Image: MomJunction Design Team
Every woman dreams of achieving flawless skin. Unfortunately, concealing wrinkles, blemishes, dark circles, acne, and other skin imperfections can be challenging. But fret not, for the best drugstore concealers listed here can significantly camouflage imperfections and make your skin look flawless. Besides covering the imperfections, they also act as a great makeup base and make the skin appear youthful. You can use both a foundation and a concealer to achieve full coverage—It is key to achieving a smooth and professional finish. Keep reading to learn more about these affordable concealers that might be perfect for you.
Top Picks
15 Best Drugstore Concealers
1.Best Breathable:Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
The Maybelline Fit Me liquid concealer is specially formulated with chamomile to give you an even complexion. This breathable and oil-free formula also prevents clogging pores and provides smooth coverage. The concealer is wax-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and dermatologist-tested.It offers medium coverage and is available in 12 different shades to match your skin tone or foundation shade。Besides, the budget-friendly concealer has SPF 18 to protect your skin from harsh sun rays.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy to apply
- Works as an under-eye concealer
- Hydrating formula
- Crease-proof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not provide full coverage
- Quantity may not be sufficient
2.Best Buildable:NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
Say goodbye to caking by replacing your old concealers with the Photogenic concealer by NYX Professional Makeup. This concealer offers medium to high coverage and is buildable. The emollient-rich formula helps cover redness, discoloration, blemishes, and under-eye circles, andit has a lightweight creamy texture that blends well to give you a smooth and natural finish。You can also use this concealer to sculpt your cheekbones and chin, and NYX offers 23 shades to match various skin tones. Check out thisvideofor an honest review of the product.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Moisturizing properties
- Easy to apply
- Ideal for spots
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
Cons
- Might not conceal fine lines and wrinkles properly
- Some may experience creasing
Quick tip3.Best Lightweight:L.A. Girl Pro. Conceal HD High-Definition Concealer
Here is an HD concealer by L.A. Girl Pro. that has been formulated to make you appear fresh and youthful all day long. It effectively covers dark circles, redness, and imperfections. Thiscrease-resistant concealer evens out the skin tone, and the lightweight texture offers a smooth finish for a professional look。完美的完成遮瑕膏也有助于minimize the appearance of fine lines around the eyes. You may combine two or more shades of this long-wearing concealer to get the perfect match for your skin tone, as it is available in more than 15 shades. Take a look at thisvideofor a detailed review of this affordable concealer.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Easy to apply
- Buildable
- Provides full coverage
- Suitable for everyday use
Cons
- Some shades may not be true to color
- May not be crease-proof
4.Best For Oily Skin:Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation + Concealer
You can now tackle under-eye circles, redness, fine lines, and other imperfections with the Milani two-in-one foundation and concealer. This concealer provides medium to full coverage and is sweat-resistant and water-resistant, making it the perfect option for those with oily skin.The rich, creamy formula blends smoothly for even and effective application and delivers a flawless complexion.此外,无油配方给喷砂面, making the skin appear silky smooth. The brand offers 45 different shades to match various skin tones, and the product is cruelty-free. Learn more about the concealer for flawless skin in this reviewvideo。
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Long-wearing
- Gives a natural finish
- Buildable foundation
Cons
- Some skin types may experience creasing
- Some may find the texture thick
5.Best For All Skin Types:e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
The cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and skin-friendly Camo concealer by e.l.f offers full coverage and lasts up to 16 hours. The natural looking concealer has a highly pigmented and lightweight formula that effectively dries without settling into fine lines or creasing, making it suitable for all skin types. The foot applicator of this concealer allows precise application with maximum coverage. This concealer’s wand also allows one to highlight, contour, and sculpt efficiently. Moreover, it is enriched with the goodness of avocado oil tomoisturize the skinand kaolin clay to prevent excessive shine.
Pros
- Provides even skin tone
- Helps conceal dark circles
- Gives matte finish
- Little goes a long way
Cons
- May find it slightly cakey on some skin types
- Some shades are not true to color
Quick tip6.Best Long-lasting:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer
Concealers that flake might make your skin look dull. So, bring home the Infallible Full wear concealer by L’Oreal Paris and look fabulous. This long-lasting concealer with a matte finish is uniquely formulated to conceal acne scars, under-eye circles, discoloration, and other imperfections. The non-greasy and waterproof formula prevents smudging and fading and lasts up to 24 hours. Further, the large applicator design of the concealer wand ensures maximum coverage in a single stroke, and you can also use this concealer on your body. The concealer is available in 25 shades to let you find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Pros
- Doubles as a contour highlighter
- Does not flake or transfer
- Can mix different shades
- Moisturizes the skin
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May find it hard to blend on dry skin
- Might crease on oily skin
7.Best With Matte Finish:Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
Are you looking for a concealer that helps brighten, highlight, and contour skin without hassle? Try the TruBlend undercover concealer by Covergirl. The formula helps camouflage eye bags, dark circles, fine lines, and other imperfections, making it one of the best drugstore under-eye concealers. The matte finish of this concealer also prevents extra shine, making it apt for wear all day long.The fluffy applicator of the concealer ensures complete coverage and makes your under-eye region look flawless。It is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, and Covergirl offers 30 different blendable shades to match all skin tones.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to blend
- Can blend two colors
- Non-drying
Cons
- Might crease under the eyes
- Some may find the consistency thick
8.Best With Angled Tip:露华浓PhotoReady遮瑕膏贴
The PhotoReady concealer by Revlon is crafted with High-Definition Filter technology that reflects light to blur out and camouflage the dark under-eye circles, pimples, fine lines, and other imperfections. It offers medium to full coverage, making you look picture-perfect each time. Moreover, the angled-tip design of this concealer glides on smoothly and enables precise application for a flawless look. Revlon offers six buildable shades for you to choose from.
