I'm a Beauty Editor Who's Tried 100s of Concealers—These Are the Only 15 I'd Ever Recommend
If you were to ask me what the most important item in my makeup bag is, I would always say concealer. I've spent years testing the best under eye concealers, best concealers for dry skin, best full coverage concealers and even the best affordable concealers on the market, and I truly believe that they are the secret weapon to any makeup look.
Whether you like a super simple, "no makeup" makeup kinda vibe or a slightly more statement finish, concealer is the one product that will always be on side to help you achieve your desired results. However, with so many on the market, it can be confusing to know which one to go for.
How to Choose the Best Concealer
Makeup artist Neil Young says most complexions actually benefit from two concealers, as the face and eye area requires a different approach. "With the face, it’s about matching the skin tone and texture of foundation for any blemishes and pigmentation, whereas the eye area is more about colour correction or brightening and this can often be lighter than the natural skin tone.”
Although I don't think you need multiple products in your makeup bag, I definitely agree that the under eyes can benefit from a slightly lighter, more brightening option, especially if you want to cover up those pesky dark circles.
I've been busy testing the best concealers on the market.
How We Tested the Best Concealers
As mentioned above, I've spent years putting some of the most popular concealer formulas to the test to see which ones actually perform. I have quite a strict criteria when it comes to choosing a concealer, which I've outlined below. I've also asked other Who What Wear UK editors for their favourite concealers and included them in my edit. You are welcome.
- Does it have a wide shade range available?
- Is it easy to apply?
- Does it settle into creases and fine lines?
- Does it wear off throughout the day?
- Does it cover dark circles and/or blemishes?
- Is it a fair price?
Shop the Best Concealers, Tried & Tested by an Editor
- Best concealer overall: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Best concealer for dry skin: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
- Best concealer for oily skin: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
- Best high coverage concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 30
With an A-list army of fans including Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, this concealer has very much earned its iconic status. As the name suggests, this formula adds a radiant finish, so it's great for those of you who like a more dewy makeup look. It offers medium to full coverage so works well at concealing blemishes as well as dark circles. In fact, it actually features light-diffusing technology to help illuminate the under eyes.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "This concealer is amazing at brightening the under eyes and the high points of my face, like the tops of the cheekbones and cupid’s bow," says freelance beauty editor Mollie Burdell.
For
- Buildable coverage
- Dewy formula
- Easy to apply
Against
- Would be nice to see a wider range of deep shades
2. Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Best for: Under eyes
Number of shades: 38
Editors rave about this Kosas concealer, and for good reason. It is one of the creamiest formulas out there, and is packed with hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine to hydrate the skin and plump the under eye area. Offering medium coverage, it also brightens the skin so it really is perfect for dark circles. Plus, thanks to the hydrating finish, it won't settle into fine lines or creases.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "A product I only started using this year and I’m completely obsessed. Loved by Hailey Bieber, Emma Chamberlain and Kim Kardashian, the super creamy, blendable formula gives natural but luminous coverage," says freelance beauty editor Mollie Burdell.
For
- Slightly wider shade range
- Creamy, hydrating formula
- Brightening effect
Against
- Might not be the best choice for super oily skin types
3. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 22
We love this Hourglass concealer so much that we've done a whole feature on it. This iconic product launched in 2020 and took social media by storm, and after testing it out ourselves, we can see why. The light-reflecting concealer is great for under the eyes, but the buildable formula also makes light work of covering blemishes. It actually contains micro-spherical powders that blur the complexion for a seamless finish. The only downside? It doesn't have as many shades available as other brands, but hopefully this will change in the future.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "This concealer blends into my complexion seamlessly and always feels super creamy and comfortable to wear. It manages to brighten my under eyes and cover up any discolouration. It can crease a little bit, but lasts a lot longer than other concealers I have tried," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Buildable formula
- Seamless finish
- Lasts all day
Against
- Expensive
- Not a huge shade range
4. L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer
Best for: Under eyes
Number of shades: 24
Next up is an affordable gem. The L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer is one of the best drugstore concealers we've tried. The great thing about this product is that it works as a skincare and makeup hybrid, as the formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and caffeine making it perfect for the under eye area. Not only does it cover up dark circles but it will brighten the complexion and help with puffiness, too.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "I get such dry skin under my eyes, but this concealer manages to cover my dark circles without settling into creases or fine lines. For just £11, you really can't go wrong," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- More affordable
- Contains lots of skin-loving ingredients
- Perfect for under eyes
Against
- Not a huge shade range available
5. Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 22
Laura Mercier is known for its base products, so it's no surprise that this concealer is a winner. Similar to the option above, this is a serum-infused formula that features an incredible 85% of skincare ingredients. Designed to give a skin-like finish, it offers buildable coverage and a smoothing, hydrating effect.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "This concealer melts into the skin but doesn't settle into fine lines. It gives a really radiant, flawless finish that still looks natural. I still think the brand could expand upon its deeper shade options but they've certainly improved upon this lately, so perhaps more are coming," says deputy editor, Maxine Eggenberger.
