In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?
In This ArticleView All
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
Add to Cart
What to Know
Behind the Scenes
Why Trust PEOPLE?
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
Photo:People / Jhett Thompson
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People / Jhett Thompson
Concealer is an incredibly versatile makeup product. It can coverunder-eye circles, conceal pimples, and boost radiance. Expensive concealers may sometimes have “nicer” components or packaging, but when it comes to coverage, staying power, and shade ranges, common drugstore finds are totally on par with the more expensive picks, according to celebrity makeup artistTodd Harris.The Best Right NowSkip the scroll and shop deals on our favorite drugstore concealers at Amazon now:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealerstarts at just $4NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serumis up to 54% offCovergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealeris 35% offMaybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealeris 20% offWe tested 27 different drugstore concealers — all costing less than $20 — to find which ones work best. Everything from texture to coverage to creasing to staying power was evaluated for each product. Below, the best drugstore concealers that PEOPLE tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin (Cheaper):e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Acne:Maybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerJump to ReviewBest Buildable:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Longwear:SALECoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer at Amazon$12$9Jump to ReviewBest Full-Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Under-Eye:The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer at Target$15Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer at Target$9Jump to ReviewBest CC Cream:PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Concealer is an incredibly versatile makeup product. It can coverunder-eye circles, conceal pimples, and boost radiance. Expensive concealers may sometimes have “nicer” components or packaging, but when it comes to coverage, staying power, and shade ranges, common drugstore finds are totally on par with the more expensive picks, according to celebrity makeup artistTodd Harris.
The Best Right NowSkip the scroll and shop deals on our favorite drugstore concealers at Amazon now:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealerstarts at just $4NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serumis up to 54% offCovergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealeris 35% offMaybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealeris 20% off
Skip the scroll and shop deals on our favorite drugstore concealers at Amazon now:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealerstarts at just $4NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serumis up to 54% offCovergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealeris 35% offMaybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealeris 20% off
Skip the scroll and shop deals on our favorite drugstore concealers at Amazon now:
We tested 27 different drugstore concealers — all costing less than $20 — to find which ones work best. Everything from texture to coverage to creasing to staying power was evaluated for each product. Below, the best drugstore concealers that PEOPLE tested.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin (Cheaper):e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Acne:Maybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerJump to ReviewBest Buildable:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Longwear:SALECoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer at Amazon$12$9Jump to ReviewBest Full-Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Under-Eye:The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer at Target$15Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer at Target$9Jump to ReviewBest CC Cream:PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum at Amazon$12Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9Jump to ReviewBest for Mature Skin (Cheaper):e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest for Acne:Maybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerJump to ReviewBest Buildable:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Longwear:SALECoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer at Amazon$12$9Jump to ReviewBest Full-Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Under-Eye:The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer at Target$15Jump to ReviewBest Lightweight:Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer at Target$9Jump to ReviewBest CC Cream:PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum at Amazon$12Jump to Review
Best Overall:NYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum at Amazon$12
Best Overall:
Best for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9Jump to Review
Best for Mature Skin:SALEMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer at Amazon$11$9
Best for Mature Skin:
SALE
Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper):e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to Review
Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper):e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer at Amazon$7
Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper):
Best for Acne:Maybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerJump to Review
Best for Acne:Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
Best for Acne:
Best Buildable:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer at Amazon$7Jump to Review
Best Buildable:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer at Amazon$7
Best Buildable:
Best Longwear:SALECoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer at Amazon$12$9Jump to Review
Best Longwear:SALECoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer at Amazon$12$9
Best Longwear:
