The best concealer seems like a beauty item that should be easy to find, but the task is more often than not overwhelming and even disorienting. There are hundreds of concealers on the market, in an array of delivery systems, textures, colors, coverage levels and even finishes. So many in fact that it can be tough, if not downright intimidating, to find the right option for your skin type, your makeup style — and your budget.
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When used correctly, a good concealer can disguise myriad facial blemishes, dark spots and circles; it can make our faces appear brighter and even more awake, particularly as we age. When done wrong, however, a bad concealer can make you look like Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
We put more than 50 concealers to the test, wearing them over long days and through a variety of real-life situations (including running errands in abnormally hot weather). Between us, we’ve spent decades testing complexion products, learning which will camouflage dark circles and conceal blemishes and redness while making us look alive and awake — even when we don't feel that way inside.
What follows are our picks for the top makeup products that blend seamlessly, look natural on the skin and actually do what concealer is supposed to do — conceal!
The best concealer of 2026
Features:Skin care ingredients, long-wear, sweatproof and waterproof | Coverage:Medium-to-full, buildable | Finish:Natural, radiant | Formulation: Liquid | SPF:No | Shades:30
I've tested loads of good concealers, but this one blew my mind. It’s medium and buildable, but didn't feel heavy or thick on the skin, which happens with a lot of other concealers (that I still like!). I can tap it on to mute redness around my nose, lips and cheeks, then take what’s left under my eyes to brighten dark circles and soften fine lines. It blends effortlessly and looks natural even in areas where concealer sometimes doesn't, like the under-eye area.
Now, I'm a sucker for a good doe-foot applicator, so there's no problem there. But it's the formula that really impressed me. It's doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work, even more than some of my skin care! Niacinamide helps smooth and brighten over time, hyaluronic acid keeps the under-eye area hydrated and comfortable and vitamin C helps even things out. There’s also a mix of glow peptides, vegan collagen and light-diffusing pigments that give it that softly radiant, second-skin finish Ms. Charlotte Tilbury is known for. I'm not even listing all of the skin-benefitting ingredients here, seriously the list is long .
Bottom line: This concealer is flattering, reliable and is also taking care of the skin that it's concealing. You can't get any better than that. — Marie Lodi
- Medium-to-full, buildable coverage that doesn't look heavy
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Infused with hydrating ingredients
- Some users report it skewing warmer or yellow in certain shades
- Pricier than other concealers
Other concealers we recommend in 2026
Features:Skin care-makeup hybrid, 24-hour hydration | Coverage:Medium | Finish:Satin | Formulation: Liquid | SPF:No | Shades:18
This gel formula serum + concealer goes on sheer and natural looking and the finish is satiny-smooth. It's buildable — layer more on days when you need heavier coverage. It's compact, comes in almost 20 different shades and is — perhaps best of all — affordable. (Full disclosure: the formula did settle into at least one or two of my fine lines, but I could easily blur it back out with a sponge or a brush.) — Jennifer Romolini
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- 18 shade choices
- Can be a bit creasy
Features:Hydrating, calming ingredients | Coverage:Medium, buildable | Finish:Natural | Formulation: Liquid | SPF:No | Shades: 31
If you’ve been following along, you already know I’m a huge fan of the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Foundation. It earned the top spot on our best foundation list for a reason, so I had high expectations for the concealer. I’m happy to report it more than lived up to them. A small amount instantly neutralized my dark circles and red spots and it held up throughout the day without breaking down or separating in areas that are prone to it (nose, cheeks).
The texture is slightly thicker than some of the other concealers we tested, but that’s part of why it works so well for redness. It has enough substance to truly cover, yet it still blends beautifully into the skin without looking heavy or sitting on top. Once blended, it looks seamless and natural, especially when paired with the Triclone foundation, though it performs just as well on its own. (As a bonus, I tested it as an "eyeshadow primer in a pinch," and it worked well that way, too.)
As with the foundation, the ingredient list is a big part of the appeal. Niacinamide helps brighten and support skin hydration, fermented arnica works to visibly reduce redness and irritation and the hyaluronic acid complex keeps skin plump and comfortable. For anyone dealing with dark circles, annoyingly persistent redness or sensitive skin, this is a solution that'll keep your skin reaping rewards rather than a temporary fix. — M.L.
