concealer
Formula: Think of it as an eye-cream-meets-concealer. This formula has active skincare ingredients that will help to counteract dark circles in the long term, whilst the medium coverage formula conceals discolouration without looking too heavy.
Staying power: It's a little dewier than the others so will require a setting powder if you want it to last the day.
Shade Range: 17 shades
Stretch Balm
Formula: A concealer sooo dewy you can expect to be inundated with compliments about that glow. Pat it on, blend it out, and you're good to go. It's light-to-medium coverage but can be built up to a fuller finish.
Staying power: The lighter formula does mean top-ups may be required after a few hours.
Shade Range: 32 shades
Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette, With Six Shades
Formula: A range of concealers and colour correctors all in one handy palette. This six-pan compact is versatile and easy to use, with medium-to-full coverage that can be sheered out with a makeup sponge or built up with a brush.
Staying power: Excellent staying power, simply set the cream concealer with a little powder to keep creases at bay.
Shade Range: There are six shades per palette, and three palettes in light, medium and deep to choose from.
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