Best Full-Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best Full-Coverage:Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer at Amazon$10
Best Full-Coverage:
Best Under-Eye:The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer at Target$15Jump to Review
Best Under-Eye:The Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer at Target$15
Best Under-Eye:
Best Lightweight:Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer at Target$9Jump to Review
Best Lightweight:Colourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer at Target$9
Best Lightweight:
Best CC Cream:PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best CC Cream:PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer at Amazon$36
Best CC Cream:
Best OverallNYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer SerumPHOTO: Amazon$12$11 at Amazon$12 at Target$12$11 at WalmartStar QualitiesNatural-looking, lightweight feelNo under-eye creasingLong-lasting coverageRed FlagsLimited number of shades for medium to dark complexionsThis aptly named pick is somewhat of a skincare and makeup hybrid. In the skincare department, it’s infused with soothing ingredients, such as cica and green tea, and offers 24-hour hydration. And, despite its lightweight serum formula, this concealer offers coverage that’s full yet natural looking.It earned perfect scores from our testers in every category, from application to coverage, wear, and overall look, and gets bonus points for not creasing or settling into fine lines — easily earning its spot as the best overall pick in this roundup.The shade range is the only potential downside to this concealer. While not super limiting, we wish there were more choices for darker complexions than the 17 shades offered.Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full, buildable |Size:0.32 oz. |Shades:17People / Jhett Thompson
Best OverallNYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer SerumPHOTO: Amazon$12$11 at Amazon$12 at Target$12$11 at Walmart
Best OverallNYX Professional Makeup Bare with Me Concealer Serum
PHOTO: Amazon
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$12$11 at Amazon$12 at Target$12$11 at Walmart
Star QualitiesNatural-looking, lightweight feelNo under-eye creasingLong-lasting coverageRed FlagsLimited number of shades for medium to dark complexions
Star QualitiesNatural-looking, lightweight feelNo under-eye creasingLong-lasting coverage
Natural-looking, lightweight feel
No under-eye creasing
Long-lasting coverage
Red FlagsLimited number of shades for medium to dark complexions
Limited number of shades for medium to dark complexions
This aptly named pick is somewhat of a skincare and makeup hybrid. In the skincare department, it’s infused with soothing ingredients, such as cica and green tea, and offers 24-hour hydration. And, despite its lightweight serum formula, this concealer offers coverage that’s full yet natural looking.
It earned perfect scores from our testers in every category, from application to coverage, wear, and overall look, and gets bonus points for not creasing or settling into fine lines — easily earning its spot as the best overall pick in this roundup.
The shade range is the only potential downside to this concealer. While not super limiting, we wish there were more choices for darker complexions than the 17 shades offered.
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full, buildable |Size:0.32 oz. |Shades:17
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Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at WalmartStar QualitiesGoes on easily with sponge-tip applicatorCreamy formula doesn’t settle into fine linesReduced appearance of dark circles and rednessRed FlagsNo way to clean the built-in applicatorHaving a concealer that’s just going to settle into your fine lines and wrinkles essentially defeats the purpose of even wearing a concealer. While many concealers do this, that certainly wasn’t the case here; we gave this Maybelline product a 4.5 out of 5 when it came to crease resistance and realized that its creamy consistency would work beautifully on those with dry or mature skin.It earned a perfect score for its easily blendable, non-sticky texture, and we also lauded the built-in sponge applicator. (However, we did note that it would be nice if it was removable, so there was a way to clean it.) Per the name, it did perform best at concealing dark circles; we found the medium coverage not ideal for camouflaging blemishes.Type:Liquid |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.20 oz. |Shades:18PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart
Best for Mature SkinMaybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
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$11$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart
Star QualitiesGoes on easily with sponge-tip applicatorCreamy formula doesn’t settle into fine linesReduced appearance of dark circles and rednessRed FlagsNo way to clean the built-in applicator
Star QualitiesGoes on easily with sponge-tip applicatorCreamy formula doesn’t settle into fine linesReduced appearance of dark circles and redness
Goes on easily with sponge-tip applicator
Creamy formula doesn’t settle into fine lines
Reduced appearance of dark circles and redness
Red FlagsNo way to clean the built-in applicator
No way to clean the built-in applicator
Having a concealer that’s just going to settle into your fine lines and wrinkles essentially defeats the purpose of even wearing a concealer. While many concealers do this, that certainly wasn’t the case here; we gave this Maybelline product a 4.5 out of 5 when it came to crease resistance and realized that its creamy consistency would work beautifully on those with dry or mature skin.
It earned a perfect score for its easily blendable, non-sticky texture, and we also lauded the built-in sponge applicator. (However, we did note that it would be nice if it was removable, so there was a way to clean it.) Per the name, it did perform best at concealing dark circles; we found the medium coverage not ideal for camouflaging blemishes.
