The 12 best concealers to transform your whole look, per extensive testing

New York Post

14-05-2025

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A good concealer is a staple in anyone's makeup bag — but I don't have to tell you that. After all, finding the best concealer for you can impact whether your dark circles are completely camouflaged on your wedding day, or if that pesky pimple is sight-unseen on work headshots day.
But, you don't need to hit a life milestone or have a *very important day* at your 9-to-5 to reap the benefits of what a concealer should do: disguise discoloration, spot-correct bumps and blemishes and brighten and highlight wherever you see fit.
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'Shopping for a concealer is a personal process; you need to think about what you want the concealer to do for you,' David Razzano, Sephora beauty director, exclusively shared with me when I interviewed him in person, at the beauty store's NYC location on 5th Avenue. 'If you're looking for a concealer to cover a blemish, then that may lead you to different options than if you are looking for something to use under the eye.'
The best under-eye concealer, per Razzano, should have a smooth, silky formula that glides on and blends easily and evenly. This is important so that you can achieve the desired effect of coverage and brightening without adding unwanted texture to your eyes.
From NARS to Tarte, I've been skipping through Sephora shelves to find the crème de la crème of concealers since the days of having a school locker and shopping at Forever 21 (note to reader: Forever 21 still rules).
As a beauty reviews professional and commerce reporter, I know a thing or two about the doe foot applicators that glide and the formulations that last, the concealers that color-correct and those that unfortunately smear past. After more than five years in the testing arena (aka, my bathroom vanity), I put together this guide on the best concealers piece by piece so you can swiftly find the tube or pot for you.
When paired with the best makeup primer for longevity and a foundation, be it full-coverage or one for dry or mature skin, that works for you, your concealer will work even better.
Check out the FAQ section for expert tips on application, formulation and more — after you shop my go-to picks, of course.
Sephora
Pros: Longwear formula that lasts all day
Hydrating and nurturing to the under-eye area and anywhere else it's placed
Buildable Cons: Somewhat difficult to discern the correct shade, though its range is generous
May be too dewy for oilier skin types, though can be corrected with a pressed powder
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer stands out as the best concealer overall, offering a perfect blend of coverage, longevity and hydration. This formula provides full, buildable coverage that effortlessly conceals dark circles, blemishes and discoloration while maintaining a natural, skin-like finish. Whether you're dealing with under-eye circles or imperfections, this concealer seamlessly evens out my skin tone without looking cake-y, so it's an ideal option for daily wear or special occasions alike.
One of the key factors that make this concealer so exceptional is its longwear formula. It promises up to 12 hours of wear without creasing or settling into fine lines, which I can attest to after wearing it religiously. I love its smooth, matte finish and it impressively stays fresh and flawless. I don't have to constantly touch it up, and it's beyond reliable for all-day wear.
What's more, it's unbelievably hydrating, which keeps the skin nourished and moisturized throughout the day. Many full-coverage concealers tend to dry out the skin, but Fenty Beauty's innovative approach goes against the grain and offers a lightweight consistency that doesn't compromise coverage. Its formulation is packed with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E, which allow this concealer to be excellent for my dry skin. Ten out of ten recommend.
Best Drugstore: NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum
Amazon
Pros: Affordable price point
Glides onto the skin and feels like skincare, offering hydration to the skin
Great for brightening and helping to correct dark circles Cons: Limited shade range
May not be enough for those who need full coverage
The NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum is a game-changing product that brings a fresh take on concealers. This lightweight, serum-like formula instantly gives a natural, radiant finish that comes with buildable coverage. Right off the bat, I noticed that it effortlessly blurs imperfections, dark circles and blemishes. It's also infused with skincare ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber extract to not only conceal but also hydrate and soothe my skin. That said, it's perfect for long wear.
The formula is also noncomedogenic, which means it won't clog your pores, and it's suitable for all skin types, including my sensitive skin. For less than $15, it offers a skincare-like finish that I always gravitate toward.
