11 best concealers I've tested for dark circles & blemishes
Concealers have the power to make or break your entire makeup look. I should know. I've spoken to enough celebrity makeup artists to be warned. Whether you're after a new concealer for brightening, spot-concealing or colour correction (the humble concealer's uses are far-reaching), finding the wrong match is, actually, quite easy. The right one? A far more nuanced search than you may first expect.
My favourite concealers, at a glance:
- How I tested the best concealers
- Why you can trust me
- How to choose the right concealer shade
- What is the best way to apply concealer?
- Should you apply concealer or foundation first?
- Which concealer is best for blemishes?
- What's the best concealer for dark circles under eyes?
- Can you wear concealer by itself?
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 Weeks. “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.”
When it comes to which consistency to go for? “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, I've spent the past few years working with my colleagues to test concealers. The result? A curated edit of the ones that we've reached for repeatedly – 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 I tested the best concealers:
As Glamour's Senior Shopping Editor, it's really important to me that I only recommend products to our readers that have been thoroughly reviewed. I want our shopping content to be as honest as trustworthy as possible. So, this edit is a result of years worth of testing and trying.
The best concealer for me won't necessarily be the best concealer for my colleague, so at the beginning of this process, I enlisted the help of a number of other Glamour editors and product testers with different skin types and tones (all of whom you'll see pictured below). From Denise Primbet, a beauty expert who has written for Who What Wear, Glamour, Vogue Arabia, Marie Claire UK among other titles – to Jenifer Calle, Glamour US' Senior Commerce Editor.
There were a few concealers that I knew would make the cut: they were the concealers that I, or one of my colleagues, had been using in their own routines for years without compromise. Testing and re-testing. For me, that was the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer. I've used it for over ten (!) years.
Once we'd retested forever favourites, we split the new launches to land on the Glamour beauty desk between us – covering everything from brightening under-eye formulas to full-coverage heroes. We ensured that each formula was tested on a number of skin types, and we looked at how each one performed throughout the day. We scored everything 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. The edit below is made up of 11 favourites that repeatedly impressed us – and you can see more formulas we're currently testing at the bottom of the guide.
Why you can trust me:
For the past eight years, it has been my job to test beauty products – for two years at Hitched and the past six years at Glamour. During that time, I've tried hundreds of launches, spoken to countless makeup artists and dermatologists, and attended more product launch events than I can count. While I don't have any makeup artistry qualifications and certainly can't count myself as a makeup expert, I do wear concealer every single day – and know enough about the world of beauty to separate the good from the bad and the ugly.
Below, my edit of the best concealers, tried and tested by myself and my Glamour colleagues.
1. Best Budget Concealer Under £10: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Why I love it: "This is, hands down, the easiest review I've ever written. Namely because the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is the longest-standing product in my beauty collection. As far as I can remember, this concealer was one of the first makeup products I purchased (I remember buying it from my home-town Boots when I was studying for my A-levels) – following a Zoe Sugg recommendation, no less – and I still use it, everyday, today. Zoe has done me a solid.
"I'm not a makeup artist, and those I've spoken to who are have commonly advised against choosing a concealer which is too many shades lighter than your natural skin tone. But how you do your makeup is a matter of preference, right? And my preference has always been to apply the second-to-lightest shade of Collection Lasting Perfection concealer under my eyes (or third-lightest, if I have a tan). Concealer blindness I may have, but I find nothing makes me look brighter and more awake.
“The product comes in under £5, and has such a thick, creamy consistency. If you want a sheer, light wash of colour then this isn't the concealer for you – but those after something that's heavy-duty and which stays all day should definitely make a beeline. Given its thick consistency, this stuff doesn't budge. I tend to apply it with my fingers, since warming it up buys you a bit more time to buff and blend (otherwise it does set quite quickly), and I find for it to blur over pores and imperfections. Plus, you hardly need any product, so each tube lasts for a good few months. I don't see a day when I don't use it.”
