Discover 15 Best Concealers of 2023 to Hide Imperfections

A high-quality concealer is an essential item in your makeup collection. Why? Simply put, it has endless benefits. Whether you want to enhance your cupid’s bow with a luminous highlight, conceal acne scars, or most importantly, hide those pesky dark circles under your eyes, a reliable concealer is a must-have. Unlike fleeting makeup fads, a good concealer is a long-lasting investment that will never go out of style. It’s also small enough to carry in your purse for touch-ups during a night out. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which concealer to choose. In this article, we will discover the 15 best concealers that will help you achieve a flawless look by hiding those pesky imperfections. Whether you’re looking for a full-coverage concealer or a lightweight option, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s take the look and find the perfect concealer for you!

Best Overall Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Look no further than the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer if you need a new holy grail product! With the ability to cover dark circles flawlessly and never separate or crease, this formula will make it appear like you’ve had a full night’s sleep (even if you haven’t). For a bonus, swipe it on the top of your nose and around your mouth for an instant complexion-brightening effect. Not only is this product suitable for all skin types, but it also boasts a long-wearing and non-creasing formula that provides excellent coverage and a natural finish. While it may be priced higher than some other concealers, its top-notch quality and smooth blendability make it worth every penny. Don’t wait any longer – invest in the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard today and experience its game-changing benefits for yourself!

Best Drugstore Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer

The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer has been widely praised by customers for its excellent coverage of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines, all while leaving a natural finish. The concealer is easy to apply and features a unique sponge applicator that makes it simple to target specific areas. Customers also love that it doesn’t settle into creases or feel heavy on the skin. Despite some reviews mentioning that the product can run out quickly with frequent use, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Multi-Use Concealer is an affordable and effective option that customers highly recommend for its coverage and ease of use. With its youth-boosting properties from goji berry and fragrance-free formula, it’s a great choice for those on a budget. The only downside is its limited shade range.

Best Crease-Free Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

The Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer is highly praised by customers for its long-lasting formula that provides high coverage without creasing or settling into fine lines. Its smooth, creamy texture is easy to blend and build up for customizable coverage. Despite its thick consistency, this concealer is recommended for its effectiveness in covering blemishes and dark circles. The product contains shea and mango butter to add hydration and licorice root to prevent creasing. It is waterproof and available in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones. The Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer is a dermatologist-tested, non-creasing, long-wearing concealer that provides a brightening effect and is perfect for those looking for a flawless finish.

Best Splurge Concealer: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

Looking for a full-coverage concealer that provides long-lasting, natural-looking results? Look no further than Dior’s Forever Skin Correct Concealer. Formulated with iris, wild pansy, and nasturtium extracts, this creamy concealer can blur pores, reduce redness, and lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. While a bit more blending may be required, the lightweight and non-cakey formula ensures excellent coverage for dark circles, blemishes, and redness without fading or creasing. With a range of shades available, you can easily find your perfect match for a flawless finish. Although it may come at a higher price point, the quality and effectiveness of this product are well worth the investment. Join the many satisfied customers and splurge on the Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer for a truly luxurious makeup experience.

Best Concealer for Dark Circles: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer is highly recommended by customers for its long-wearing, high-coverage formula. It is said to provide natural-looking coverage that doesn’t settle into fine lines or creases. Customers love that it is waterproof and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for all-day wear. Some reviewers note that the product can be a bit thick and difficult to blend, but it provides excellent coverage for blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. This silky-textured formula earned top scores for ease of use and spreadability and got a perfect score for texture. So why wait? Give this “magic wand” a try and even out your skin tone with ease.

Best Concealer for Blemishes: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Concealer Serum

The NYX Bare with Me Concealer is a customer favorite for its affordable price and excellent coverage. This lightweight concealer is said to provide natural-looking coverage that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the skin. Clients enjoy the range of shades available, making it easy to find a perfect match for their skin tone. While some reviewers note that the product can crease and fade throughout the day, many others praise its long-lasting wear and ability to hide blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. Overall, the NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality concealer that delivers excellent coverage and a natural finish.

Best Concealer for Red Spots: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

The L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer is a highly recommended product for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Buyers rave about its creamy consistency and full coverage, which can hide blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections with ease. The product is also praised for its extensive shade range, which makes it easy to find a perfect match for any skin tone. But, some reviewers note that the product can be a bit difficult to blend and can settle into fine lines or creases if not set with powder. Overall, the L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer is a great choice for those looking for an affordable concealer that provides great coverage and a natural finish.