- Very inclusive shade range
- Hydrating and blendable
- Contains redness-reducing niacinamide and fermented arnica
- Some users report the applicator breaking
- Texture was too thick for some users at first
- Pricier than drugstore options
Features:Has a cooling Zamac tip, hydrating, firming | Formulation: Gel | Coverage: Light | Finish: Lightly dewy | Shades: 12
I love everything about this award-winning serum/gel concealer from Trinny London which, according to the brand, sells one tube every 15 seconds. I love that it's a highly hydrating skin-care/makeup hybrid, which means I don't need an eye cream when I use it. I like how the applicator is slightly tilted and fits into tighter crevices, like the corner of under-eye hollows. I especially enjoy the light coverage for a more natural look (though you can certainly build it up for more medium coverage). Maybe best of all, the clever “color match” quiz helps you find which of the 12 available shades is the best for you with eerie accuracy.
I did not love how long it took to arrive (10 days) and that the shipping was $13, but honestly, if you have older skin and want a light coverage, natural "no makeup" look (my fave), this is for you. — J.R.
- Zero creasing or settling into fine lines
- Easy color-match system
- 12 shade options
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Good for everyday wear
- Contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and peptides
- Shipping is expensive
- Coverage is more sheer than liquid or stick formulas
Features:Skin-flexible formula, crease-proof, fade-proof | Formulation: Liquid | Coverage:Medium, buildable | Finish:Natural, radiant | SPF:No | Shades: 21
As someone in my 40s with combination, menopausal skin, I have high standards for my concealer. I want it to cover but it can't be too dry or matte. Sarah Creal's line is completely centered around mature skin needs, and Face Flex is proof that she did her research. It feels creamy and nourishing, yet wears weightlessly. It glides on and blends easily, without locking into the fine lines around my eyes.
If you're wondering where the name comes from, it's due to the the flexible, film-forming technology. Once it sets, it actually moves with your face, flexing as you smile or talk, then snaps back into place without creasing. I also love how versatile it is, whether I want to just dab a couple of dots for spot coverage or blend it out all over my face. The brand has a great tip for turning into a skin tint by pairing it with Moisture Source , their essence that I am absolutely obsessed with.
The ingredient list is just as thoughtful as you'd think for mature skin, with classic hyaluronic acid, as well as caffeine for reducing puffiness and aloe and green tea for soothing and brightening. This is definitely a must. — M.L.
- Flexible, crease-resistant formula
- Versatile, can double as a skin tint
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Higher price point for a concealer
- Shade range is more limited compared to other concealers
Features:Serum-like feel, self-setting | Formulation:Liquid | Coverage:Medium, buildable | Finish:Natural | SPF:No | Shades: 14
Concealer can be a nightmare for dry skin. Some of them can hold on and highlight every tiny hint of texture. Well, you don't have to worry about that with Versed! It's one of the most hydrating, velvety-creamy formulas that I've come across. Oh, and it's also called a "serum concealer" if that's any inclination to how skin care-forward this product is.
On the list is caffeine for depuffing and dark circles, but it also has kojic acid, an ingredient you don't typically see in concealers but a big skin care ingredient known for reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. As for the hydrating aspect, it's packed with humectants and emollients like glycerin, propanediol, squalane and hyaluronic acid to help smooth and create a hydrated feel. My only issue is that I wish there was a better shade range as I think this was a little too light for me. — M.L.
- Self-setting so you don't need powder
- Affordable
- Silky, hydrating texture
- Brightens and corrects dark circles and spots
- Limited shade range compared to others
- Not waterproof
Features:Balances skin tone | Formulation: Stick | Coverage: Medium, buildable | Finish: Natural-matte | SPF:No | Shades: 25
This cleverly designed face pencil is part of makeup artist extraordinaire Bobbi Brown's line Jones Road. It's a surprisingly excellent replacement for traditional liquid concealers — ideal for zeroing in on any place you want coverage (under eyes, redness around the nose) and blends beautifully without any kind of caking or settling into fine lines. I love using it to color in the redness around my nose almost in the same way you would a lip liner for lips. The pencil blends easily and the effect is super natural — this is an innovative product and a stellar concealer for all areas of the face. The only downside I found through testing is it melts off fairly quickly on combination skin, requiring that you reapply. — J.R.
