13 best concealers of all time – from full-coverage to sheer finishes
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We’ve spoken to enough celebrity makeup artists to know that concealers have the power to make or break an entire look. Considering the skin around our eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of our face, choosing the right formula is just as important as investing in a good eye cream. The tricky part? Whether you’re after brightening, spot-concealing or colour correction, finding the right match is more nuanced than it seems.
Concealers today span the full spectrum – from high-coverage, matte textures to sheer, skin-like finishes. Some are best for camouflaging blemishes, others for lifting and brightening. TikTok might have taught us clever hacks for placement, but the real secret lies in finding the right shade and consistency for your skin. “Lots of people think that your concealer needs to be lighter, but that’s not always the case,” says pro makeup artist Louise Hall – who has worked with Victoria Magrath, Charli Howard, Fatima Timbo and backstage at Fashion Week. “I’d suggest matching to your skin tone for seamless coverage, then choosing a shade or two lighter only where you want to lift or highlight.”
With Makeup Revolution concealers trending on Google and RMS Beauty’s Revitalize Hydra Concealer bringing skincare benefits to the table, it’s clear formulas have come a long way since the days of cakey, crease-prone textures. “If you’re on the drier side, a hydrating formula will be your best friend – something fresh and lightweight like Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Concealer,” Louise advises. “If you’re more on the oily side, or just prefer a less dewy finish, consider a matte formula like the Nars Soft Matte Concealer.”
Application is equally important. “I actually like to conceal first, as I find I use less foundation,” Louise shares. “I’ll prep my skin with moisturiser and SPF, then go in with a small amount of concealer where it’s needed and build it up. If you have pigmentation or darker areas to correct, do this first – otherwise a lighter shade can end up looking ashy.”
Whether you’re loyal to a cult-favourite, curious about new launches or simply in search of a pro-approved upgrade, we’ve rounded up the best concealers worth adding to your makeup bag – alongside expert tips from Louise and Bobbi Brown Senior Pro Artists Amy Conway and Zara Findley, so you can apply yours like a pro.
How we test concealers at GLAMOUR:
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To make sure our edit covers every need, we put each concealer through its paces across multiple members of the GLAMOUR team. With different skin tones, textures and personal preferences to consider, we were able to test everything from brightening under-eye formulas to blemish-covering creams and full-coverage heroes.
We looked at how each concealer performed throughout the day – from ease of application and blendability to how well it wore without creasing, caking or sliding. Coverage was another key factor, with testers spanning those who prefer a light, skin-like finish to those who lean on high-performance, full-coverage formulas. And, of course, we always kept an eye on price point and ingredients.
Below, our edit of the best concealers, tried & tested:
Why we love it: The iconic NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a cult buy for a reason. A firm-favourite among celebrity MUAs, this creamy and long-lasting formula glides on like butter and feels super weightless on the skin, while delivering just the right amount of buildable coverage for any occasion. “The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer has been a favourite of mine for nearly five years. I've relied on it for brightening my dark under-eyes on any occasion: be it for an everyday look or a full glam moment. I love the buildable coverage, the skin-like finish and the fact that it doesn't settle into my fine lines throughout the day,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor. Shop eye creams to pair with it here.