Best Concealer for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer

The Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Brightening Cream Concealer has received positive reviews for its lightweight and non-greasy formula that offers great coverage and lasts all day. Reviewers appreciate the added hyaluronic acid that provides hydration and a smooth, radiant finish. While some note that the shade range could be improved, the product is highly recommended for its effectiveness and affordability. The stick formula is easy to apply, making it great for beginners, and the hydrating formula is ideal for dry, flaky skin. If you’re looking for a your-skin-but-better finish that also provides hydration and coverage, the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Brightening Cream Concealer is worth a try.

Best Concealer for Oily Skin: e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

The e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer is concerned for its hydrating formula that provides excellent coverage. It is said to be lightweight and non-cakey, making it easy to apply and blend. Customers love that it doesn’t settle into fine lines or creases, and it provides a natural finish that lasts all day without fading. Reviewers note that the product is affordable and comes in a range of shades, making it easy to find a perfect match for their skin tone.

Best Concealer for Dark Skin Tones: Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

Dermablend is the ideal brand for anyone who is looking for a hybrid between makeup and skincare. This concealer provides full coverage for blemishes, dark circles, and redness without feeling heavy or cakey. The applicator is easy to use and hygienic. The concealer lasts all day without creasing or fading, and it is transfer-resistant. The only downside is the limited shade range. Nevertheless, this hydrating, waterproof, and transfer-resistant concealer is worth a try. It contains sunflower seed oil and vegetable glycerin to keep skin hydrated, and it is 100% vegan and made without alcohol and parabens. The range of shades is also commendable, including olive to deep, beautiful ebony, with warm undertones that offer a warm finish without looking too red, orange, gray, or ashy.

Best Long-Wear Concealer: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer

When it comes to affordable long-wear makeup, L’Oréal’s Infallible line is tough to beat. Customers love that it blends easily without settling into fine lines or creasing, and it works well for covering blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. Although some reviewers note that the shade range could be improved, the product is highly recommended for its effectiveness and affordability. With a long-wear formula that contains silica and glycerin for a smooth finish and is waterproof, this budget-friendly concealer is worth trying if you’re looking for a full-coverage concealer that stays put all day. Just be aware that it contains fragrance and dries quickly, so blend immediately after application.

Best Waterproof Concealer: Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage

Looking for a solid waterproof concealer that won’t break the bank? Maybelline has you covered. Customers appreciate that it covers blemishes, dark spots, and acne scars without feeling heavy or cakey. Although it may be difficult to blend and may oxidize over time, the product is still recommended for its effectiveness. Additionally, Maybelline’s Super Stay Concealer is a great option for a waterproof concealer that gives lightweight coverage and lasts up to 24 hours. It’s also loaded with moisturizing ingredients that help it go on smoothly without caking.

Best Matte Concealer: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer

The Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer has received mostly positive reviews. It is a great budget-friendly option for those in need of a reliable concealer. It comes with a doe-foot applicator for easy application and is said to provide long-lasting coverage for dark circles and blemishes. The lightweight formula is also a plus. While the shade range could be better, the product is highly recommended for its effectiveness and affordability. If you’re in the market for an affordable concealer that gets the job done, the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer is worth checking out.

Best Multi-Use Concealer: Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer

The Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer is a popular choice for its full coverage and lightweight formula that blends effortlessly, leaving a natural finish. It can be used to conceal dark circles, blemishes, and imperfections. Although it may crease in fine lines, it has long-lasting wear and is recommended for its effectiveness. The wide range of shades is great for all skin tones, and the hydrating, vegan formula is a bonus. It has a great coverage that blends easily and provides a natural-looking finish. It is a bit pricey, but the product is effective and worth the investment

Best Brightening Concealer: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly concealer that provides full coverage and long-lasting wear, the E.L.F. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer is a great option to try. It is long-lasting, and provides full coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. The formula may need a bit more blending, but it is an effective and affordable choice for those on a budget. This concealer may be budget-friendly, but the pigmentation stands up to its expensive counterparts. If you’re looking for full coverage that’ll stay put all day, the e.l.f. Cosmetics 16hr Camo Concealer has got you covered. The lightweight formula corrects and perfects without looking creasy or building up increases. It is praised for its ability to cover dark circles, blemishes, and other imperfections without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. Some reviewers claim that the product can be difficult to blend and may settle into fine lines, but overall, it is recommended for its effectiveness and affordability.

