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When it comes to makeup heroes, there’s no beauty product that works harder than your favorite concealer. Any time we get an angry and annoying red pimple, we use the best acne-covering concealers to mimic a flawless complexion. When we stay up way too late scrolling TikTok, undereye concealers come to the rescue to hide dark circles. The best concealers ever can cover acne, shadows, and other imperfections like a champ, never crease, are long-lasting, and waken your face just like a morning cup of coffee. But finding a concealer that hits on all of these points is easier said than done—right?
Wrong. We beauty lovers at Marie Claire have searched high and low to bring you this list of the best concealers 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 the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, these products are set to solve all of your complexion woes. We even picked the brains of pro makeup artists for their favorites, so you better believe this list has the best of the best.
What to Look For in Concealer
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. Or, go with a full-coverage concealer if hiding spots is your priority. 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.”
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
"I've tried more concealers in my career than I care to admit, and without fail I always go back to this NARS formula. 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. I love to also do a swipe on the top of my nose and around my mouth to brighten up my entire complexion." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Great for dark circles; Provides a brightening effect; Suitable for all skin types; Long-wearing; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
"As someone with perpetual dark circles regardless of how well-rested, hydrated, or stress-free I am, I expect a lot from my under-eye concealers. I need a product that offers full yet never cakey coverage and effectively brightens my, at times, raccoon-like appearance. And I can say, without question, that Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer exceeded every one of my lofty expectations. Its 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." — Emma Childs, Style Editor
Pros: Great for dark circles; Provides a brightening effect; Non-creasing; Long-wearing; Dermatologist-tested; Wide shade range; Waterproof.
Cons: Over $30.
"Thanks to late nights and early mornings, dark circles are my personal arch nemesis, so 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." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Wide shade range; Hydrating formula; Provides a brightening effect; Suitable for all skin types; Vegan.
Cons: May crease if you apply too much.
"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 you won't have to touch up in the middle of the day. A little goes a long way here, meaning one tube is going to last you a long while. And if your skin tends to be on the drier side, there's a hydrating formula for you." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Under $15; Great for spot concealing; Long-wearing; Blendable; Vegan.
Cons: Limited shades for darker skin tones; Not great for dry skin.
"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 is the concealer for you. It's an ultra-creamy formula complete with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, plus with niacinamide, it creates a smoothing effect. I especially love how this concealer looks just like your skin, but better, no matter how many layers you throw on. This is the concealer I grab to replicate that 'no-makeup' look." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Hydrating formula; Long-wearing; Waterproof; Wide shade range; Made with skincare ingredients; Buildable coverage; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
"The Dior Beauty Backstage Flash Perfector Concealer is my favorite right now in my kit and for personal use. It's the perfect balance of hydration and waterproof long wear full coverage that never looks cakey. Because it's infused with caffeine I like to use it under 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." — Jonet Williamson, Pro Makeup Artist
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.
"I finally bought into the hype around this product over the summer and yes, it's worth the buzz. The texture is super lightweight, and the coverage is virtually undetectable on the skin. 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!" — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
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.
"For a light, yet illuminating and flawless, date-night look I turn to Hourglass. It’s Ambient Lighting Foundation and recently launched Ambient Lighting powder palette (for fall I go with the six-Pan Tiger option for its warmer tones). But the true key to achieving that lit-from-within glow is its Airbrush Concealer that evens everything out and eliminates any blemishes or Blotchiness. This concealer along with the Ambient products make a powerful, yet weightless, trio for evening beauty." — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor
"I really love the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer. It's the most matte, full-coverage concealer in my collection, which means that it's great for special events or full-glam moments. Case in point: I wore it to my brother's wedding and it didn't budge throughout the night. 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." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: Long-wearing; Waterproof; Non-creasing; Provides a brightening effect; Great applicator; Suitable for all skin types.
Cons: Over $30.
"I know this pick is on the pricier side, but hear me out—this concealer stick 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. Plus, the extra sun protection is never a bad thing. 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." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Great for acne; Blendable; Long-wearing; Provides sun protection.
Cons: Over $30; Not great for dry skin.