- Coverage: buildable.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Why we love it: Adored by Hailey Bieber, this medium-coverage concealer is ideal for everyday wear, thanks to its lightweight feel and the natural, non-creasing finish. “I loved the skincare-infused formula that features caffeine, algae, hyaluronic acid and peptides. This concealer is unmatched when it comes to brightening and smoothing out my under-eyes as well as reducing puffiness. Definitely worth the hype,” says Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
- Coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
Why we love it: If you're after a full coverage yet weightless creamy formula with a light-reflecting finish, you have to check out the Vanish Airbrush Concealer by Hourglass. Formulated to blur and brighten, this concealer features innovative micro-spherical powders that will help prevent creasing throughout the day. “Having spotted that this concealer is one of Hailey Bieber's go-to formulas, I had to give this formula a go. As expected, the formula definitely lived up to the hype: I loved the impressive level of coverage, how creamy it felt on the skin and how easily it blended out within seconds,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: dewy.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer
Why we love it: The Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer combines high coverage with a lightweight feel. It's long-lasting, too, with a staying power of up to 16 hours. And don't even get us started on how great it is at covering up dark circles and imperfections without appearing cakey. A favourite among makeup artists. "I used to wear foundation religiously, but from the moment this Bobbi Brown concealer launched, I was able to ditch my foundation and rely solely on a concealer to lift my complexion. On nights out, I can use it heavily over my entire face, and during the day, I use it lightly under the eyes and on any blemishes. It blends like a dream, has seriously good coverage, and feels creamy and lightweight on my skin. I'm such a fan - I think I'm now on tube number eight," says Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: 23 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
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Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer
Why we love it: Ever heard of a filter-in-a-bottle? Enter, the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech concealer, which is already adored on TikTok, and with good reason. This lightweight and long-wearing formula offers an extensive shade range and boasts a multitude of benefits, thanks to the 20+ included skincare ingredients. “Aimed to de-puff, brighten, blur and self-set, this concealer is genuinely one of the very best formulas I've tried. My favourite part about it is that it doesn't require setting powder and can easily last all day without settling my fine lines,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Coverage: medium and buildable.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Why we love it: REFY complexion products never fail to impress, including this blurring concealer. Available in 24 shades, this lightweight formula instantly brightens the under-eye area, offering buildable light-to-medium coverage and a blurred finish. The best part? It doesn't settle into fine lines and doesn't result in creasing either, making it a great concealer for everyday use. Our Senior Audience Development Manager Lian Brooks was mostly impressed with the buildable coverage and the lightweight feel.
- Coverage: light-to-medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: 24 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
Why we love it: Sure, it's not the most affordable concealer in this edit, but boy, does it live up to its reputation. The Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear concealer is perfect for daily wear, thanks to its unique and breathable formula that offers a blurred finish. Featuring colour mineral pigments and a precise doe foot applicator tip, this concealer also delivers up to 24 hours of hydration. “My dry under-eyes adored this hydrating formula. In fact, after applying, I almost forgot I had concealer on in the first place – definitely one of the best weightless concealers I've tested,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor. Shop foundations for dry skin here.
- Coverage: medium-to-full.
- Finish: blurring and smoothing.
- Shades: 20 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
Huda Beauty #FAUXFILTER Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer
Why we love it: On the hunt for a nourishing liquid concealer that truly does it all? This multitasker delivers seamless coverage for blemishes, hyperpigmentation and dark circles, while still feeling lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it ticks all the boxes: vegan-friendly, fragrance-free and crease-resistant. And it delivers a natural, even finish that lasts all day without ever feeling heavy in over 25 different shades.
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: matte.
- Shades: over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer
Why we love it: One of the best luxury concealers on the market, the Westman Atelier Vital Skin Concealer blends seamlessly into skin with a creamy, weightless texture that feels more like skincare than makeup. Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as phytosphingosine (to help strengthen the skin barrier), camellia seed oil (rich in antioxidants) and squalane (to lock in hydration), it’s especially well-suited to the delicate under-eye area. Coverage-wise, it strikes the perfect balance: just enough pigment to disguise dark circles and hyperpigmentation, while still leaving skin looking fresh and natural. The result is a radiant, crease-free finish that never veers into cakey territory – exactly what we want from a high-end concealer.
- Coverage: medium.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: 16 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Why we love it: Pro makeup artist Louise Hall dubs the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer one of the best options for oily skin – and it’s a favourite among beauty insiders for good reason. This full-coverage pot concealer is perfect for disguising blemishes, dark spots and discolouration, delivering a smooth, blurred finish every time. The trick? Apply with a clean brush (rather than fingers) to avoid bacteria transfer and keep the formula pristine. Despite its high pigmentation, the texture feels surprisingly lightweight and, best of all, it doesn’t settle into fine lines or emphasise circles – making it a reliable go-to for a flawless, matte complexion.