How to Find the Best Concealer for You?

It’s crucial to find the right formula and shade that suits your specific needs. Here’s a guide to help you out:

✔️ Shade: To cover undereye circles, go for a shade that is one or two tones lighter than your skin tone. Peach undertones are ideal for neutralizing dark brown spots, while green- or yellow-tinted formulas work best for covering acne and redness.

✔️ Finish: For dark circles, use a concealer with a radiant or luminizing finish. For acne and dark spots, choose a long-lasting matte finish. For mature skin, avoid anything too shimmery or heavy, and instead, go for a medium-coverage liquid concealer applied sparingly.

✔️ Formula and coverage: Liquid formulas are preferable for concealing around the eyes, while stick concealers are better for blemishes and imperfections like sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and age spots, as they are designed to stay in place. Creams, on the other hand, can settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Apply Concealer Like a Pro?

When it comes to applying concealer to your face, there are three main ways to do it – using a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. Each method will give you different levels of coverage. For the greatest coverage, a dense brush is recommended. Using a brush gives you more control over the area you’re covering, which means you can conceal your blemish more effectively.

A sponge can be used by applying a small amount of concealer to the area you want to cover and then lightly wetting the sponge to gently tap the concealer into your skin. Yet, some of the product may get absorbed into the sponge, so you may need to add another layer for full coverage. Using a sponge will provide a natural finish as it helps your makeup sink into your skin.

Using your fingers is best for areas where the product can easily crease, like under your eyes or around your mouth, since you can blend it out easily. For under-eye concealer, it is recommended to begin immediately after applying eye cream, using your ring finger to press the concealer in, only where you see darkness, and blend it seamlessly with a patting motion.

HOW TO DO MAKEUP FOR BRIDE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO DIY WEDDING MAKEUP

A wedding day is a moment people daydream about and meticulously plan well in advance before meeting the person they will eventually marry. When the moment finally arrives, numerous aspects need careful consideration and execution, including selecting the ideal make up for bride. This process involves various steps, such as preparing the skin for a radiant appearance, deciding on the makeup artist, and scheduling time for a trial-run application (or two). It also entails mastering the art of applying makeup that complements the desired look for the bride on her wedding day.

DO A RESEARCH

The internet is brimming with beauty inspiration for your wedding day. If you’re uncertain about the kind of look you want, initiate some research. Explore your favorite celebrity’s latest red carpet appearances through a search engine or visit a professional makeup artist’s Instagram page to peruse photos of their clients.

You can also turn to TikTok or YouTube for comprehensive tutorials that you can recreate. Kim suggests identifying someone with similar facial features for a more personalized guide. Following makeup trends that don’t compliment your face may result in an awkward appearance. Don’t replicate a look just because it’s trending online. Instead, ensure that you genuinely like the chosen style.

CONSIDER YOUR THEME

Your final appearance will be significantly shaped by your overall aesthetic. Prior to applying your makeup, it’s crucial to decide whether a natural, sun-kissed glow, or a blend of both aligns better with you and your event. Taking into account your color scheme, floral decorations, venue, and ambiance. Aligning your makeup with the overarching theme enhances the harmonious and elegant atmosphere of your wedding day.

DETERMINE THE RIGHT SHADES

To achieve a smoother end result, it’s essential to determine which color will best complement your skin tone, whether it’s a warm bronze tone or a cool blue tone. Attention should be paid to the importance of finding the right shade for your skin, suggesting the possibility of mixing different shades to create the perfect combination. Instead of relying on guesswork, consider seeking advice from a professional who can determine the color that best suits your skin tone.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

In the countdown to your wedding day, one crucial piece of beauty advice is to stay out of the sun. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and uneven skin tones, all of which might affect your desired wedding day look. To maintain a radiant and flawless complexion, it’s advisable to minimize sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the big day. Consider using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your skin looks its best and remains picture-perfect for your wedding, allowing you to confidently showcase your natural beauty on this special occasion.

PRACTICE MAKEUP FREQUENTLY

In the buildup to your wedding, one valuable beauty tip is to practice your makeup frequently. Regularly experimenting with different looks allows you to refine and perfect the ideal style that enhances your features and complements your wedding theme. Schedule trial runs to familiarize yourself with the application process, ensuring that your chosen makeup look not only suits your preferences but also stands up to the demands of the long-awaited day.