"When I first opened this Chanel “Complexion Touch” (I'm hesitant to call it a foundation or a concealer, because it's technically both?) I had no idea what to expect, but I'm thrilled to report that my confusion was met with instant delight. The formula consists of a water-based gel and concentrated pigment drops, which, when blended together (I recommend applying the product directly to your face, and blending it with your hands), applies smoothly, evenly, and without appearing cakey. It's easily layerable and holds firm throughout the day, but doesn't have the unpleasant thickness of a traditional concealer." — Lucia Tonelli, Social Media Editor
Pros: Multi-use formula; Buildable coverage; Made with skincare ingredients; Long-wearing.
Cons: Over $30; Limited shade range.
"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. These concealers also work well for acne coverage by color correcting and working as a 2-in-1 as both a concealer and foundation." —Kenyata Gant, Kansas City-based Makeup Artist
Pros: Suitable for all skin types; Waterproof; Multi-use formula; Under $20; Non-creasing; Buildable coverage; Vegan.
Cons: Limited shade range.
"I'm a huge fan of Too Faced's Born This Way Collection, and this product is one of the main reasons why. Not only does it work well for under-eye bags, but it's also highly effective for red spots and hyperpigmentation." — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer
Pros: Wide shade range; Great for undereye bags; Multi-use formula; Non-creasing; Long-wearing; Hydrating formula; Vegan.
Cons: Over $30; Dries quickly.
"As a makeup artist who specializes in complexion, I appreciate high-performing products that offer a second skin finish. Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer lives up to that standard, making it a kit essential. I love the multifaceted applicator, as it holds an accurate amount of product for a quick fix to 'wake up' the under-eye area. Although this formula feels lightweight, it also provides enough pigment to conceal any discoloration on other areas of the face. Even if you’re not a makeup artist, you will feel like a pro using it!" — Mali Thomas, Pro Makeup Artist
Pros: Hydrating formula; Great applicator; Long-wearing; Suitable for all skin types.
Cons: Over $30.
"With Conseal the Deal concealer by Lawless, I can basically go without foundation and rely solely on this lightweight formula for even and natural coverage. To correct and polish, I choose one shade that matches my skin tone, then use the Lawless concealer brush to apply and blend. For days I want to add a little highlight to my face, I also buy a separate tube that is one shade lighter and use a beauty sponge to apply to my cheekbones, chin, and wherever else that needs brightening." — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor
Pros: Suitable for all skin types; Long-wearing; Blendable; Hydrating formula.
Cons: Reviewers note shades are slightly lighter than they appear online.
"Ah, Touche Éclat—a classic in 2008, then known to me and my friends as "Touch Ek-lat" (we were not very sophisticated); a classic now, in 2022, since my thirties call for face-brightening concealer more than ever. 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." — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
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.
"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." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Under $15; Easy to apply with sponge-tip applicator; Great for dark circles; Hydrating formula; Buildable coverage.
Cons: Limited shade range.
NARS has great concealers. Period. Their Radiant Creamy Concealer is high on our list of favorites, but 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. If you're using this to cover spots, we recommend using a dense concealer brush in a stippling motion to expertly cover areas with more texture.
Pros: Great for acne; Long-wearing; Vegan; Buildable coverage; Non-creasing.
Cons: Over $30.
"This is another concealer with a crazy amount of coverage, but I personally think it's best for the undereyes. This is one of the only concealers I've used that actually covers up my dark circles in just one layer. You only need the teeniest amount, too, for intense coverage. I especially love how I can count on this concealer to last the entire day, rain or shine. I like to use a shade lighter than my skin tone for a brighter eye area." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Pros: Great for dark circles; Waterproof; Long-wearing; Hydrating formula.
Cons: May crease if you use too much.
Meet the Makeup Experts
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. Luna shares her expert tips and injects her unique personality into the beauty space through her TikTok page @EhlieLuna.
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 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 5. As a pro makeup artist with nine years of experience, Kenyata specializes in soft glam and bridal makeup.
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 is Contributing Writer at Marie Claire, where she writes across the board from fashion and beauty to books and celebrities. As a pop culture junkie, Brooke obsessively consumes and writes about the latest movie releases, streaming TV shows, and celebrity scandals. 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.
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