Versatile and creamy (without being goopy), the Bare with Me Concealer Serum sets itself apart from other drugstore options. It blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a smooth, skin-like finish that doesn't feel heavy or cake-y. If you're looking for light coverage to even out your skin tone or need to build up to a medium coverage for more stubborn blemishes, this concealer offers you the flexibility to tailor it to your needs.
The serum formula ensures that it doesn't settle into fine lines or creases, so it's especially apt for mature skin or anyone seeking a more youthful appearance.
Best Full-Coverage: Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
Ulta Beauty
Pros: Full-coverage design that's long-lasting
Versatile for an array of uses, like brightening and covering up acne
Can double as a lightweight foundation if applied all over the face Cons: Wand may be too thick for some, so may not be the best for spot-treating around the inner corners of the eye
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer is a true standout when it comes to full-coverage concealers. Known for its exceptional pigment payoff, this concealer effortlessly covers dark circles, blemishes, redness and any imperfections without feeling heavy or cake-y. Take it from me — I've reviewed the lion's share of Anastasia Beverly Hills and this product is one of my favorites.
The formula is rich yet lightweight, providing a smooth, velvety finish that stays in place throughout the day. Its creamy consistency glides onto the skin, and I love how it blends seamlessly for a flawless, airbrushed effect. Whether you're looking to conceal or brighten, this product delivers full coverage without compromising on comfort or wearability, and it's much ado to its thick wand.
It's not just about hiding imperfections; this concealer can also double as a brightening agent for your under-eyes or highlight the high points of your face. The wide range of shades ensures that there's a perfect match for every skin tone, so it's easy for users to find their ideal shade for both concealing and highlighting. The product is also buildable, which is great for layering it up for heavier coverage or keeping it light and natural.
The staying power of the Magic Touch Concealer is another reason it stands out. It's designed to be long-lasting, providing all-day coverage without creasing, fading or settling into fine lines. The formula is also non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores, which earns itself brownie points for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Its smooth texture ensures that it doesn't feel thick or suffocating, and it always gives me the confidence that my concealer will last through long workdays, events or any activity. If you're looking for a high-performance concealer that offers full coverage without compromise, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer is a top choice for flawless results.
Best for Acne: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Lasts all day
Noncomedogenic and oil-free, so it won't clog pores
Offers buildable, full coverage Cons: Best when applied with fingers, which may not be the most hygienic
May be too drying for some
The NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer is a highly praised product that is incredible for its ability to provide full coverage with a natural, matte finish. It's specially designed to conceal imperfections and is great for those dealing with acne; whenever I have a blemish pop up, this is the concealer I reach for.
The formula is both lightweight and creamy, blending seamlessly into the skin for a smooth and flawless finish. It's available in a variety of shade as well, so everyone can find their perfect match and achieve a natural, skin-like look.
What makes the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer particularly effective for acne-prone skin is its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula. This means it won't clog pores or contribute to further breakouts, which is a common concern for anyone experiencing wacne. The concealer also has a long-wearing, sweat-resistant formula, so it stays put throughout the day without requiring me to reapply.
The star of the show, its matte finish, helps to control shine, which provides a smooth and shine-free complexion. This is critical for those with oily skin who may struggle with shine throughout the day.
Another key feature that makes this concealer one of the best for acne is its ability to offer full coverage without being cake-y. It provides a buildable formula that allows users to customize the level of coverage, whether they're looking for light touch-ups or full concealment. The concealer is easy to apply with either fingers or a brush, and it quickly blends into the skin. I'll continue to keep this in my makeup bag, FYI.
Best for Dry Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Nourishing formula that's excellent atop dry and flaky skin
Clean formula that contains vitamin C to brighten
Buildable Cons: Subtly dewy finish, which may not be everyone's cup of tea
Limited shade range
Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer is a game-changer for those with dry skin like me, as it offers a unique formula that combines the power of skincare and makeup. This lightweight, serum-like concealer is infused with nourishing ingredients like plant-based squalane and vitamin C, which help to hydrate and brighten the skin while providing buildable coverage. Unlike traditional concealers that can settle into fine lines and dry patches, this formula smooths and blends effortlessly, leaving a natural finish without feeling heavy or cake-y. Its creamy texture gives a luminous, dewy glow, and is one of my absolute favorites for that radiant and fresh complexion I'm besotted with.
