Struggling with acne? You’re not alone. Acne is a common skin concern, but it can still be frustrating. While having a good skincare routine is key to managing breakouts, makeup can also be a helpful tool. Concealer, in particular, can be a lifesaver for camouflaging blemishes and redness. But with so many concealers on the market, finding the right one for acne-prone skin can be tricky. We’ll explore different concealer formulas, ingredients to target acne, and key considerations for your skin type. Get ready to discover your new holy grail concealer for achieving a flawless, natural-looking complexion!

OUR TOP PICKS 

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE DARK SPOTS CONCEALER + SERUM

This product does two things at once: it helps with acne and covers it up. It gives a natural look, but if your skin is really oily, it might make it look too shiny. It’s like wearing makeup, but it also takes care of your skin. It can cover up acne and any marks it leaves behind. It has ingredients like niacinamide that calms down redness and hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin from getting too dry. These ingredients also help with any marks left by acne, making your skin look better. It comes with a tool that makes it easy to use, whether you’re at home or out and about. You just put the product on the spots you want to cover with the applicator, then blend it in with the brush. It comes in lots of different colors and in a small bottle that’s easy to carry around.

TOWER 28 SWIPE ALL-OVER HYDRATING SERUM CONCEALER

If you’re looking for a concealer that offers comfortable, lightweight coverage while being gentle on acne-prone skin, the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer is worth considering. This silicone-free formula boasts a natural finish and medium coverage, making it perfect for blurring blemishes and redness without looking cakey. Hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient, keeps your skin hydrated and supple throughout the day, which is ideal for those with acne as it can help prevent flakiness and irritation. Plus, the fact that it’s non-comedogenic means it won’t clog your pores, potentially contributing to future breakouts.

MAKE UP FOR EVER FULL COVER CONCEALER

Designed with high performance in mind, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Full Cover Concealer is a fantastic option for those seeking long-lasting, flawless coverage. This oil-free formula packs a serious punch, offering complete camouflage for acne scars, tattoos, and even hyperpigmentation. With a matte finish, it ensures your makeup stays put throughout the day, no matter how hot or humid it gets. While some high-coverage concealers can feel heavy or cakey, the Full Cover Concealer is surprisingly lightweight and blends seamlessly into the skin. Plus, the fact that it’s waterproof means you won’t have to worry about sweating or tears ruining your look.

E.L.F. COSMETICS 16HR CAMO CONCEALER

This budget-friendly tube offers plenty of perks. With 25 shades available, spanning three undertones (cool, neutral, warm), it caters to a wide range of skin tones. Its creamy formula sets to a velvety matte finish, staying put for up to 16 hours without creasing. Ideal for those with combination or oily skin, it contains kaolin clay to manage excess oil and shine effectively.

However, there’s a word of caution when it comes to shade matching. The formula tends to dry darker than it appears in the tube. To get the right match, it’s best to rely on the swatch provided on the box rather than the tube’s color. This liquid formula provides full coverage and includes active ingredients like avocado oil and kaolin clay. With 26 shades available and a size of 0.21 oz, it’s a practical choice for many makeup users.

DERMABLEND QUICK – FIX CONCEALER

Ideal for those seeking a balance between coverage and skincare, the IMAGE Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation offers the best of both worlds. This foundation boasts medium to buildable coverage, allowing you to customize the level of camouflage for blemishes and redness. Unlike some heavier foundations, it maintains a lightweight, breathable feel that won’t clog pores. The inclusion of SPF 30 provides added protection against the sun’s harmful rays, further promoting healthy skin. While it  doesn’t target acne specifically, users with acne-prone skin often praise it for not irritating their skin.

EXA HIGH FIDELITY BALANCING COLOR CORRECTOR IN GREEN

This green color corrector has some great things going for it. It’s lightweight and moisturizing, which means it won’t feel heavy on your skin. However, it might not work for everyone’s skin tones.

But here’s the cool part: it’s amazing at getting rid of redness. It’s so good that you might even forget you had any redness to begin with! Plus, it’s really thin, so you can easily layer it under your concealer or foundation, especially on days when your skin is extra irritated.

It’s made with ingredients like marshmallow root, rice bran, licorice, amino acids, antioxidants, and kaolin clay. These all help to soothe and balance your skin. It comes in a size of 0.25 oz and has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from Credo, which means it’s one of the best green color correctors out there.

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ CONCEALER SPF 25

This full-coverage stick is considered a classic for a reason. It might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it because it gives some of the best coverage out there. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli recommends it, especially for people with normal to oily skin. The formula contains zingiber aromaticus extract, which brightens dark spots, and chestnut rosa fruit extract, which stops oxidation. This makes it perfect for hiding active breakouts and marks left behind by acne. Plus, it has SPF in it, which is extra important if you’re using acne treatments that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

The concealer has a smooth texture that blends really well into the skin. Another celebrity makeup artist, Olivia Barad, explains that for covering acne, you need something thick and dry that gives lots of coverage and stays put. She loves Clé de Peau’s concealer because it hides dryness better than other creamy formulas and sticks to the blemish, giving you a full-coverage finish without needing to apply layer after layer.