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.20 oz. |Shades:18
PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper)e.l.f. Hydrating Camo ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$7 at UltaStar QualitiesFull coverage without needing much productDoesn’t oxidizeNon-greasyRed FlagsNot as hydrating as we wishedWe were immediately impressed with the potent pigmentation and nearly full-coverage finish of this e.l.f. best-seller, which was attainable with only a few small dots on the skin. It effectively covered dark spots and camouflaged blemishes well.However, for being a “hydrating” concealer, we felt like this formula could stand to be a bit more moisturizing than it was. While it did leave skin feeling slightly dry, we found that moisturizing well beforehand made the finish look and feel a bit better, plus the color didn’t oxidize as the day went on. We think this could be a great option for those with mature, acne-prone, and oily skin because of its lightweight, non-comedogenic, and brightening formula.Type:Liquid |Size:0.20 oz. |Coverage:Full, buildable |Shades:20PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim
Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper)e.l.f. Hydrating Camo ConcealerPHOTO: Ulta$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$7 at Ulta
Best for Mature Skin (Cheaper)e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
PHOTO: Ulta
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$7 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$7 at Ulta
Star QualitiesFull coverage without needing much productDoesn’t oxidizeNon-greasyRed FlagsNot as hydrating as we wished
Star QualitiesFull coverage without needing much productDoesn’t oxidizeNon-greasy
Full coverage without needing much product
Doesn’t oxidize
Non-greasy
Red FlagsNot as hydrating as we wished
Not as hydrating as we wished
We were immediately impressed with the potent pigmentation and nearly full-coverage finish of this e.l.f. best-seller, which was attainable with only a few small dots on the skin. It effectively covered dark spots and camouflaged blemishes well.
However, for being a “hydrating” concealer, we felt like this formula could stand to be a bit more moisturizing than it was. While it did leave skin feeling slightly dry, we found that moisturizing well beforehand made the finish look and feel a bit better, plus the color didn’t oxidize as the day went on. We think this could be a great option for those with mature, acne-prone, and oily skin because of its lightweight, non-comedogenic, and brightening formula.
Type:Liquid |Size:0.20 oz. |Coverage:Full, buildable |Shades:20
PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy KimPHOTO: People / Joy Kim
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Best for AcneMaybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerPHOTO: AmazonView On Target$9$7 at Amazon$8 at TargetStar QualitiesOil-free formulaDermatologist- and ophthalmologist-testedEasy to blendRed FlagsLooked slightly cakeyAs anyone who is trying to cover up blemishes will tell you, it’s a delicate balancing act between hiding them without further clogging pores and exacerbating the issue. This Maybelline pick is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so there’s no need to stress about that. Our tester found the coverage to be great for covering up red blemishes (although less so when it came to dark under-eye circles).It earned perfect scores for staying power and not creasing, and our tester also loved how easy it was to blend. The biggest downside? We wish there was a more inclusive shade range, especially for darker skin tones (and a bit less cakiness, but we recommend just going a little lighter on the application to solve this problem).Type:Liquid |Coverage:Light/medium |Size:0.23 oz. |Shades:13PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best for AcneMaybelline New York Fit Me ConcealerPHOTO: AmazonView On Target$9$7 at Amazon$8 at Target
Best for AcneMaybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
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View On Target$9$7 at Amazon$8 at Target
Star QualitiesOil-free formulaDermatologist- and ophthalmologist-testedEasy to blendRed FlagsLooked slightly cakey
Star QualitiesOil-free formulaDermatologist- and ophthalmologist-testedEasy to blend
Oil-free formula
Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
Easy to blend
Red FlagsLooked slightly cakey
Looked slightly cakey
As anyone who is trying to cover up blemishes will tell you, it’s a delicate balancing act between hiding them without further clogging pores and exacerbating the issue. This Maybelline pick is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so there’s no need to stress about that. Our tester found the coverage to be great for covering up red blemishes (although less so when it came to dark under-eye circles).
It earned perfect scores for staying power and not creasing, and our tester also loved how easy it was to blend. The biggest downside? We wish there was a more inclusive shade range, especially for darker skin tones (and a bit less cakiness, but we recommend just going a little lighter on the application to solve this problem).