One of the standout features of the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer is its inclusion of calming ingredients like green tea extract and aloe vera, which are catalysts for soothing and reducing irritation. These ingredients are especially beneficial for dry skin, which is oftentimes more sensitive and prone to redness.
Moreover, I love that it's a clean beauty brand that I know has been formulated to benefit my skin. It's difficult to find makeup brands, specifically, that are clean and last all day, but this one does the job elegantly.
Best for Oily Skin: HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Oil-free and matte, so excellent for oily skin
Long-lasting coverage
De puffs the eye area Cons: Not much product for the tube
HAUS LABS by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer is a revolutionary product, and it's great in case you run into paparazzi (get it? Lady Gaga? Anyway…)
It provides exceptional coverage without compromising the natural look of the skin. It's infused with a powerful blend of skincare ingredients and delivers hydration while tackling puffiness. I find it especially appealing for my dull under-eye bags when I awaken in the wee hours of (before) dawn. The lightweight formula effortlessly blends into the skin, too, leaving a smooth and flawless finish that lasts all day. Whether you're covering dark circles, blemishes or redness, this concealer offers a versatile solution for a wide range of skin concerns.
For those with oily skin, this concealer is a game-changer. Its oil-free formulation is designed to absorb excess shine while maintaining a fresh and natural appearance throughout the day. While many other concealers that can become greasy or settle into fine lines, the HAUS LABS Triclone Concealer stays matte yet still offers a comfortable, breathable feel. Its long-lasting power ensures that my makeup always remains in place —no matter how oily my combination skin gets — making it a must-have for those who experience excess oil at times.
Best for Mature Skin: Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer
Ulta Beauty
Pros: Can double as foundation
Hydrating
Long-lasting Cons: Brush may be too thick for some
Enter the product that my 60-something-year-old mom can't get enough of. The Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer is widely regarded as one of the best concealers for mature skin due to its unique formula that combines full coverage with a lightweight feel. Even though I'm 24, the skin tends to lose elasticity and develop fine lines as I'll get older, which can make heavy or dry concealers settle into creases and accentuate imperfections. So, I'm all about this concealer, too.
The concealer is infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and mango butter, which help to hydrate and smooth the under-eye area. As dry skin is a common concern for those with mature skin, this moisturizing aspect ensures that the delicate skin around the eyes remains plump and refreshed, rather than dry or cracked. The creamy texture provides a soft, buildable coverage, making it easy to apply and blend without tugging or irritating the skin, which can sometimes happen with drier formulas.
Furthermore, Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer is available in a wide range of shades, allowing individuals with various skin tones to find their perfect match. The long-lasting, crease-resistant formula ensures that the concealer stays put throughout the day whenever I swipe it on, and I always know I have dependable, long-wear coverage.
Best Matte: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Incredibly long-lasting
Hydrating
Offers a wide shade range Cons: May be too thick for some people
The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer is a full-coverage, long-wear concealer that provides a flawless matte finish while offering that natural, airbrushed effect. Seriously, it's a top-tier formulation that works overtime to correct dark circles, blemishes and redness, all while blending seamlessly into the skin. Its creamy yet lightweight, which I was a bit surprised by; I initially thought this would be too goopy.
Lovingly, it boasts up to 24-hour wear without the need for touch-ups, which makes it ideal for long days or events where I know I need my makeup to stay intact. Its matte finish absorbs excess oil, controlling shine throughout the day without settling into fine lines or creasing, which is often a challenge with other matte concealers. The concealer also works well for combination and oily skin types, providing the perfect balance between coverage and comfort.