Frequent practice not only builds your confidence in achieving the desired outcome but also enables you to identify any potential challenges and address them well in advance. With each practice session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the products and techniques that work best for you, ensuring that you step into your wedding day with the expertise to create a stunning and long-lasting makeup look.

BOOK A VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT

In the modern landscape of wedding preparations, booking a virtual appointment has become an invaluable step, especially in the era of convenience and technology. Prior to your wedding, consider scheduling virtual appointments with key vendors, such as your wedding planner, photographer, or even beauty professionals. These virtual consultations provide a convenient and efficient way to discuss details, share ideas, and make crucial decisions without the need for in-person meetings. 

Whether it’s finalizing the event timeline, reviewing photography preferences, or discussing your desired bridal look, virtual appointments allow for seamless communication from the comfort of your own space. Embracing this digital approach not only streamlines the planning process but also accommodates busy schedules, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed, and your vision for the perfect wedding day is brought to life.

PREP YOUR SKIN

On your wedding day, stick with your tried-and-true skincare routine! A clean, familiar canvas is key to achieving natural, beautiful makeup. Skip experimenting with new products and simply cleanse, moisturize (lightly!), and gently exfoliate (if you normally do). Leave any blemishes alone unless you have a trusted spot treatment, and you’re all set for a picture-perfect complexion.

CHOOSE FAMILIAR PRODUCT

When it comes to your wedding day, selecting familiar makeup products is key. The familiarity of these products offers a sense of comfort and confidence since you already know how they perform on your skin. Opting for tried-and-true makeup items ensures that you avoid any potential surprises or adverse reactions that could occur from experimenting with new products. By sticking with the cosmetics you are familiar with, you can trust that they will provide the desired results and enhance your natural beauty. It’s essential to feel at ease and radiate confidence on your special day, and relying on familiar makeup products plays a significant role in achieving that peace of mind.

HOW TO DIY YOUR OWN BRIDAL MAKEUP

STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN

Whether you’re applying your makeup on your own or relying on a professional, on your wedding day, start by washing your face and applying a light moisturizer. Stick to your regular skincare routine; now is not the moment for drastic changes. If you usually exfoliate, choose a gentle exfoliating cleanser instead of a harsh scrub. Address any blemishes by lightly dabbing on an appropriate product like Visine, but avoid unnecessary interventions. The goal is to have a clean and soft canvas, providing the perfect base for achieving naturally beautiful skin with your makeup.

Consider your skin’s undertones, whether they lean towards cool or warm, when selecting colors that both match and complement. To identify your undertone, try a simple trick. Place a piece of silver and a piece of gold jewelry on the back of your hand. If the gold appears to blend seamlessly, you likely have warm undertones. Conversely, if the silver seems to harmonize better, you probably have cool undertones.

STEP 2: KNOW THAT PRIMER IS REQUIRED

From the moment you start applying your makeup until you bid farewell to your guests, a multitude of events will unfold. To make sure your makeup withstands the ceremony, dancing, tears, and toasts, consider incorporating a primer into your routine. While occasional touch-ups may still be necessary, they will be significantly reduced. Moreover, a primer serves to even out fine lines, and wrinkles, and conceal open pores. Apply a small amount after moisturizing, but before your foundation, ensuring even coverage across your face and eyelids. This sets the stage for a flawless base for all that follows.

STEP 3: APPLY FOUNDATION

For those with a cool undertone, seek out foundations with a rosier, redder, or blue base. If your undertone leans warm, opt for a foundation with a yellow or golden base. To verify if the shade is suitable, apply a small amount on the center of your lower jawline using a Q-tip. If it seamlessly blends in, you’ve found the right match.

Apply your foundation in thin layers, starting from the center of your face and blending outward with a foundation brush. Ensure a seamless finish, paying particular attention to blending beneath your jaw and along your neck to avoid visible lines. Avoid caking on the foundation, as it can give an overdone appearance and may lead to smearing or streaking.

STEP 4: ADD CONCEALER 

Applying concealer before the foundation can lead to much of it rubbing away during the foundation blending process. To address red areas or dark circles, use a concealer brush to apply a liquid concealer, matching your skin tone or going one shade lighter, to problematic areas. Dot the concealer and gently pat the brush against your skin to spread it. If needed, use a makeup sponge dampened with water to blend the concealer further.

For concealing blemishes, start by applying foundation, followed by concealer, and set it with powder. If the blemish is still visible, add more concealer and powder. Ensure you pat the concealer onto the blemish rather than rubbing to achieve a seamless finish.