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Light/medium |Size:0.23 oz. |Shades:13
PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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Best BuildableRimmel London Stay Matte ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$7$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Kroger.comStar QualitiesHealthy-looking finishEasily covered pimples and red spotsImpressive staying powerRed FlagsShades are not listed on the packagingSome days, you need just a little bit of concealer; some days, you need a whole lot of concealer. This super-buildable formula is fitting for both occasions. The layering potential of this concealer was a prime attribute that we noted when it comes to camouflaging texture, and we also loved the matte coverage in general.It covered dark under-eyes and blemishes with ease, eradicating that tired look and leaving behind a fresh, clean complexion. The staying power is top-notch, too. The drawback? It has a rather limited shade range of eight colors, and the color isn’t listed on the container, so it’s hard to know which one you’re using.Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full |Size:0.23 oz. |Shades:8PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best BuildableRimmel London Stay Matte ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$7$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Kroger.com
Best BuildableRimmel London Stay Matte Concealer
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$7$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Kroger.com
Star QualitiesHealthy-looking finishEasily covered pimples and red spotsImpressive staying powerRed FlagsShades are not listed on the packaging
Star QualitiesHealthy-looking finishEasily covered pimples and red spotsImpressive staying power
Healthy-looking finish
Easily covered pimples and red spots
Impressive staying power
Red FlagsShades are not listed on the packaging
Shades are not listed on the packaging
Some days, you need just a little bit of concealer; some days, you need a whole lot of concealer. This super-buildable formula is fitting for both occasions. The layering potential of this concealer was a prime attribute that we noted when it comes to camouflaging texture, and we also loved the matte coverage in general.
It covered dark under-eyes and blemishes with ease, eradicating that tired look and leaving behind a fresh, clean complexion. The staying power is top-notch, too. The drawback? It has a rather limited shade range of eight colors, and the color isn’t listed on the container, so it’s hard to know which one you’re using.
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full |Size:0.23 oz. |Shades:8
PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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Best LongwearCoverGirl TruBlend Undercover ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$12$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart
Best LongwearCoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
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$12$9 at Amazon$9 at Target$9 at Walmart
Star QualitiesExtensive shade rangeDoesn’t need powder to lastRequires little product for a lot of impactRed FlagsFelt a bit heavy on the skin
Star QualitiesExtensive shade rangeDoesn’t need powder to lastRequires little product for a lot of impact
Extensive shade range
Doesn’t need powder to last
Requires little product for a lot of impact
Red FlagsFelt a bit heavy on the skin
Felt a bit heavy on the skin
With just a few taps on the skin, we were impressed with how this CoverGirl cream concealer made dark circles instantly disappear. We even used it to even out some redness on the cheeks and chin, putting its color-correcting abilities to the test.
Type:Cream |Coverage:Full |Size:0.33 oz. |Shades:30
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Best Full-CoverageMilani Conceal + Perfect ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$11 at Target$11 at UltaStar QualitiesVery pigmented formulaNon-drying matte finishDidn’t look cakeyRed FlagsProne to creasingFor those in search of an ultra-affordable concealer that packs a real punch of coverage, this is it. Everything from dark spots to redness and blemishes was covered with just a dot of product. To that point, it is rather thick as well, which made blending a bit more challenging, and it did show some signs of creasing after 30 minutes. We anticipated that it would easily be alleviated with asetting powderor a little bit of blending with a dampmakeup sponge, and, luckily, it was — resulting in a smooth look that didn’t appear cakey. And while it has a matte finish, it’s not drying, thanks to the formula’s infusion of shea butter and olive oil.Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full |Size:0.17 oz. |Shades:18PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
Best Full-CoverageMilani Conceal + Perfect ConcealerPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$11 at Target$11 at Ulta
Best Full-CoverageMilani Conceal + Perfect Concealer
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$10 at Amazon$11 at Target$11 at Ulta
Star QualitiesVery pigmented formulaNon-drying matte finishDidn’t look cakeyRed FlagsProne to creasing
Star QualitiesVery pigmented formulaNon-drying matte finishDidn’t look cakey
Very pigmented formula
Non-drying matte finish
Didn’t look cakey
Red FlagsProne to creasing
Prone to creasing
For those in search of an ultra-affordable concealer that packs a real punch of coverage, this is it. Everything from dark spots to redness and blemishes was covered with just a dot of product. To that point, it is rather thick as well, which made blending a bit more challenging, and it did show some signs of creasing after 30 minutes. We anticipated that it would easily be alleviated with asetting powderor a little bit of blending with a dampmakeup sponge, and, luckily, it was — resulting in a smooth look that didn’t appear cakey. And while it has a matte finish, it’s not drying, thanks to the formula’s infusion of shea butter and olive oil.