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: 16 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
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Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader The Concealer Pen
Why we love it: Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles over time, the Victoria Beckham Beauty Concealer Pen is more than just makeup – it’s skincare in disguise. Developed in collaboration with Augustinus Bader, it’s powered by the brand’s patented TFC8® technology, a complex of amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesised molecules that helps support the skin’s natural renewal process. In short, it works to improve elasticity, boost hydration and encourage cell turnover with every application. Beyond the science, the formula itself is lightweight, blendable and designed to deliver buildable light-to-medium coverage. The result is a seamless, skin-like finish that instantly brightens while working hard behind the scenes to improve skin quality over time – making it as much a treatment as it is a concealer.
- Coverage: light-to-medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: 16 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
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All of your concealer FAQs, answered:
How to choose the right concealer shade
This really depends on where you’re applying it – and it can often be worth having a couple of different shades to tackle different concerns. For under-eyes, “choose a concealer shade that’s one shade brighter than your skin tone,” advises Bobbi Brown Senior Pro Artist Amy Conway. “If you go too light, it will appear grey and ashy, and if you use the same as your foundation, it won’t give enough brightness to lift the eye". But if you’re covering puffiness or blemishes, the approach is different. “Opt for a concealer that is exactly the same colour as your skin,” she says. “This will ensure it will look smoother and seamless against the rest of the skin.”
What is the best way to apply concealer?
“It’s best to apply concealer only where you need it,” says Amy. Start with a dot in the inner corner of the under-eye, close to your nose where shadows often appear. “Then using your finger, blend that out to the outer corner of the eye for a sheerer finish. This will give the most lift without applying it too heavily where you don’t need it,” she explains. Elsewhere, it’s all about judgement. A touch around the nostrils – an often-overlooked area – can make a subtle difference, and dotting a small amount over blemishes and breakouts as they appear ensures coverage is targeted without ever looking heavy.
Should you apply concealer or foundation first?
“We often turn to foundation first to even out the skin, but in actual fact if you start with the concealer first you’ll find yourself using half as much foundation everywhere else,” says Amy. “For all skin tones, our main area of darkness and unevenness is the under eye, so when you brighten with a concealer it instantly evens out the rest of the skin before foundation.” Then, if you need a little extra coverage on top, you can always layer more later.
When it comes to blotchiness or blemishes, “layering is key,” adds Zara. “Especially if you don’t want to look cakey. The secret is to use a lightweight base and only add concealer in the areas that need some extra help. This will give you the look of all-over natural skin, but with the finish of full coverage just where you need it.”
Which concealer is best for blemishes?
A matte concealer offers the best camouflage (you don't want to make them look shiny). Pots like NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer work particularly well versus tubes of liquid concealer. As for how to apply? "Don't sweep over a blemish," says Zara. Too much blending defeats the point. "Instead, press the concealer in using your fingers, it will mimic the skin and help build coverage vs sweeping it away". Blend gently just around the edges to merge it with your skin while keeping the coverage in place over the spot itself.
What's the best concealer for dark circles under eyes?
A hydrating concealer is always a good choice, particularly since the under-eye area is where fine lines tend to appear first. Keeping this skin plump and moisturised helps minimise creasing, so it’s best to avoid anything too thick that might settle into lines. There are plenty of formulas that combine hydration with impressive pigment pay-off, allowing you to disguise dark circles, bags and discolouration without weighing the skin down – the Victoria Beckham X Augustinus Bader Concealer Pen is a perfect example.
Can you wear concealer by itself?
Yes – you can use it a bit like a foundation stick for a fuller finish. For a lighter finish? "Concealer by itself is a great way to lighten the eye, and this is perfect for everyday natural makeup," advises Amy. "For the ultimate brightness, opt for a corrector underneath to banish any darkness first, as this will give a flawless under-eye lift."