More to know:
- Coverage: Full coverage.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 20.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
2. Best Concealer for Blemishes: e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Concealer
Why I loved it: "I may be somewhat married to my Collection Lasting Perfection concealer for under-eye coverage, but I've really enjoyed testing the e.l.f. Soft Glam concealer (alongside the foundation from the same range, which you can find in my edit of the best foundations of the moment).
"The whole Soft Glam range is formulated on the premise that our complexion products should serve just the right amount of coverage, should last, and should feature skin-spired ingredients – this concealer included. For example, you can find hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid inside this concealer, two ingredients which work to hydrate the skin while you're actually wearing the product.
“I've used this concealer after my Soft Glam foundation on any blemishes I was experiencing. Also, on my chin and between my eyebrows to lift and brighten my overall look (as ever, I picked the concealer up a couple of shades lighter than my actual skin tone. Jail me). The shade selection is really strong, and the product has a really lovely doe-foot applicator which is small enough to be precise with your concealer placement. I also found the concealer to blend quickly.
"I didn't think the lasting power was quite as good as some other concealers I've tried, but with a spritz of setting spray, it held up fairly well. I just needed a quick top-up at the end of my working day, before going out for dinner. All-in-all, for £5, this concealer is a really great choice. I've not become as obsessed with it as I have the foundation from the same range, but there's nothing wrong with it by any stretch of the imagination. It's a solid, affordable buy.”
More to know:
- Coverage: Full.
- Finish: Matte.
- Shades: 36 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
3. Best Concealer for Under-Eye Circles: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Why I loved 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.
“It's for all of those reasons that the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer has been a favourite of mine for nearly five years – I didn't have to think twice when Sophie asked me to re-test my favourite ever concealer product.
“I've relied on it for brightening my dark under-eyes for any and every occasion: be it for an office look or a full glam, wedding-guest 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. My only note would be the price tag – it's just under £30, which is quite a lot of money when you stack this concealer against some of the really amazing drugstore buys we've featured.”
More to know:
- Coverage: buildable.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
4. Best Concealer for Melanated Skin: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer
Why I loved it: "We love this concealer because it comes in an array of shades for melanated skin that suit cool, warm, and neutral undertones.
“Concealer is one of the makeup items I rely on daily to cover my dark circles. That said, I’m always looking for something that offers a good amount of coverage plus skin care ingredients to diminish the discolouration. With Danessa Myricks’s Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer, I was able to get both.
“The formula was creamy and went on easily, which is always a good sign. But it also blended out smoothly and gave me amazing coverage with just a few dots. I used the color 12, which is described as a tan with golden undertones, and was worried at first it would be too golden. However, upon blending it out, it proved to be the perfect balance of colour-correcting and brightening hues. Beyond the initial look, the concealer wore well throughout the day and didn’t feel cakey or dry. Instead, my under-eyes appeared smooth and hydrated. Needless to say, this concealer will be staying in my rotation, especially for my foundation-free days.”
More to know:
- Coverage: Full coverage.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shades: 20.
- Cruelty-free? Yes, it is certified cruelty-free.
5. Most Brightening Concealer: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Why I loved it: "When I found out that by Hailey Bieber has loved and used this Kosas concealer, I was obviously really excited to try it. Her recs have never let me down before. Case in point: the Medicube Age-R Booster. According to the brand, this is a medium-coverage concealer that's ideal for everyday wear, thanks to its lightweight feel and the natural, non-creasing finish.
“When testing, I loved the fact that the formula is infused with good-for-skin ingredients like caffeine (to make my eyes look more awake – it delivered), algae, hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and peptides. I thought the shade match was great (there are over 25 shades in the line, so it should be), and found it easy to apply with a brush. I found it to be unmatched when it came to brightening and smoothing out my under-eyes – as well as reducing puffiness. Definitely worth the hype."
More to know:
- Coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
6. Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer
Why I loved it: "If you have dry skin, the makeup artists we spoke to say a concealer formula with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and lysine can help deeply moisturise the skin. The editor-approved Tower 28 concealer is not only hydrating, but great for sensitive skin.
“This is the lightest concealer I’ve ever used. It actually doesn’t even feel like I’m layering on makeup, so it’s great for a no-makeup look and it’s not patchy at all. I’d recommend going a bit lighter than you normally would for a more brightening effect."