L’OREAL PARIS INFALLIBLE FULL WEAR WATERPROOF CONCEALER

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer has garnered popularity among drugstore shoppers for its ability to provide high-impact coverage without breaking the bank. This concealer is known for its full coverage, promising to conceal imperfections, redness, and even scars with its waterproof and non-greasy formula. The creamy yet lightweight texture makes blending easy, and the XL applicator allows for precise application or broader coverage.

One of the standout features of this concealer is its high coverage, making it perfect for camouflaging blemishes, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. Additionally, its long-lasting formula ensures that your makeup stays intact throughout the day, with minimal fading or transferring. The concealer offers a flawless matte finish, helping to control shine for a polished look all day long.

Moreover, this versatile product isn’t limited to just the face; it can also be used on the body to minimize the appearance of stretch marks or bruises. With a wide shade range of 25 options available, finding a suitable color match for your skin tone is more achievable. Keep in mind that some users have found the formula to be a bit drying, which may not be ideal for individuals with very dry skin.

NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

The renowned NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer offers a blendable and lightweight formula, making it a favorite among many. While it may not instantly make blemishes vanish with just one swipe, its buildable coverage allows you to layer it until you achieve your desired level of coverage without any hassle. Moreover, it boasts impressive longevity, staying put on the skin for extended periods.

This concealer contains key ingredients such as mineral powder, magnolia bark extract, grape seed extract, and vitamin E, contributing to its moisturizing properties and skin-nourishing benefits. Available in a size of 0.22 oz and offered in an extensive range of 30 shades, finding the perfect match for your skin tone is made easier. Despite this, its blendability, longevity, and moisturizing qualities have earned it a solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Sephora, showcasing its popularity and effectiveness among consumers.

KEVYN AUCOIN THE SENSUAL SKIN ENHANCER

While its versatility is impressive, as it can function as a concealer, color corrector, contourer, foundation, or highlighter, its pot packaging presents a slight challenge, making application a bit trickier compared to other options on the market.

This highly pigmented cream is often compared to spackle due to its ability to effectively cover and smooth out various imperfections, whether current or past. Despite its thick consistency, it surprisingly feels lightweight and looks natural on the skin, making it particularly suitable for addressing tone and texture issues associated with acne scars.

To apply, only a tiny amount of the enhancer is needed, which can be dotted onto areas of concern and then blended using your fingers or preferred application tool. The formula, enriched with jojoba oil, vitamin E, and honey, not only provides full coverage but also helps smooth, soothe, and brighten the complexion.

Presented in a cream format, this product offers full coverage with a natural finish. It is available in 16 shades and comes in a 0.3 oz size, providing a comprehensive solution for various skin concerns.

URBAN DECAY COSMETICS ORIGINAL EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

rban Decay’s Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion has earned its status as a cult-favorite and award-winning primer, often regarded as a holy grail product by many makeup enthusiasts. This nude-colored primer serves as the perfect canvas for your eyelids, facilitating vibrant eyeshadow color payoff and ensuring crease-free wear for up to 24 hours.

Key features of this primer include its long-lasting formula, which helps your eyeshadow remain intact for extended periods, minimizing creasing and fading. It also enhances the vibrancy of your eyeshadow colors, creating a smooth base that allows them to appear more vivid and true-to-color. Additionally, the primer is formulated to be crease-proof, preventing eyeshadow from settling into fine lines throughout the day.

The universal nude shade of the primer complements all skin tones and works seamlessly with a wide range of eyeshadow colors. Its waterproof properties ensure that your eyeshadow stays in place even in humid conditions or if you have watery eyes. Furthermore, the primer is paraben-free and vegan, catering to those with sensitive skin or those who prefer cruelty-free and vegan beauty products.

While highly-rated, it’s important to consider a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, the price of Urban Decay Primer Potion tends to be on the higher end compared to some drugstore alternatives. Additionally, it only comes in one shade, which may not suit everyone’s preferences or skin tones.

GLOSSIER STRETCH CONCEALER

Glossier’s signature concealer offers a solution for those dealing with acne, particularly individuals with dry skin. This creamy and buildable product provides coverage while imparting a natural-looking finish. Applying it gently onto blemishes with your fingers allows for seamless blending and a flawless appearance. 

The key ingredients of this concealer include beeswax, microcrystalline wax, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and mineral pigments and microspheres. It comes in a size of 0.17 oz and offers a range of 32 shades. With a Sephora rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, it’s evident that many users have found this concealer to be effective and reliable. 

There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. Some users may find the product to feel greasy, which could be a concern for those with oilier skin types. Additionally, a few reviewers have reported issues with creasing, although this may vary depending on individual skin characteristics.