Pros
- Lightweight concealer
- Easy to blend
- Silky smooth texture
- Ideal to use with dewy foundations
- Crease-proof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some may find the smell unpleasant
- Might feel greasy in humid conditions
Quick tip9.Best For Fighting Acne:Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer
Acne and pimples can make you self-conscious even after wearing makeup. Worry no more, as the Neutrogena SkinClearing blemish concealer helps conceal acne spots and blemishes effectively. The non-comedogenic concealer is formulated with MicroClear technology and salicylic acid that help minimize and prevent acne breakouts, making it one of the best drugstore concealers for acne. The dermatologist-recommended concealer is suitable for daily use and offers natural-looking coverage. Furthermore, the concealer for acne scars is available in four shades and is easy to apply.
Pros
- Lightweight concealer
- Spreads evenly
- Long-lasting
- Ideal for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Might leave stains on clothes
- Some may find it hard to choose the right shade
10.Best For Sensitive Skin:Revlon PhotoReady Candid Concealer
Here’s another effective concealer from Revlon. Wake up your tired skin with the Revlon PhotoReady Candid concealer.It is infused with anti-blue light, antioxidant, and anti-pollution ingredients and is free of nasty chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin。The concealer for the under-eye area camouflages under-eye puffs and bags and dark circles and diminishes fine lines, making your skin look youthful. Further, it comes with a flexible doe-foot applicator for precise application. This concealer for redness and other skin issues is available in 18 different shades to help you find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Pros
- Buildable coverage concealer
- Free of parabens and phthalates
- Doesn’t crack or look cakey
- Non-drying formula
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some may not like the shiny or dewy finish
- May not be suitable for all skin types
11.Best Non-Drying:Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer
The smudge-proof and transfer-resistant Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer is specially formulated to provide up to 16 hours of wear. This non-drying concealer for all skin types glides smoothly on the skin and conceals fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dark spots, age spots, dark circles, and scars. Furthermore, the dermatologist-tested concealer is safe for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested. The brand offers non-cakey and full-coverage concealer in 12 different shades.
Pros
- High-performance pigments
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan formula
- Transfer-resistant wear
- Provides a natural finish
Cons
- Might smudge without setting powder
- May not be crease-proof
12.Best Non-Comedogenic:Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick
The Gentle Cover concealer by Physicians Formula offers full coverage and incorporates color theory to conceal dark circles, blemishes, and other skin imperfections. This yellow concealer for blemishes is suitable for all skin tones, and the gentle and creamy formula of the non-drying stick glides smoothly to ensure a mess-free application. It is recommended by dermatologists and is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. You can use this concealer alone for a minimalist look or along with your other makeup products. This concealer is available in two shades.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Provides natural matte finish
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Optically corrects bluish imperfections
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some may find it hard to blend
- Might smudge on some skin types
13.Best For Under Eye:Tarte Creaseless Under Eye Concealer
Make your under-eye area look fresh with the Tarte Creaseless Undereye Concealer. The waterproof formulation prevents crease while brightening and lifting the area around the eyes to make the eyes appear more appealing and the skin more youthful.It is one of the best drugstore concealers for dry skin as it is enriched with the goodness of maracuja to offer up to 16 hours of hydration.Besides, the concealer for dark circles also covers red spots effectively. You may choose from up to 30 shades to match your skin tone.
Pros
- Provides full coverage
- Creates a natural dewy look
- Smoothens the under-eye area
- Non-drying
- Easy to apply and blend
- Suitable for everyday use
Cons
- Might crease on mature skin
- Some may find it heavy
14.Best Nourishing:Wet n Wild Mega Last Incognito AllDay Full Coverage Concealer
The Incognito concealer by Wet n Wild is packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as mango seed butter, shea butter, and licorice root extract to keep the skin healthy besides hiding imperfections. You can use this cruelty-free concealer for effective contouring and highlighting. This richly pigmented concealer blends seamlessly and offers medium to full coverage. It is one of the best lightweight concealers with long-staying power and is available in more than a dozen shades.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Creates a natural matte finish
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Might feel heavy on dry skin
- May find the shades lighter than they appear
15.Best Pigmented:Glo Skin Beauty Oil-Free Camouflage
The oil-free camouflage concealer by Glo Skin Beauty is enriched with mineral pigments to offer maximum coverage. And the antioxidants present in this concealer protect the skin from premature aging. The versatile concealer comes with a buildable formula and conceals redness, dark spots, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. Moreover, the concealer for hyperpigmentation and other imperfections is vegan, talc-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and suitable for all skin types due to its skin-friendly ingredients.