- Supple, non-drying texture
- Ultra-precise application
- Goes on smooth
- Medium coverage
- 25 shades, easy matching
- Not as long-lasting as others
Features:Waterproof, crease-proof, longwear | Formulation: Liquid | Coverage:Full, buildable | Finish:Natural-matte | SPF:No | Shades:40+
When you think of a cult-classic concealer, Tarte Shape Tape practically invented the category. And if you’re into contouring, this is one of the few concealer formulas that actually plays well with dimension work. Quite frankly, it was made for that. (Flashbacks to 2016 YouTube beauty tutorials are lovingly playing in my head right about now.)
Now, don't get it twisted, Shape Tape's coverage is impressively full, so if I were to give it a secondary award, it would actually be for best full coverage concealer! This makes it perfect for sculpting around the jaw and cheekbones, brightening the under-eye and hiding imperfections all without drying out your skin. Just make sure you blend, blend, blend! Even with its full coverage formula, it doesn't' emphasize texture the way some denser concealers can. Plus, it lasts all day and night, so you don't have to worry about touching it up. For anyone who loves structured makeup looks or just wants serious coverage with shape-defining power, this is the one and only go-to. — M.L.
- 12-hour wear
- Ultra-full coverage ideal for shaping and contouring
- Brightens under eyes while concealing
- One of the biggest concealer shade ranges with varied undertones
- Full coverage can feel heavy to some if over-applied
- Best paired with primer/moisturizer on very dry skin
- Not the most natural finish if you prefer sheer looks
Features:Long-wearing, blurring Coverage:Full | Finish: Soft matte | Formulation: Cream | SPF:No | Shades: 30
I don't think I'm legally allowed to write a best concealer list without including Nars, and this magical full-coverage potion does not disappoint. It's for those days when you want to look flawlessly DONE, it covers every imperfection in your skin and due to its matte "optical diffusion powder" formula which "transforms the look of skin by blurring imperfections with light-diffusing spheres," it's ideal for long-wear on even the oiliest skin.
I found the thick texture to be a bit tricky to sort out at first, but when applied with a brush and just a tiny bit of eye cream, it went on smooth. This is for true makeup people who like lots of coverage — it's also good for hiding dark spots, acne scars and other discoloration on the skin. — J.R.
- 30 shade options
- Full coverage
- Long wearing
- Good for oily skin
- Thick, heavy texture is challenging to apply
- Can be drying
How we tested concealers
We are two longtime beauty editors with, collectively, more than 20 years of experience testing products like concealers. We also have mature skin concerns (Jenn's leans dry, while Marie has combination skin that is sometimes breakout-prone), so we paid close attention to coverage, creasing and wear throughout the day, especially on skin like ours.
Each concealer was worn for full days and tested in multiple ways: under the eyes, over redness and for spot concealing. We evaluated them on the following:
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Coverage:Did it conceal dark circles, redness and blemishes? Could we build without feeling heavy or looking cakey?
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Texture:How the formula felt on the skin, especially on mature under-eyes where anything too thick or dry is immediately obvious.
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Hydration and comfort:How skin felt after several hours of wear, particularly for dry or dehydration-prone areas.
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Blendability:How easily it blended with fingers, brushes or sponges, and whether it melted into the skin or sat on top.
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Wear time and creasing:Did it settle into fine lines right away? Did it last throughout a full day without fading, separating or breaking down?
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Shade range:Is it inclusive or, at least, have truly flexible shade offerings? Did it take undertones into consideration?
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Value:Was the performance justified in the cost?
Other concealers we tested
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Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer :This was especially impressive for contouring and nearly tied with our winner in that category. It offers great pigment and blendability and a fantastic option overall.