MAC STUDIO FINISH CONCEALER

This ultra-pigmented pot concealer is designed to provide high coverage, making it perfect for concealing pimples, redness, and acne scars. Its highly concentrated formula features a lightweight creamy texture, although it may take a few seconds to warm up on the skin before application. Once applied, it dries down to a natural opaque finish, ensuring a seamless look.

Notably, the water-resistant formula holds up well against sweat, offering long-lasting coverage throughout the day. Additionally, with SPF 35, it provides sun protection, guarding against sun sensitization caused by acne treatments and preventing the formation of dark spots.

To use, only a small amount of product is needed, as it is highly pigmented—a little goes a long way. Apply directly to the spots or areas you wish to cover and blend using a sponge or your fingers for a flawless finish.

This cream-type concealer delivers full coverage with a natural finish and includes active ingredients such as jojoba seed oil and beeswax. Available in 22 shades and offered in a size of 0.64 oz, it provides ample coverage and is suitable for various skin tones and concerns.

KAT VON D LOCK-IT CONCEALER CRÈME

Kat Von D’s Lock-It Concealer Crème is one of top pick for makeup lovers in search of heavy-duty coverage. This creamy concealer, housed in a pot, packs a punch, making it perfect for those aiming to fully conceal blemishes, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or dark circles. Offering maximum coverage, it effectively masks imperfections, leaving behind a flawless canvas.

With a diverse range of shades available, finding a suitable match for your skin tone is made easier. However, there are a couple of factors to consider before incorporating this concealer into your routine. While its full coverage formula is perfect for those seeking maximum coverage, the thick texture may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with dry skin. It’s crucial to ensure adequate hydration prior to application to prevent the product from appearing cakey.

The pot packaging, while offering some users control during application, may not be as convenient for others compared to a pump or tube dispenser, especially in terms of maintaining hygiene.

FENTY SKIN BLEMISH DEFEAT’R BHA SPOT-TARGETING GEL

Fenty Skin’s Blemish Defeat’r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel offers a promising solution for individuals striving for a clear complexion without compromising their makeup routine. Powered by salicylic acid, a potent beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this gel targets blemishes effectively. Salicylic acid is renowned for its exfoliating properties, which help in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, thereby reducing pimples and preventing future breakouts.

Its unique jelly texture dries quickly and feels lightweight on the skin, making it an ideal choice for wearing underneath makeup without causing a cakey appearance. In addition to combating blemishes, this gel offers a multi-benefit approach by also working to reduce surface oil and protect against environmental aggressors, thereby promoting overall skin health. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the formula is fragrance-free, catering to individuals with sensitive skin prone to irritation from fragrances.

With its non-comedogenic formula, meaning it’s less likely to clog pores, the Blemish Defeat’r gel is suitable for most skin types, particularly oily or acne-prone skin. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CONCEALERS

FORMULA

Firstly, look for concealers labeled as “non-comedogenic,” indicating that they won’t clog pores and potentially worsen acne. This is essential for maintaining clear skin and preventing pore blockage. Opt for oil-free formulas, which are particularly suitable for acne-prone skin as they help prevent excess oil buildup that can contribute to blemishes. Lightweight textures are also important, as they blend seamlessly onto the skin without feeling heavy or cakey.

For those with dry skin alongside acne, consider concealers with hydrating properties, such as hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to maintain skin hydration, preventing flakiness and irritation often associated with dry skin. While not essential for everyone, hydrating concealers can be beneficial for maintaining skin health and comfort, especially in drier climates or during colder seasons.

COVERAGE

Remember to consider your specific needs based on the severity of your skin concerns. If you’re dealing with mild redness or blemishes, a sheer or medium coverage concealer may provide adequate coverage and blending seamlessly into the skin. 

However, for deeper scars or hyperpigmentation that require more coverage, opting for a full-coverage concealer might be necessary to effectively camouflage imperfections and achieve a flawless complexion. 

Assessing your individual needs ensures that you choose the most suitable concealer to address your specific skin concerns with precision and effectiveness.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients like Salicylic Acid (BHA) serve to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, effectively preventing acne formation. Similarly, Niacinamide works to reduce inflammation and redness, aiding in the overall improvement of acne-prone skin. By choosing concealers enriched with these ingredients, you can not only conceal imperfections but also promote clearer and healthier-looking skin.

OTHER FACTORS

For instance, individuals with dry skin should steer clear of formulas with a matte finish, as they can exacerbate dryness. Opting for formulas that offer hydration or luminosity can better suit dry skin types. Furthermore, keep in mind that you choose a concealer shade that closely matches your skin tone for a seamless and natural appearance. Proper shade matching is key to achieving a flawless finish and enhancing your overall look.

CONCLUSION

There you have it! This diverse range of concealers caters to various coverage needs and boasts beneficial ingredients to combat acne while being gentle on your skin. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect match to achieve a flawless, acne-covered complexion. Remember, while dry skin might require a bit more effort when choosing a concealer, there are definitely hydrating formulas available. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for your unique skin type and concerns. Embrace the journey to your holy grail concealer and flaunt your confident, beautiful skin!