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Full |Size:0.17 oz. |Shades:18
PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson
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Best Under-EyeThe Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine ConcealerPHOTO: Target$15 at Target$15 at WalmartView on Thelipbar.comStar QualitiesDoesn’t creaseHydrating formula reduced the appearance of dark circlesLooks fresh after prolonged wearRed FlagsThick texture made it challenging to blendWe can’t stop raving about how well this formula worked to cover up dark circles. Even after a night of bad sleep, this concealer rejuvenated the under-eyes and kept delicate skin hydrated with its moisturizing caffeine formula. (However, we will note that it did cake a bit when dotted onto the cheeks and chin.)It was longwearing and crease-free, never settling into the fine lines around the eyes and looking fresh even after 30 minutes of wear (with zero setting powder!). We gave it a lower score when it came to texture, lamenting that it was a bit tacky and hard to blend — particularly given that it seemed to dry quickly mid-application — but liked that it came with a wand applicator.Type:Cream |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.35 oz. |Shades:6PHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonPHOTO: People / Jhett ThompsonThe More You KnowThe best concealers for dark circles should have the active ingredient caffeine, which helps to constrict the blood vessels that make the skin under your eyes look dark.
Best Under-EyeThe Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine ConcealerPHOTO: Target$15 at Target$15 at WalmartView on Thelipbar.com
Best Under-EyeThe Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer
PHOTO: Target
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$15 at Target$15 at WalmartView on Thelipbar.com
Star QualitiesDoesn’t creaseHydrating formula reduced the appearance of dark circlesLooks fresh after prolonged wearRed FlagsThick texture made it challenging to blend
Star QualitiesDoesn’t creaseHydrating formula reduced the appearance of dark circlesLooks fresh after prolonged wear
Doesn’t crease
Hydrating formula reduced the appearance of dark circles
Looks fresh after prolonged wear
Red FlagsThick texture made it challenging to blend
Thick texture made it challenging to blend
We can’t stop raving about how well this formula worked to cover up dark circles. Even after a night of bad sleep, this concealer rejuvenated the under-eyes and kept delicate skin hydrated with its moisturizing caffeine formula. (However, we will note that it did cake a bit when dotted onto the cheeks and chin.)
It was longwearing and crease-free, never settling into the fine lines around the eyes and looking fresh even after 30 minutes of wear (with zero setting powder!). We gave it a lower score when it came to texture, lamenting that it was a bit tacky and hard to blend — particularly given that it seemed to dry quickly mid-application — but liked that it came with a wand applicator.
Type:Cream |Coverage:Medium |Size:0.35 oz. |Shades:6
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The More You KnowThe best concealers for dark circles should have the active ingredient caffeine, which helps to constrict the blood vessels that make the skin under your eyes look dark.
The best concealers for dark circles should have the active ingredient caffeine, which helps to constrict the blood vessels that make the skin under your eyes look dark.
Best LightweightColourpop Pretty Fresh ConcealerPHOTO: Colourpop$9 at TargetView on Colourpop.comStar QualitiesNatural finishNo product transferGreat for lightening and brighteningRed FlagsDoesn’t last very longThis formula was featherweight in every sense of the word — light, bright, and the most natural-looking we’ve tried in a while. So much so that it teetered on the edge of being a little too sheer (we’d call this medium-buildable coverage rather than full, which is what the brand claims), but our tester thought it was perfect for no-makeup makeup looks or for highlighting areas where they wanted to brighten the skin.We liked that the product was transfer-proof and blended out beautifully, but it’s worth mentioning that we got the best results when using a sponge rather than a brush or fingers. However, you’ll want to start blending quickly after the product is swiped onto your skin; it dries down very quickly and stays put if you don’t work at it right away.Type:Liquid |Coverage:Medium, buildable |Size:0.30 oz. |Shades:25People / Jhett Thompson
Best LightweightColourpop Pretty Fresh ConcealerPHOTO: Colourpop$9 at TargetView on Colourpop.com
Best LightweightColourpop Pretty Fresh Concealer
PHOTO: Colourpop
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$9 at TargetView on Colourpop.com
Star QualitiesNatural finishNo product transferGreat for lightening and brighteningRed FlagsDoesn’t last very long
Star QualitiesNatural finishNo product transferGreat for lightening and brightening
Natural finish
No product transfer
Great for lightening and brightening
Red FlagsDoesn’t last very long
Doesn’t last very long
This formula was featherweight in every sense of the word — light, bright, and the most natural-looking we’ve tried in a while. So much so that it teetered on the edge of being a little too sheer (we’d call this medium-buildable coverage rather than full, which is what the brand claims), but our tester thought it was perfect for no-makeup makeup looks or for highlighting areas where they wanted to brighten the skin.