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Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer :This one came very close to making the list. We liked the formula overall, especially its skin-friendly feel and clean ingredient approach. Ultimately, it fell slightly in terms of wear time compared with the final winners, but it’s still a strong option for those who prioritize minimal, natural-looking coverage.
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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna We're Even Hydrating Concealer :This was another near miss for the list. The coverage is creamy, blendable and flattering, especially for brightening and everyday wear .
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MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Everywhere All-Over Face Pen: The coverage was decent, but it lost points due to the pen-style packaging and strong chemical scent.
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Dior Backstage Concealer: The coverage was undeniably good, especially for brightening and spot concealing. That said, the mini paintbrush-style applicator wasn’t my favorite as it felt less intuitive and a bit cumbersome.
What to look for in a concealer
Types of concealers: Gels vs. creams and more
For the uninitiated, here are a few concealer basics: There are essentially five main categories of concealer: gel, liquid, stick, cream and cream to powder. Of these, the best for the under-eye area tend to be gel, liquid, stick and, to a lesser extent, cream. Each category has its coverage advantages and, depending on your age and skin type, major disadvantages. Makeup artists we spoke with differed wildly on the "best" formula, but most all agreed that the area needs to be hydrated for any of these products to work effectively. This is especially true if you're trying to find the best concealer for mature skin.
Coverage: Buildable always beats heavy
Coverage is always a personal preference, but flexibility is an overall key factor. Medium, buildable formulas, like our Charlotte TIlbury Radiant Concealer winner, tend to be the most forgiving, especially on mature skin.
Texture: Creamy, not super-thick
A concealer should feel creamy and easy to blend, but never stiff or dry. Thicker textures can work for spot concealing or contouring, but under the eyes and around fine lines, lightweight formulas have some slip and flexibility. Still, it's all about formulation. If you want adequate coverage, you can opt for a slightly thicker one that still has flexibility and blends well, like Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Foundation.
Finish: Natural and skin-like
Ultra-matte finishes tend to emphasize texture, while overly dewy formulas can migrate and crease. You want to find a concealer that has the sweet spot of looking natural or a soft, radiant finish that's brightening enough without looking shiny, like Nars Soft Matte Concealer.
Hydration: Non-negotiable
Especially for under-eyes, hydration is everything ! Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and soothing extracts help concealer wear better and skin looking smooth throughout the day.
Applicator: More important than you think
Applicators are another thing that's personal, but they do matter. Doe-foot wands, like the ones on our Tarte, Versed and Sarah Creal winners, tend to offer the most control and ease, while sticks or pens can feel stiffy, messy or awkward to apply.
Shade range and undertones: Match made
A good concealer range should offer multiple undertones, not just light-to-dark shades. Being able to choose between brightening, neutralizing or contour-friendly tones makes a big difference in how natural the result looks. The Tarte and Haus Labs by Lady Gaga concealers have excellent shade options.
Concealer FAQ
What’s the difference between concealer and foundation?
Despite their similar appearances, foundation and concealer are formulated quite differently. While foundation is meant to even out your overall complexion, concealer is designed more for targeted spot correction. It’s also typically more pigmented and used to cover dark circles, redness, blemishes or discoloration that foundation doesn’t fully address.
Should I apply concealer before or after foundation?
This is one of those beauty questions that gets mixed responses. However, most makeup artists recommend applying concealer after foundation so you use less product and avoid overdoing it.
How do I choose the right concealer shade?
The old-school rule about concealer shades was to choose one that was slightly lighter than your skin tone. This is still true, but for brightening under-eyes. If you're trying to cover up redness or blemishes, it's best to match to your skin tone as closely as possible. For contouring, you can go one to two shades deeper than your foundation for the most natural effect.
Do I need to set my concealer with powder?
Not always. Some concealers set on their own, so in this case you may be able to skip powder entirely, especially under the eyes. If you do set with a powder, use a very light hand and focus only where creasing tends to happen.
Can I use concealer as foundation?
You might — depending on the formula. Many modern concealers are blendable enough to be sheered out on areas like the cheeks, chin or nose. This can be a great option for low-makeup days or if you prefer wearing less product overall. On that note, you can always try one of the best BB creams or best tinted moisturizers , which have sheer coverage.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