STEP 5: APPLY HIGHLIGHTER

Highlighter might not be a staple in everyone’s makeup collection, but its purpose is to enhance specific facial features, making eyes appear larger and adding a radiant, youthful dewy look. However, using too much or a formulation with sparkle or glitter can lead to photo disasters, so apply it with a light touch. Highlighters are available in both liquid and powder forms.

When using a liquid highlighter, apply it with a brush after your foundation, forming a check mark shape. Begin near your inner eye, angle down toward your nostril, and then move up your cheekbone, blending toward your temple. Repeat the process above your brows, down the center of your nose, on the center of your forehead, and on your chin.

For powder highlighter, apply it after powdering and brush it under your brows, lightly in the corner of your eyes, and on the tops of your cheekbones. Avoid using powder highlighter under your eyes or over your mouth to prevent a sweaty appearance in photos.

STEP 6: SET YOUR BASE

Now, you face a decision. You can either opt for a cream blush instead of a powder blush or set your base with powder. If you choose the latter, begin by using a translucent powder to set your base and manage any shine. When it comes to powder, remember that less is more; aim for a luminous look rather than a heavy one. With a medium-sized brush, lightly dust over your forehead, the sides of your nose, and on your chin.

Following this, apply a powder bronzer that’s a shade or two darker than your foundation. Brush it in the shape of a 3 on both sides of your face. Begin at your hairline, move down the side of your face, then under your cheekbone, back to the side of your face, and finally below your jaw.

Keep pressed powder handy for those moments when certain areas shine and need a quick dab before a photo or while in the restroom.

STEP 7: BRING COLOR TO YOUR EYES

Wedding experts typically advise against a heavily dramatic eye, suggesting instead the use of eyeliners in shades other than black, along with paler or muted eye shadows that complement your eye color. Highlighters can also be applied to create the illusion of larger eyes. Experiment with brown, grey, and green eyeliners, applying them to both your upper and lower eyelids to enhance your eyes. For a longer-lasting effect, use a cream eye shadow on your eyelids, reserving powder for the crease of your eye. Apply a powder highlighter in the corners of your eyes and under your brow.

Consider the following color recommendations based on your eye color: bronze shades for green eyes, mocha for hazel eyes, navy and dark brown for blue eyes, and purples and grays for brown eyes. If you want to line your eyes with eye shadow, dampen an eyeliner brush with water and brush it into the eye shadow for a defined look.

STEP 8: ADD MASCARA

Given that tears are likely, it’s essential to use waterproof mascara for your wedding day. If you’re not accustomed to wearing false eyelashes regularly, your wedding day is not the ideal time to start. Instead, ensure you have a reliable eyelash curler, a volumizing mascara, and a lengthening mascara. Prior to applying mascara, curl your lashes for added lift. When applying mascara, begin at the root of your eyelashes and wiggle the wand from side to side as you move up to the top. Opt for black mascara, as it complements everyone.

Complete your eye makeup by framing your face with a brow powder slightly darker than your natural color. Brush it along the natural line of your eyebrows, working outward toward the end of your eyes. This final touch will enhance your overall look on your special day.

STEP 9: CREAT LIPS

Much like your facial skin, well-moisturized lips are crucial before applying makeup to prevent dryness or cracks that may emphasize lines once color is added. To achieve this, use a lip hydrator, allowing it to absorb for a couple of minutes before applying color. Select a shade that complements your blush and consider the following tips. While many lipsticks claim lasting hours, opting for a lip stain is a more reliable choice on your wedding day.

For fair skin with cool undertones, consider nude, light mocha, and light mauve. If you have warm undertones, explore sand, nude peach, or shell, steering clear of bright pinks, dark bronzes, and deep mochas. If your skin tone is medium with cool undertones, opt for rosy pink, pomegranate, or cranberry; for warm undertones, go with bronze, copper, and cinnamon, avoiding nudes. Deep skin with cool undertones can experiment with raisin, wine, or ruby red, while warm undertones may prefer honey, ginger, or a coppery bronze, avoiding shades close to orange.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering the art of bridal makeup involves careful consideration and skill. These 8 tips provide valuable insights to help you become the most beautiful bride on your special day. Remember, when it comes to achieving a flawless finish, exploring techniques like air brush make up can elevate your bridal look to new heights. With attention to detail and a touch of creativity, you’re sure to radiate confidence and beauty as you walk down the aisle on your unforgettable day.