I have a love-hate relationship with concealers. While I’m a big fan of the way they can take your base from good to great, I often find that, after a few hours of wear, I am left with a trio of concealer deadly sins: caking, cracking and creasing. So, like any good beauty editor should, I have made it my mission to rectify this problem and find out which concealer formulas can offer great coverage and still look as good at the end of the day as when I put them on. After speaking to some experts, you likely won't be surprised to hear the verdict—you need a good hydrating concealer for the job.
You see, hydrating formulas aren’t just great concealers for dry skin, they can actually be beneficial for all skin types, depending on your desired finish. They not only offer pigmented coverage, meaning they're great for spot coverage and as an under-eye concealer option, but they're also packed with skincare ingredients which work to keep skin nourished and hydrated, too. This means your concealer not only applies more smoothly but is also less likely to dry out and settle in creases throughout the day, ensuring it stays looking its best.
“Hydrating concealers help the skin stretch and move without drying it out,” said makeup artist, Katrin Rees ,when I asked her advice on the subject. “This, in turn, helps to reduce the production of wrinkles and creasing. Hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, are great when used in concealers, especially around areas like the eyes where it can help to reduce [the appearance of] fine lines, wrinkles and dryness.”
To put this advice to the test, I set about testing a range of hydrating concealers to see if they lived up to this claim. It turns out, Katrin was right. When opting for a concealer with hydrating ingredients, not only does my makeup apply more smoothly and evenly, but when I look in the mirror at the end of the day, there is minimal to no creasing (something I could only dream of, previously). Luckily, I’m not one to gate keep, so here are the very best hydrating concealers I've come across...
1. By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, magnolia flower
Coverage: Medium
If you only try one hydrating concealer, make it this one. By Terry’s formula is second to none. It's lightweight, creamy and blends seamlessly all while covering dark circles and blemishes. Alongside full-coverage pigment, you’ll also find eight types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, caffeine to brighten and magnolia flower to soothe and de-puff. I like to use a small fluffy brush to buff it into the skin for a natural-looking, seamless finish
For
- Contains hyaluronic acid for plumping hydration
- Super creamy
- Has a beautifully buildable coverage
Against
- The shade range needs extending, for sure
2. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide
Coverage: Medium
I was recently introduced to this concealer by a makeup artist who swears by it for providing buildable coverage with a radiant, almost-dewy finish. After trying it, I have to agree. Not only is it a great concealer for covering dark circles, but it leaves skin with a healthy glow that looks like I’ve had 8 hours of sleep. As well as hyaluronic acid, you’ll also find vitamin C to brighten and niacinamide to soothe skin, making this a hardworking formula that delivers on both coverage and skin-loving benefits.
For
- Luminous finish
- Beautifully creamy texture
Against
- It has a dewy finish that might not be to everyone's tastes
3. Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Coverage: Medium
I’ll be honest, as much as I love Fenty’s products, I’ve always found the brand's foundations a little on the dry side, and so I didn’t have majorly high hopes for this concealer. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is actually really creamy and hydrating, and it doesn’t settle into any fine lines. Plus, with 50 shades available, there are ample options to suit all skin tones.
For
- Great shade range
- Angled applicator for precision
- Really long lasting
Against
- If I had to think of one thing, I suppose the huge shade variety might make shopping for it a little tricky
4. Nars Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer
Key ingredients: Multi-Active Botanical Blend, Vitamin E
Coverage: Light/Medium
There are few makeup products I repurchase time and again, however this concealer is one of them. Formulated with a multi-botanical blend, including grape seed extract and vitamin E, it delivers a light/medium coverage without feeling heavy or drying on the skin. While you can set it with powder, due to its formula I wouldn’t say it’s necessary, as even when worn alone it’s incredibly long-lasting, with a natural-looking, soft-matte finish. A true hero product!