We liked that the product was transfer-proof and blended out beautifully, but it’s worth mentioning that we got the best results when using a sponge rather than a brush or fingers. However, you’ll want to start blending quickly after the product is swiped onto your skin; it dries down very quickly and stays put if you don’t work at it right away.
Type:Liquid |Coverage:Medium, buildable |Size:0.30 oz. |Shades:25
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Shopping for a great drugstore concealer? You might also be interested in these other PEOPLE Tested beauty products that impressed both our editors and independent testers with their stellar performance through rigorous testing in our NYC beauty lab and at home.
PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer$36 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$28 at WalmartHyper Skin Hyper Even Vitamin C Serum$80 at Amazon$36 at Sephora$58 at RevolveBeauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder$26 at Amazon$26$22 at Nordstrom$14 at TargetQuiet Hours Facial Ice RollerView on Quiethours.com$48 at Bluemercury.com
PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer$36 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$28 at Walmart
PÜR 4-in-1Tinted Moisturizer
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$36 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$28 at Walmart
Hyper Skin Hyper Even Vitamin C Serum$80 at Amazon$36 at Sephora$58 at Revolve
Hyper Skin Hyper Even Vitamin C Serum
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$80 at Amazon$36 at Sephora$58 at Revolve
Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder$26 at Amazon$26$22 at Nordstrom$14 at Target
Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder
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$26 at Amazon$26$22 at Nordstrom$14 at Target
Quiet Hours Facial Ice RollerView on Quiethours.com$48 at Bluemercury.com
Quiet Hours Facial Ice Roller
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View on Quiethours.com$48 at Bluemercury.com
Where you’ll be applying your concealer will largely dictate what shade you go with, says Harris. For example, under the eyes, you’ll want a shade that’s about one shade lighter than your foundation in order to boost the darker areas. But if you’re using it mostly to conceal spots or discoloration on the face, your concealer and foundation should match exactly, he says. Shade selection aside, if you’re going to be applying it mostly to cover blemishes, make sure to choose an oil-free formula, like theMaybelline New York Fit Me Concealerfeatured on this list.
Your skin type will play a large role in the type of concealer formula that will ultimately work best for you. If you’re oilier and your concealer is always creasing and smudging, consider a matte, longwear formula, says celebrity makeup artistNeil Scibelli. If your skin is on the drier side, look for one that has hydrating ingredients and/or is labeled as having a radiant finish, he suggests.
Whether you prefer sheer, medium, or full coverage is up to you and how you want to usea concealer. When in doubt, opt for formulas that are buildable so that you can easily layer on more when and if you need it without having to worry about caking and creasing. Our winning best buildable concealer was theRimmel London Stay Matte Concealer.
Just like you would with anybeauty product, if you’re dealing with specific skin concerns, you should keep an eye on the ingredients in your concealer. If you have acne-prone skin and are using it to cover blemishes, make sure the ingredients are non-comedogenic or won’t clog your pores, like our top pick, theMaybelline New York Fit Me Concealer. If you have dry skin, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients to plump up your skin. For dark under-eye circles, a concealer with caffeine, likeThe Lip Bar Quick Conceal Caffeine Concealer, ensures you look awake and refreshed throughout the day.
How To Pick Your ShadeSince most drugstore concealers don’t have samples that you can swipe on, Harris suggests bringing your go-to foundation and using that as a reference point.To boost radiance, go one shade lighter than your foundationTo conceal discoloration and blemishes, choose the same shade as your foundation
Since most drugstore concealers don’t have samples that you can swipe on, Harris suggests bringing your go-to foundation and using that as a reference point.To boost radiance, go one shade lighter than your foundationTo conceal discoloration and blemishes, choose the same shade as your foundation
Since most drugstore concealers don’t have samples that you can swipe on, Harris suggests bringing your go-to foundation and using that as a reference point.
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Our testers, a varied group of people ranging in age, skin tone, and texture, came into our PEOPLE Tested lab and cleansed their faces to prepare their skin to test 27 different concealers. After cleansing, they all hydrated their skin with the same moisturizer to ensure each concealer got the same treatment and prep work.
Our Expert PanelTodd Harrisis a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Lorde and Katie Holmes.Neil Scibelliis an independent celebrity makeup artist and recurring beauty expert onToday With Hoda & JennaandGood Morning America.
Todd Harrisis a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Lorde and Katie Holmes.Neil Scibelliis an independent celebrity makeup artist and recurring beauty expert onToday With Hoda & JennaandGood Morning America.
We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
source: people.com