What's more, it's versatile enough to be used for both spot concealing and all-over coverage, making it a multi-functional product that delivers flawless results every time. With its remarkable performance, it consistently ranks as a favorite — and one that I've been using on repeat for an oil-free, flattering finish.
Sephora
Pros: Lightweight and flattering on the skin
Radiant finish
Buildable coverage Cons: Doesn't cover heavy imperfections perfectly, though not a dealbreaker
The Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer is surely the best clean concealer due to its remarkable blend of skincare benefits and flawless coverage — no ifs ands or buts. Unlike many traditional concealers that can feel heavy or cake-y, this product is formulated with a lightweight, buildable texture that provides natural-looking coverage while allowing my skin to breathe. Thank God.
It conceals anything you need it to without compromising the skin's health, thanks to its nourishing ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid, the latter of which is my obsession. These hydrating elements ensure that the concealer never settles into any natural lines, and the result is a smooth, plump and radiant base.
Void of harmful chemicals, parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, it's crafted with clean, skin-friendly ingredients that deliver both cosmetic and skincare benefits. The formula includes plant-based oils and antioxidants that work to protect and rejuvenate the skin while providing the coverage you need. It makes me feel good, look good and remain near-flawless — what more could I ask for?
Best Brightening: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Hydrating formula
Offers a creaseless finish
Buildable Cons: Not the best for oily skin types as it's not as matte as some others tested
Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer has quickly become a fan favorite of mine, and one I've been using for the past few years. It delivers glowing long-lasting coverage, dolloped with a creamy, lightweight formula, that effortlessly blends into the skin while maintaining that natural, dewy finish I love.
Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C, it conceals imperfections and nurtures the naturally delicate skin surrounding my eyes, so I always feel fresh and luminous. For that reason, it's an obvious standout.
What sets this concealer apart from others on the market is its unique brightening effect. Charlotte Tilbury has carefully crafted the formula to include light-reflecting pigments that instantly revive dull or tired skin, making it ideal for anyone in need of a quick pick-me-up. The texture is buildable and feels like hardly any product is sitting on my face. It's versatile and worth every penny, especially if you despise concealers creasing on you.
IL MAKIAGE
Pros: Versatile formula for touch-ups and spot-correcting
Long-lasting
Ergonomic packaging Cons: Only available on retailer's website
May be too heavy for some
The IL MAKIAGE F*CK I'M FLAWLESS Multi-Use Perfecting Concealer is new-ish product of mine, but one I haven't been able to stop using. Its lightweight, creamy texture effortlessly blends into the skin, providing full coverage sans heaviness. It also stays put, ensuring that touch-ups throughout the day are a breeze without any caking or settling into fine lines.
It's dynamite for brightening the under-eye area, sculpting and contouring, and even highlighting certain areas of the face. This multi-use aspect makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, as you can tackle multiple beauty needs with a single product. The extensive shade range ensures there's a perfect match for every skin tone, giving you a tailored experience no matter your complexion.
Another reason why this concealer is ideal for touch-ups is its exceptional staying power. Its long-lasting formula resists fading and creasing, even in high-humidity conditions or during a busy day. The portable, sleek packaging makes it easy to carry around in my makeup bag for quick fixes when I'm out and about. It's reliable, all with a *punny* (and hilarious) name.
Best for Dark Circles and Puffiness: Dior BACKSTAGE Concealer
Sephora
Pros: Full-coverage finish yet lightweight feel
Excellent doe-foot applicator
Smoothing Cons: May be somewhat drying for oilier skin types
Dior BACKSTAGE Concealer is an exceptional product that I've seen nearly every makeup artist use, and every Sephora employee swear by. It's designed to address the common concerns of dark circles and puffiness — as it includes caffeine in its ingredient list — making it a must-have in my eyes.
The formula is lightweight yet highly pigmented, providing full coverage that effectively conceals stubborn dark circles; this is highly important for early morning wake-ups. It's a great choice for those with sensitive under-eye area like me as you won't have to rub it in ad nauseam. Refreshingly, it smoothly blends into the skin, delivering a natural, radiant finish.