More to know:
- Coverage: Light.
- Finish: Natural.
- Shades: 20.
- Cruelty-free? Yes, it is cruelty-free and vegan.
7. Best Full Coverage Concealer That Doubles Up As Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer
Why I loved it: "I've been testing this concealer for well over a year – and have repurchased the product with my own money, despite the initial sample arriving on my desk as a press gift through work – and it has impressed me repeatedly. I used to wear foundation religiously (and I still do sometimes, occasion dependent) – but from the moment this Bobbi Brown concealer launched, I felt I was was able to ditch my foundation more regularly and rely solely on this concealer to lift my complexion.
“On nights out, I use this concealer heavily over my entire face for a flawless, blurred complexion – and during the day, I use this concealer lightly under the eyes and on any blemishes. Despite its seriously full coverage finish, I've found it to feel really light and creamy. It blends like a dream and I never feel like I have too much makeup on. I'd recommend picking up two shades if you want to use it in the same way that I do: one which is a perfect shade match for your skin, and one which is a few shades lighter for brightening. That's the only con, I suppose: the expense. Otherwise, I really would recommend this to anyone.”
More to know:
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: 23 shades.
- Cruelty-free? No.
8. Best Concealer for Dry Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer
Why I loved it: "After a filter-in-a-bottle? Enter, the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech concealer, which has spent the past few years getting shouted about 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.”
More to know:
- Coverage: medium and buildable.
- Finish: blurring.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
9. Best Clean Concealer: RMS Beauty Revitalize Hydra Concealer
Why I loved it: "‘Clean’ beauty fans will be excited about the launch of RMS Beauty’s Revitalize Hydra Concealer, a skincare-meets-makeup hybrid designed to brighten and smooth from the inside out. The formula comes with an impressive ingredient line-up: patented blends like Eyebright and Tightenyl (a gentle retinol alternative), plus moisture-boosting naturals including shea butter, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil and magnesium chloride – all hallmarks of the brand’s skin-first ethos.
“Ingredients aside, the most impressive element of this concealer is the mini brush applicator – it gets into the tightest corners, like around the nose, without ever overloading the skin. It lasts all day, wears beautifully and can be built up to a fuller coverage without ever looking heavy.”
More to know:
- Coverage: medium.
- Finish: matte.
- Shades: Over 25 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
10. Best Concealer for Olive Skin Tones: Refy Concealer
Why I loved it: "REFY complexion products never fail to impress me, this blurring concealer included. Available in 24 shades, the lightweight formula is said to instantly brighten the under-eye area, offering buildable light-to-medium coverage and a blurred finish. I felt like it performed super well against its claims.
“The packaging feels heavyweight and luxe, and the doe-foot applicator felt soft against my skin. I only used a very small amount under my eyes, as I already had foundation on (and often layer concealer atop my foundation instead of the other way around) and blended it out with my fingers. You can see that my under-eye area looked instantly brightened but not at all cakey. With wear, this concealer didn't settle into fine lines and didn't result in creasing, either, making it a great concealer for everyday use.”
More to know:
- Coverage: light-to-medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Shades: 24 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
11. Best Concealer for Oily Skin: Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer
Why I loved it: "Any makeup product under £5 can be considered a real bargain, which is one of the reasons Makeup Revolution's Conceal & Define Concealer is currently trending on Google. That and the fact it lasts all day, offers an impressive amount of coverage and is easy to apply with a super soft doe foot applicator.
“Makeup Revolution continually prove that beauty products needn't cost a lot of money and this concealer is the perfect example. It's a little on the dry side, making it great for those with oily skin or anyone after a super matte complexion – though I wouldn't recommend it for dry-skinned girlies. It has quite a thick consistency but is really long-wearing and serves a flawless finish.”
More to know:
- Coverage: full.
- Finish: matte.
- Shades: 18 shades.
- Cruelty-free? Yes.
More concealers we're currently testing:
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All of your concealer FAQs, answered:
How to choose the right concealer shade for you
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".
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."
