Discovering the perfect concealer can transform your makeup routine, offering a solution to hide imperfections, brighten your complexion, and enhance your skin’s natural beauty. With a variety of drugstore options available, the quest for flawless skin doesn’t have to break the bank. The key is finding a concealer that matches your skin’s needs, whether that’s a radiant finish or buildable coverage to neutralize redness and conceal blemishes.
Whether you’re battling dark circles, acne, redness, or dry patches, there’s an affordable concealer to suit your needs. From full coverage to medium coverage, matte finish to hydrating formulas, and a wide shade range to match every skin tone, the best drugstore concealers deliver great coverage that’s easy to blend and long-lasting. This guide will help you find the right concealer to brighten, conceal, and perfect your complexion, proving that achieving a flawless look is possible without sacrificing your budget.
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How to find your perfect match in a concealer
When searching for your ideal concealer, first assess your skin’s needs. Do you require something hydrating for dry skin, or a formula that won’t slip off oily skin? Understanding your skin type and concerns, such as under-eye circles or dark spots, will guide you towards a product that addresses those issues effectively. Some concealers enriched with hydrating ingredients, cater to a range of skin concerns, providing targeted solutions.
Next, dive into the world of coverage and finish. From full-coverage formulas designed to hide every imperfection to lighter options that provide a more natural look, the range is vast. Some concealers offer buildable coverage, allowing you to layer them for a more polished finish, while others are praised for their ability to blend seamlessly for a natural coverage that feels lightweight on the skin.
Navigating the shade range is also crucial. The ideal concealer shade matches your skin tone or is a shade lighter for highlighting purposes. For specific concerns like redness or dark circles, color-correcting concealers, such as green concealers for redness, can be game-changers. Be mindful of the undertones in your skin—cool, warm, or neutral—as they can greatly influence how natural the concealer looks on you.
Lastly, consider the applicator type and formula consistency. A doe-foot applicator, for example, allows for precise application, especially under the eyes or around the nose. The formula should match your preference, whether you’re looking for a creamy formula for dry skin or a thicker consistency for full coverage. Remember, the right concealer is out there for everyone, and taking the time to find your match will pay off with flawless skin.
Best for natural coverage
Credit: Maybelline
If you’re after a concealer that gives you a natural look, the Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer should be on your radar. It’s known for its lightweight formula and seamless blendability. You’ll love how it covers imperfections without feeling heavy or cakey. This oil-free formula is designed to match various skin tones, offering medium coverage that conceals dark circles, blemishes, and imperfections without clogging pores. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, it’s suitable for all skin types and fragrance-free. To apply, dot the concealer on imperfections or under the eyes, then pat with a finger to blend. Key ingredients include water, glycerin, and soothing chamomile extract. Achieve a more even complexion with this lightweight, budget-friendly option.
Best for dark spots coverage
Credit: Milani
If you’re looking to cover dark spots, the Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer stands out as a top choice. This full-coverage concealer hides discoloration and lasts up to 12 hours, so you won’t need constant touch-ups. It’s enriched with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and nourished. Available in 18 inclusive shades, you’ll find the perfect match for your skin tone. The precision doe foot applicator makes targeting problem areas like under-eyes and blemishes a breeze. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan, aligning with ethical beauty standards.
Best shade range
Credit: CoverGirl
CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer shines as the best choice for those seeking a wide shade range. With 30 shades available, it matches 99% of skin tones, ensuring everyone finds their perfect match. Whether you have fair skin, a neutral undertone, warm tan, or deep skin, this concealer has you covered. It offers full coverage to conceal imperfections effectively and is designed for all-day wear, making it ideal for long hours. The fluffy applicator ensures even and easy application, and the product is cruelty-free, meaning no animal testing is involved. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, high-performing concealer that caters to diverse complexions, you can’t go wrong with CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer.
Best multitasker
Credit: NYX Professional
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum stands out as the best multitasker for those seeking a versatile and hydrating solution. This skin-loving serum-concealer hybrid provides up to 24 hours of hydration and boasts a lightweight, blendable formula that offers medium coverage. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, and can be used on both face and body.
You’ll love how it camouflages dark circles, blemishes, and dry patches, delivering a natural finish with a healthy glow. Key ingredients like tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea enhance hydration, soothe skin, and reduce puffiness. Available in 17 diverse shades, this concealer-serum hybrid ensures your skin looks flawless and feels fantastic all day long.
Best for dry skin
Credit: e.l.f.
If you’ve got dry skin, you know how tricky it can be to find a concealer that doesn’t cake or accentuate dryness. The e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer is a game-changer, offering a creamy formula that hydrates while providing excellent coverage. Available in 25 inclusive shades, it ensures you’ll find the perfect match.
The concealer’s crease-resistant finish, packed with hydrating agents and skin-loving vitamins, provides a satin or matte look that reduces shine. The large doe foot applicator ensures even and precise application. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan.
Best for radiant finish
Credit: ColourPop
If you’re aiming for a radiant finish, ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Creamy Concealer is your go-to. This full-coverage concealer boasts a creamy, cushiony texture that leaves your skin looking naturally fresh. With skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and coconut water, it hydrates and softens, making it suitable for all skin types. You’ll love the way it seamlessly blends, thanks to its super blendable formula.
For best results, pair it with a hyaluronic tinted moisturizer and an eye cream to brighten under-eye areas. Use a precision sponge, brush, or your fingertips to blend, then set with a no-filter loose or pressed powder for long-lasting wear.