For
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn't settle into fine lines
Against
- Not a huge shade range
6. By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
Best for: Under eyes
Number of shades: 11
Can you tell we like serum concealers yet? We can't help it, these formulas are just so hydrating. Designed to minimise the appearance of dark circles, this concealer adds a dewy, natural-looking finish. Oh, and did we mention it's enriched with 8 different types of hyaluronic acid? Dry skin, rejoice!
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "For no-makeup makeup days when I want a little bit of radiance (which, in my case, is most), this is the stuff I reach for. When I can’t be bothered with a base, this concealer is all I need. The creamy formula settles and blends like a dream while the hyaluronic acid delivers a convincing glow that doesn’t make my oily skin look greasy. The coverage is medium but buildable, and with a skin-like serum finish, I like to slather it all over areas that need evening out in tone like a sort of concealer-foundation hybrid. It only launched a few months ago and I’m already on my second repurchase. It’s a thing of true beauty, and I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t like the texture. My only gripe? Despite the stretchable nature of the formula, I want to see more shades," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Super hydrating
- Easy to blend
- Adds a natural-looking glow
Against
- Expensive
- Not a lot of shades available
7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 25
Anastasia Beverly Hills has some really great base products available, and this concealer is no exception. The lightweight formula is designed to brighten under eyes and also cover imperfections, so it's a great all rounder. It offers medium coverage and a naturally luminous finish, rather than a super glowy look.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "A product I've loved for as long as I can remember. The big applicator makes it a dream to apply and it really helps to hydrate the under eye area without oxidizing, creasing or settling into fine lines. If you like a luminous finish add it to your basket, stat," says freelance beauty editor, Mollie Burdell.
For
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to apply
- Hydrating finish
Against
- Not a massive shade range
8. Sculpted by Aimee Complete Cover Up Concealer
Best for: Blemishes
Number of shades: 9
Sculpted by Aimee base products are seriously underrated. If you prefer a creamy concealer rather than a liquid one, we highly recommend this. Ideal for blemishes, the oil-free, cream-to-powder formula blurs the skin and adds a soft matte finish. Perfect for any oily complexions out there.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "As someone with oily skin, this is a real godsend. It's an oil-free cream-to-powder concealer that hides redness, blemishes and pigmentation while providing a gorgeous matte finish that lasts all day. I tap it into the skin with my fingers and If I'm in a rush, I'll happily wear on its own," says freelance beauty editor, Mollie Burdell.
For
- A great option for oily skin
- Good coverage
Against
- Can be a little messier to apply
- Not ideal for dry skin types
9. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 16
If you're looking for some serious coverage, then you can't go wrong with this concealer from Mac. This is the kind of product to reach for when you're doing a slightly heavier makeup look that you want to last all day (or night). It's long-wearing, water-resistant, sweat-resistant and crease-proof, and is perfect for both under eyes and blemishes.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "I usually favour a more natural makeup look, but on those days when I want more coverage then I know I can rely on this concealer to get the job done. It's a little heavier than other formulas in this roundup, so it doesn't give such a skin-like finish, but it's great for when I'm taking lots of pictures or filming for work," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Very high coverage
- Lasts all day
Against
- Might be too heavy for some
10. Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 24
Want to add a little bit of luxury to your makeup bag? Say hello to the Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer. The long-lasting formula offers up to 24 hours of wear, medium coverage and a blurring, brightening effect. It also contains nasturtium extract, glycerin and a cornflower complex to hydrate the skin and give that sought-after radiant finish.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "I saw Hailey Bieber wearing Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer, so I immediately needed it. I use the hollow part of the applicator and apply to the T-zone, the cheeks and under eyes. I then blend the product from the centre of the face outwards with a sponge. It brings a glam makeup look together in seconds, and gives the most gorgeous, luminous finish. So much yes from me," says freelance beauty editor, Mollie Burdell.