Pros
- Richly pigmented
- Does not clog pores
- Feels light on skin
- Easy to blend
- Provides a natural finish
Cons
- Some may experience dry skin
- Might crease on oily skin
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Concealer?
Using concealers is a great way to cover your skin imperfections, but the wrong product might do more harm than good. So, consider the critical factors mentioned here before picking a drugstore concealer.
- Ingredients:Choose concealers that do more than conceal the blemishes. Pick one formulated with ingredients that moisturize your skin, minimize acne breakouts, reduce dark circles, and do more.
- Texture:Concealers are available in creamy, liquid, and stick forms. Creamy concealers have a thick consistency and are apt for dry or sensitive skin, while liquid concealers are suitable for all skin types. And a stick concealer is ideal for normal to dry skin.
- Shade:The concealer shade plays a significant role in making your makeup look flawless. When applying on the under-eye area, choose a couple of lighter shades, and when applying on the rest of your face, go with one that matches your skin tone.
- Finish:Concealers come in matte, satin, or shimmery finishes. A matte finish concealer is crease-resistant and stays for a longer time, while a shimmery finish concealer enhances your eyes and is ideal for the under-eye region. One with a satin finish offers a natural look. So pick the type based on your requirements.
Joneta Novikaite, an experienced makeup artist, says,“Concealers may worsen the under-eye circles if the shade color is too light, making blue bags look gray. It can be avoided by mixing in a few drops of a darker foundation.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast who loves experimenting with different makeup products. She conducts comprehensive research to provide her readers with the best products. She has browsed various official websites and considered various user reviews to curate this list of the best drugstore concealers. Poulami has also included a detailed description of each concealer and a buying guide highlighting the factors that would help you make an informed buying decision. Besides, she has also provided answers to a few FAQs to help readers understand concealers better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What color concealer is best for dark circles?
Dark circles usually have blue, purple, and gray pigmentation. You can use yellow or orange shades to counteract the pigmentation. People with a fair skin tone can use peach, pink, or yellow concealers, while an orange shade is apt for a dark skin tone.
2. Do concealers make dark circles appear worse?
No, concealers are formulated to hide imperfections and under-eye circles. So, using the correct shade of concealer will not worsen the appearance of under-eye imperfections. However, if the concealer dries out your under-eye region, there might be a chance of the dark circles appearing more pronounced.Joneta Novikaite, an experienced makeup artist, says,“If the shade of your concealers is too light, it can worsen the dark circles and make the under-eye bags look gray. You can avoid this by mixing your concealer with a few drops of a darker foundation.”
3. What color concealer covers pimples?
An ideal way of using color-correcting concealers is by selecting hues that sit opposite one another on the color wheel. Green sits opposite red on the color wheel. So, a green concealer can tone down the redness effectively. It also plays a prominent role in hiding pimples, acne, and redness. Joneta adds,“I suggest leaving the concealer to sit on the treated area for a minute and then carefully blend it. This will maximize the efficiency of the product.”
4. Should concealers be lighter or darker than the foundation?
It is advisable to use a concealer one shade lighter than the foundation, as it will help conceal the dark spots or blemishes. However, overcorrecting the dark areas with a much lighter shade may make the spots look unnatural and cakey.
5. Is liquid concealer better than a stick?
Choosing a liquid concealer or stick depends on the skin type and the extent of coverage you need to conceal the imperfections. Liquid concealers are suitable for all skin types and have buildable coverage. They are also less likely to crease due to their thin consistency. The stick concealers are thick in consistency and are suitable for concealing highly blemished skin.
6. Should I use the concealer before or after the foundation?
Although there is no set rule, most professionals prefer using concealer after applying foundation. It prepares the skin by evening out the texture and tone and helps you know how much concealer is needed to cover the imperfections. Using the concealer first might crease the makeup and smudge easily.
7. How to apply concealer on mature skin?
The best way to apply concealer on mature skin is to use a serum and moisturizer to hydrate the skin. Then, use a primer to create a smooth base to prevent the concealer from settling into the fine lines and make it last longer. Dab and tap the concealer to carefully blend it into the skin, and apply finishing powder for a crease-free look.
Concealers are versatile products that effectively camouflage blemishes, imperfections, redness, and dark spots. These concealers can also be used for contouring and highlighting. Some concealers might be expensive, and this is where the best drugstore concealers come to your rescue, hiding all the imperfections and making your skin look flawless. Always choose concealers that are formulated with skin-safe ingredients and offer mess-free application. And choosing concealers that moisturize your skin will be of added advantage.
Infographic: Beauty Hacks For Applying A Concealer
Concealers are essential beauty products for achieving flawless and radiant skin. They efficiently camouflage imperfections, enhancing your natural beauty and confidence. Discover simple hacks for using concealers effectively in the infographic below, and avoid creasing or a cakey, patchy appearance.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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