For
- Universally-adored
- Super-creamy consistency
- Buildable coverage
Against
- It isn't as full-coverage as others on the list
5. Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer
Key ingredients: 20+ skincare ingredients, Arnica
Coverage: Medium
Haus Lab’s formula promises not only to conceal and cover but to blur imperfections for a flawless finish. I would say, this concealer feels slightly thicker than others on this list, meaning that, while it does blend into the skin beautifully, you do have to work it a little harder with a brush or your fingers. Once blended however, it sits seamlessly with minimal creasing or caking. Plus, it also contains arnica to de-puff for a wide-awake look.
For
- An almost flawless air-brushed finish
- Heavy duty
Against
- The thick formula is intense, but can be tricky to work with
6. e.l.f Hydrating Satin Camo Concealer
Key ingredients: Rose water
Coverage: Full
If you’re looking for an affordable hydrating concealer, I’d recommend this formula from e.l.f.—not only does it blend and cover blemishes and dark circles easily, but it also feels practically weightless on the skin. For under £10, I’m seriously impressed, and it gives high-end concealers a run for their money.
For
- Really affordable for luxury results
- Covers anything and everything
Against
- A full-coverage result that might not be ideal for everyone
7. Ere Perez Lychee Creme Corrector
Key ingredients: Lychee, vitamin E, vitamin C
Coverage: Full
Ere Perez is one of my favourite under-the-radar makeup brands, providing great products that are organic and powered by botanical ingredients. The creme corrector is formulated with lychee to hydrate, vitamin E to moisturise and vitamin C to brighten, which all combine with pigment to create a medium, buildable formula that really is a joy to wear. I also love that, rather than a doe-foot applicator, it has a nozzle, which allows for precise application so you can target coverage to where you need it.
For
- A beautiful satin finish
- Precise applicator
Against
- A limited shade range
8. Mac Studio Radiance Concealer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide
Coverage: Medium
Mac’s concealer promises a 90% immediate hydration boost, so it has a lot to live up to. What I will say is that it feels incredibly hydrating and slips onto skin with an almost oily quality, which makes it a total joy to apply. While I can’t vouch for the 90% claims, it didn’t leave my complexion feeling dry or tight and offered a medium coverage that lightened my dark circles and pigmentation easily, so I’ll definitely reach for it again. A little goes a long way, so don't over apply if you want to avoid creasing.
For
- An impressive shade range
- A pointed applicator
- A really workable, creamy formula
Against
- You can get some under-eye creasing if you over apply
9. Maybelline Instant Anti-age Eraser Concealer
Key ingredients: Goji berry
Coverage: Medium/Full
A cult-classic concealer, Maybelline’s Eraser has racked up hundreds of 5-star reviews over the years. With a medium coverage and creamy formula, it applies and blends easily and doesn’t crease or crack throughout the day. Its only drawback is the applicator, which tends to become blocked and unclean after prolonged use. However, it’s a small price to pay for such a great product.
For
- Really affordable
- Excellent at brightening dark circles
Against
- The sponge applicator can get a little messy and is unhygienic
10. Erborian Super BB Concealer
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, SPF 25
Coverage: Light/Medium
Sometimes you don’t need a full or even medium coverage concealer and on those days I reach for Erborian. Offering a natural-looking coverage, it brightens dark circles without sitting heavily on the skin. This is also the only formula on this list which contains SPF, something which I definitely appreciate now that spring is on the horizon for an added layer of protection.
For
- Delivers a natural-looking finish
- Builds well
Against
- Can crease if not blended in fully
11. Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, prickly pear, squalane, shea butter
Coverage: Full
I was a huge fan of Tarte’s original shape tape concealer, so when I discovered the brand had an even creamier version, which promises 24-hour moisturisation, I was excited to try it. I must say, I actually prefer this version to the original—it’s lightweight, and almost buttery on the skin, and has a little more slip than the original, making it easier to blend. Although it’s creamier, it’s still just as long-lasting while providing the great coverage I already know and love.
For
- Beautifully hydrating and creamy formula
- Covers spots and dark circles with ease
Against
- Large doe-foot isn't great for precise application
