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Having battled persistent dark circles under my eyes since childhood, I’ve become an expert in concealers. Through much trial and error, I’ve identified my favorites, which have evolved as my skin’s needs have shifted over the years.
Finding the right concealer isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; your skin plays a significant role in which concealer will best suit your needs.
Makeup artist Kierra Lanice told HuffPost that your skin type is crucial for getting the most out of your concealer. “For dry or aging under-eyes, avoid mattifying formulas, as they can make your eyes appear tired and emphasize flaws. Instead, choose a creamy, radiant concealer to hydrate and brighten.”
Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Romero advised oily skin types to opt for a matte formula that dries to a powdery finish. This helps prevent natural oils from moving the concealer throughout the day. From personal experience, I can say that a creamy, oily formula just doesn’t hold up on oily skin.
Both experts stressed the importance of prepping the skin before applying concealer. Lanice emphasized the need for eye cream first, as the skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face. Romero suggested a rich eye cream for dry skin types and using a toner to remove oils, followed by an oil-free primer for oily skin. This helps keep the concealer in place.
We’ve compiled a list of concealer recommendations based on expert advice, offering a range of textures, finishes, and price points to suit different skin types and budgets.
1. NYX Professional Makeup HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
2. Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid
Lanice recommends this concealer for its "beautiful, glowing finish" especially for those with sensitive and dry skin. With 38 shades, it's also praised by Rivero for extremely dry skin. Packed with enriching ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine, pink algae extract, arnica, and panthenol, it works to reduce dark circles, puffiness, blemishes, and redness.
Get it at Sephora starting from $15+ (available in two sizes).
3. Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27
Despite its limited shade range and higher price, I can’t help but praise this luxury concealer. Every time I save enough, I treat myself to a new one. Fortunately, it lasts a long time, making it worth the splurge. It provides a natural finish, excellent coverage, and feels silky without irritating my sensitive skin or eyes. Rivero agrees it’s suitable for all skin types. It's available in 11 shades.
Find it at Nordstrom for $75.
4. La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer SPF 15
This versatile all-in-one concealer, foundation, and sunscreen is ideal for dry skin, as Rivero suggests. The steep price may cause hesitation, but it's worth considering due to its adaptability and premium ingredients. It comes in 12 shades.
Purchase it from Nordstrom for $280 (available in two sizes).
5. Glossier Stretch concealer
While it’s a bit creamy, I really enjoy using this Glossier concealer. It’s luxurious, smooth, and hydrating. I tend to use it on more laid-back days when I don’t need makeup to last for long hours and just want a natural look. Lanice recommends it for dry and sensitive skin types.
Get it for $22 from Sephora (31 shades) or Glossier (32 shades).
6. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech hydrating + de-puffing concealer with fermented arnica
Lanice recommends this versatile concealer from Lady Gaga's makeup line, Haus Labs, as the ideal choice for dry, normal, and even sensitive skin types. It offers medium coverage, hydration, and a beautiful, natural finish. Infused with niacinamide, fermented arnica, and hyaluronic acid, this formula helps brighten, hydrate, plump, and reduce redness or irritation. It comes in 27 shades.
Purchase it from Sephora for $32.
7. MAC Pro Longwear Liquid Correcting Concealer
Lanice suggests this iconic MAC concealer for those with oily or normal skin. It provides full coverage, dries to a matte finish, and stays in place without slipping. It's lightweight and won’t feel cakey, while giving you a flawless look that lasts all day. Available in 14 shades.
Get it at Ulta for $31.
8. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Rivero recommends this iconic Nars concealer, which is perfect for those with oily skin. With 26 shades available, it’s designed to resist creasing and transferring, while blurring fine lines and brightening the skin. It offers long-lasting hydration and contains a botanical blend to enhance the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Available at Sephora for $15+ (comes in two sizes).
9. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer
If you have oily skin, the Hourglass concealer is a must-try, according to Rivero. This weightless, waterproof formula offers excellent full coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. Its long-lasting wear resists settling into fine lines, blending smoothly for a natural, airbrushed finish that keeps you looking fresh all day.
Available at Sephora for $18+ (offered in two sizes and 20 shades).
The reviews for this post have been shortened and clarified for better readability.