For
- Luminous finish
- Hydrating formula
Against
- Quite expensive
11. Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 25
Another great affordable option is this hydrating formula from Elf. Designed to be long-lasting and crease-resistant, it offers full coverage and a satin finish. Similar to the Mac concealer, this probably isn't the best option for those "no makeup" makeup days, but it's great for when you want something with a little more oomph.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "This concealer does exactly what it says on the tube. It's long lasting and you only need a small amount, making it great value for money. I also like that the shade range includes different undertones," says copy editor Georgia Seago.
For
- Affordable
- Full coverage
- Long lasting
Against
- Might be a little heavy for some
12. Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen with TFC8®
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 16
Possibly one of the chicest beauty collaborations of all time, VB recently partnered with Augustinus Bader to create the most luxurious Victoria Beckham Beauty concealer pen. Not only does it look beautiful, but this pen is so easy to use and offers natural, light-to-medium coverage. The best bit is that it also contains a range of skincare benefits and works to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "I wouldn't normally spend this much on a concealer, but I really do love this product. Although I haven't noticed much in terms of skincare benefits, I am obsessed with how this looks on the skin. It gives me that naturally dewy finish that I love, doesn't crease and lasts all day," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Easy to apply
- Gives a natural finish
- Only 16 shades but a good shade range
Against
- Very expensive
13. Vieve Modern Radiance Concealer
Best for: Under eyes
Number of shades: 20
Infused with hyaluronic acid, offering medium to full coverage and delivering a radiant finish, this concealer really does tick a lot of boxes. Like all Vieve products, it focuses on hydrating your skin and it's great for those of you who like a dewy makeup look.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "If you have dry skin (especially under your eyes), then you need to try this concealer. I apply a small amount to my under eyes and it blends in like a dream, covering dark circles while still looking natural. It can crease a little throughout the day, but that's my only complaint," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Hydrating formula
- Radiant finish
- Good coverage
- Doesn't cling to dry patches
Against
- Can crease a little throughout the day
- Would be nice to see a bigger shade range in the future
14. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Best for: Under eyes and blemishes
Number of shades: 30
Clearly we just can't get enough of Nars concealers. Yep, this brand really knows what it's doing when it comes to base products, and this pot formula is great for concealing both blemishes and dark circles. It offers high coverage yet is incredibly lightweight on the skin. It has a matte finish but doesn't feel drying thanks to hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "Concealer is, hands down, my most used beauty product. Even though I don’t wear a lot of makeup, not a day goes by in which I don’t apply concealer. While different products come and go, this stuff is forever. Almost every makeup artist I know counts it as one of the best formulas ever made. It has a full-coverage but second-skin, matte finish that makes it exceptional for covering blemishes and disguising dark circles without adding any unwanted radiance. All I have to do is dab my fingers into the pot and smoosh it over areas of concern—it’s a lazy girl’s dream product. Plus, it’s available in loads of shades," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- High coverage
- Second-skin finish
- Good shade range
Against
- Could be a little messier to apply
15. Rodial Lowlighter
Best for: Under eyes
Number of shades: 3
Ok, this is technically more of a corrector than a concealer, but it's so good that we had to include it in our roundup. Possibly one of the creamiest, most lightweight formulas on the market, it is designed to blur and brighten the under eyes while adding a radiant finish. The formula is also infused with caffeine to reduce the look of puffiness while hyaluronic acid and vitamin E smooth and hydrate the skin.
Why it's Who What Wear approved: "I can't remember a time without this product. It has completely changed the game for me. It makes my dark circles look so much better, and if I ever need a bit more coverage I simply apply a little bit of high coverage concealer on top. My only issue? It would be great to see a wider shade range," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Super lightweight, hydrating formula
- Easy to apply
- Awakens the under-eye area
Against
- Not a big shade range
- Doesn't offer high coverage
Opening image: @spicy.mayo
Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.
As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.
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