Best long-wear
Credit: L’Oréal
When you need a concealer that stays put all day, look no further than L’Oréal Infallible Full Coverage Concealer. With its flawless matte finish and up to 24-hour coverage, this gem is a must-have. The extra-large applicator ensures full coverage in one stroke, making it perfect for concealing imperfections, redness, and scars. Its waterproof formula prevents transfer, fading, and creasing, while the creamy, non-greasy texture allows for easy application. Available in 25 shades, it caters to diverse skin tones. Use it not only on your face but also on your body for stretch marks, veins, and bruises. Apply sparingly for targeted coverage and blend seamlessly for a flawless look.
Best for blemish coverage
Credit: Neutrogena
When it comes to hiding blemishes, Neutrogena Radiant Cream Concealer is your go-to. It provides excellent coverage while still feeling lightweight on your skin. Infused with vitamin E and peptides, it nourishes your skin while diminishing fine lines and dark spots. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula ensures comfortable, all-day wear without clogging pores.
To use, dot under your eyes or on blemishes and blend gently with your fingers or a sponge. It can even double as an eyeshadow primer. Customers rave about its blendability and long-lasting coverage, making it perfect for daily use, especially if you have sensitive skin. Set with powder for extended wear.
Best for dark circles coverage
Credit: Maybelline
Boasting a vegan, non-comedogenic formula, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser stands out as the top choice for those battling dark circles. This multi-use concealer is designed for hydration, concealment, contouring, and correction. It offers up to 12 hours of moisturizing wear and features a sponge tip applicator for easy, quick application—perfect for busy lifestyles. Free from mineral oil, parabens, and talc, it provides crease-resistant coverage for a smooth finish. Simply twist the applicator until the concealer appears, apply directly to your under-eye area, and blend outward. For extreme dark circles, use the Neutralizer shade, or opt for the Brightener shade for a luminous touch.
Best for color correcting
Credit: L.A. Girl
When it comes to color correcting, you can’t go wrong with L.A. Girl Pro Conceal. This cruelty-free and fragrance-free concealer, boasts a creamy, lightweight texture that offers natural coverage. It’s long-wearing and crease-resistant, making it perfect for all-day use.
This affordable option offers a range of shades to neutralize everything from redness to dark spots. Light Yellow brightens under-eye circles for fair skin, while Yellow does the same for medium to dark skin. Mint and Green neutralize redness for different skin tones, and Lavender tackles unwanted yellow undertones.
For application, use a concealer brush or your fingers to maintain concentration. Highlight, contour, and correct with ease using their brush-tip applicator.
How to apply concealer like a pro
Concealing dark circles like a pro starts with selecting the right shade and formula. Opt for a peach or orange-toned concealer if you have fair skin, as it effectively neutralizes the blue or gray undertones of dark circles. Apply the concealer in a triangle shape under your eyes, blending it out with a beauty sponge or your finger. This technique not only covers dark circles but also illuminates the entire under-eye area, making you look more awake.
To cover acne and redness, choose a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly. A formula with an oil-free formula is ideal for acne-prone skin, as it won’t clog pores or trigger more breakouts. Dab the concealer directly onto blemishes or red areas and gently tap with a beauty sponge or finger to blend. Avoid rubbing, as this can remove the product from the blemish.
Avoiding creasing and dry patches requires proper skin preparation. Start by applying a hydrating eye cream and let it absorb fully. Then, apply a thin layer of primer to create a smooth base for your concealer. After applying concealer, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. This helps to lock the concealer in place and prevents it from settling into fine lines or dry areas.
Remember, less is more when it comes to concealer. Applying too much can make it look cakey and draw attention to the very imperfections you’re trying to hide. Build coverage gradually, and always blend well. With these tips, you’ll achieve a flawless, natural look that lasts all day.
Questions you may have
Should your concealer be lighter than your foundation?
Yes, your concealer should generally be one to two shades lighter than your foundation, especially for the under-eye area. A lighter concealer helps to brighten and lift the face, creating a more youthful appearance. However, for covering blemishes or spots, a concealer that matches your foundation shade is best to seamlessly blend with the rest of your skin.
Choosing the right shade is crucial for a natural look. A shade match test can help you find the perfect concealer color. It’s also helpful to consider the undertones of your skin—whether they’re cool, warm, or neutral—to ensure a harmonious blend with your foundation.
Is it better to use concealer with or without primer?
Using a primer under your concealer can significantly improve its application and longevity. Primer creates a smooth canvas for concealer to glide on more evenly, preventing it from settling into fine lines or pores. It also helps the concealer to stay put throughout the day, resisting sweat and oil. Especially for oily or combination skin types, an oil-free formula primer can make a noticeable difference in the performance of your concealer.
However, if you have very dry skin, ensure your primer and concealer are hydrating to avoid emphasizing dry patches. Ultimately, whether you use a primer depends on your skin type and the finish you desire, but it’s generally beneficial for a flawless, long-lasting look.
Should I put concealer or foundation on first?
It’s a common question with a somewhat flexible answer. Applying foundation first creates a base, evening out your overall skin tone. Then, you can use concealer to target specific areas that need extra coverage, which can lead to using less concealer overall. This method also helps in blending your concealer more seamlessly with your foundation.
However, if you prefer using a minimal amount of foundation or are aiming for a very natural look, you might apply concealer first to cover any blemishes or dark circles, requiring less foundation. Experiment to see which order works best for your makeup routine and the products you use.