The Best Concealers Offer Coverage That's Never Cakey

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.