The concealer is also long-lasting, ensuring that your eyes stay refreshed and bright throughout the day, and I love to apply it for a nice confident boost. Its high-performance formula and luxurious texture make it a go-to product for achieving a refreshed, radiant look, making it the best for tackling dark circles and puffiness.
How I tested
Victoria Giardina
In testing the best concealers for four years straight, here's the criteria I followed when assessing each one:
Consistency : When choosing the right concealer for you, it's important to find one that absorbs well into the skin, regardless if it's buildable or downright full coverage. I swatched each concealer on my hand, and then underneath my eyes to see how each panned out.
: When choosing the right concealer for you, it's important to find one that absorbs well into the skin, regardless if it's buildable or downright full coverage. I swatched each concealer on my hand, and then underneath my eyes to see how each panned out. Crease-free finish : Lines and noticeable spots are a big no-no, so I ensured the concealers on this list didn't budge.
: Lines and noticeable spots are a big no-no, so I ensured the concealers on this list didn't budge. Brightening power : Not all concealers are designed to specifically brighten, but it's a plus if it does! This was taken into account.
: Not all concealers are designed to specifically brighten, but it's a plus if it does! This was taken into account. Longevity : I assessed the staying power of each concealer for 12+ hours.
: I assessed the staying power of each concealer for 12+ hours. Ability to cover dark spots: I don't have *too* many dark spots on my face, but I tested the concealer's ability to hide blemishes on certain areas of my face.
What I tested, but didn't make the cut
While I'm a fan of an assortment of products from the below brands, the following concealers didn't measure up to the rest, after years of testing:
An FAQ on Concealers
What should I look for in a concealer?
'Shopping for a concealer is a personal process – you need to think about what you want the concealer to do for you,' Razzano shared. 'If you're looking for a concealer to cover a blemish, then that may lead you to different options than if you are looking for something to use under the eye.'
For under the eyes: A concealer for the under-eye area should have a smooth, silky formula that glides on and blends easily and evenly. This is important so that you can achieve the desired effect of coverage and brightening without adding unwanted texture to your eyes.
How long should concealer last?
'In general, a good concealer should last you eight to 12 hours,' Razzano said. 'If you need to reapply, a trick I will use is to tap a small amount of lightweight eye cream (he recommends The Inkey List's Caffeine Eye Cream) onto the area first — this will allow that thin skin to re-hydrate so it doesn't dry the concealer out immediately, and it will gently melt down any powder you may have used to set the concealer originally.'
What's the best concealer for my skin tone?
'If you're choosing a concealer to cover a blemish, you want to choose a shade that is an exact match to the area of the skin where you will be applying it,' Razzano said. 'You absolutely do not want this concealer to be lighter than your skin because that will only draw attention to the blemish.'
However, if you're looking for an under-eye concealer, he recommends going one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to help brighten the area.
How should I apply concealer?
'There's no wrong way to apply a concealer; it depends more on your comfortability with tools and the desired result,' Razzano said. That said, he explained three tried-and-true methods, and what each one achieves:
Your fingers : Great for achieving a light coverage, natural look
: Great for achieving a light coverage, natural look A damp sponge : Can be helpful to blend out your concealer and achieve a light to medium coverage (I'm partial to this Tarte one).
: Can be helpful to blend out your concealer and achieve a light to medium coverage (I'm partial to this Tarte one). A concealer brush: Great if you want to be very specific and targeted in where you apply your concealer, and you can achieve light to full coverage (shop my favorite from Hourglass).
Where should I apply concealer?
'An easy technique for under-eye concealer application is to apply three dots of concealer: one in the inner corner, one in the outer corner and one centered between,' Razzano said. Then, blend out in those areas.
'This will give brightness in the three main areas that usually need it without applying too much product,' he added. 'I prefer this method to the 'triangle of light' technique, which, in my opinion, gets too heavy.'
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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