A concealer is a beauty cosmetic product commonly used to cover up skin blemishes. Such blemishes include dark spots, acne, birthmarks, scars, uneven skin texture and discolouration. Concealers come in a thick liquid consistency produced with a highly pigmented formula to create an even skin tone effectively. Most brands produce an array of shades that fit every skin type, and there are those that also come in neutral shades. The diverse skin type and complexion across different races have made concealers evolve to become more inclusive with their products. Concealers come in different consistency and textures, such as cream, liquid, pencil, or powder. Liquid concealers work well for most skin types, varying between satin and matte finishes. Cream concealers offer more coverage with a much-pigmented appearance. Stick Concealers create medium to full coverage that usually comes in a tube packaging, perfect for concealing dark circles on the eyes. Pencil concealers provide versatility in use and are conveniently handy. Powder concealers serve the purpose of evening out skin colour but tend to feel muddy for people with oily skin types.
Choosing the best concealer for the skin is very important. It must perfectly match and blend in with the intended intensity of one’s natural skin colour. Concealers are made with different formulations, ingredients, and compatibility with one’s skin type. Some brands produce concealers specially formulated for oily, dry skin and those used on either sex. Concealers are commonly mistaken with foundations. They offer the same purpose, but concealers give more opacity and are much more pigmented than foundations. Getting the right shade according to one’s skin colour and type can be a miss or match for most beauty brands.
Listed below are the top three must-try and best concealers for all skin types in 2022.
- Best Overall: The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is the best overall concealer for its long-lasting formula and skin colour correction technology. It contains organic ingredients that add nourishment to the skin.
- Best long-wear: The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer outlasts all the other concealers, with a staying power for up to 24 hours. Its waterproof technology highly contributes to the lasting wear of the concealer.
- Best Waterproof: The Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer provides a modern waterproof feature that employs much resistant formula, resisting moisture and sweat. It is ideal for use even for the oiliest type of skin.
1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Best Overall)
The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a liquid formula in a variety of 30 beautiful, radiant finishes. Nars promises its users 16 hours of continuous skin correction and concealment. The concealer gives off medium coverage that appears radiant after application. The Mineral-tone Balancing powder is responsible for correcting the visible uneven skin colour. The concealer is also infused with different botanical blends like Grape Seed Extract and Magnolia Bark Extract, which help keep the skin hydrated and strong. Its light-diffusing Mineral Powder effectively diminishes the presence of wrinkles and fine lines. The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has an average price of £25 GBP. Users of the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer reviewed the product and gave it a 4.3-stars rating out of 5, praising the brand for the wide variety of shades.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Advantages |
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Disadvantages |
Radiant finish |
Cakey |
Long-lasting formula |
Dries out after application |
Colour-correcting feature |
2. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer (Best long-wear)
The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer is formulated with a waterproof solution to keep the product intact for up to 24 hours. It aims to cover any signs of irritation like redness, scars, and blemishes on the skin. One can choose from the different shades they offer to fit one’s skin colour and tone. Its waterproof feature resists any transfer and liquid that may come in contact with the skin. It is formulated with deeper pigments to blur out the darkest blemishes on the skin. People with oily skin need not worry as the concealer does not cause oil build-up when worn. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer can be bought for approximately £10 GBP. Users of the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer reviewed the product and rated it with a 4.4-stars out of 5 for its long-lasting wear.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Advantages |
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Disadvantages |
Waterproof and long-lasting formula |
Heavy on the skin |
Highly pigmented |
Tends to dry out |
Suitable for oily skin |
3. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer (Best Waterproof)
The Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer comes in a new and improved formula that offers a much more lightweight feel and is waterproof. It comes in a creamy matte texture that leaves a radiant finish on the skin. Besides effectively concealing skin blemishes, the enhancer moisturises the skin to prevent the cakey feeling when applied. It comes in 16 gorgeous shades, including three sets of neutral colour correcting formula that fits right into different skin colours. This concealer is versatile enough to complement different skin types from normal, dry, and oily. The Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer is available for around £24 GBP. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer gains a 4.4-star rating of 5 for its versatility and moisturising formula.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Advantages |
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Disadvantages |
Full coverage |
Greasy |
Suitable for all skin types |
Difficult to blend |
A little amount of product goes a long way |
Easily smears out |
4. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer comes in a creamy texture that turns matte when applied to the skin. The concealer is formulated to distribute throughout textured skin without any signs of creasing evenly. It provides medium to full coverage that can effectively conceal blemishes such as dark eye circles and skin discolouration. One can do away with easily smudge concealers as the Fenty Beauty Concealer comes with a sweat-resistant formula. The retouch concealer is made free from parabens and phthalates and is certified 100% vegan. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer is for sale approximately for £ GBP. The concealer is rated 3.8-stars out of 5, mainly for its flattering shades that fit most skin types.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer Advantages |
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer Disadvantages |
sweat-resistant |
Feels heavy on the skin |
vegan |
Sticky after-feel on the skin |
Long-lasting formula |
Creases out |
5. Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer
The Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer contains essential minerals that aid in concealing the skin’s blemishes. It offers full matte coverage that is suitable for all skin types. It is packed with nourishing ingredients like Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Aloe vera that rejuvenates dull skin. The perfect concealer maintains its lightweight feel on the skin with all its components. Its hydrating formula prevents any visible creases that may appear in extreme humidity and temperature. Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer details for approximately £19 GBP. The Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer is rated 3.9-stars out of 5 for its nourishing and concealing power packaged all in one product.
Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer Advantages |
Inika Certified Organic Natural Perfection Concealer Disadvantage |
Organic ingredients |
Cakey |
Nourishing formula |
|
Suitable for all skin types |
6. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer, is a multi-use product that eliminates dark spots and blemishes with just a click. It promises a full 12-hour coverage to the skin that doesn't just blur out dark spots but also helps moisturise. The concealer has a sponge tip on its packaging that conveniently provides a smooth application. It is formulated without oil and fragrance that may irritate the skin. Organic ingredients such as Goji berry and Haloxyl nourish deep into the layers of the skin. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer retails for around £7 GBP. The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer is rated 4.4-stars out of 5 for its easy-to-blend formula.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer Advantages |
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Concealer Disadvantages |
Smoothly blends on skin |
Creases out |
Easy application |
Poor coverage |
Feels lightweight |
Falls out within hours of application |
7. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer comes in a tube packaging that can conveniently be applied anytime and anywhere. It provides 16 hours of long-lasting wear that does not crease out. Tarte employs its own Tape Technology that effectively diminishes visible wrinkles and fine lines. It comes in a travel-size variant that fits right in the pocket. Infused with Shea and Mango Butter, that improves the skin’s texture and deeply moisturises its layers. Another ingredient, Licorice root, adds a lightening feature that colour corrects persistent blemishes. The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is available in stores for around £25 GBP. The concealer is rated 4.5-stars out of 5 for its long-lasting and nourishing formula.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Advantages |
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Disadvantages |
Long-lasting formula |
Heavy on the skin |
Highly pigmented |
Poor coverage |
Smooth and easy application |
8. delilah Farewell Cream Concealer
The delilah Farewell Cream Concealer comes in four gorgeous shades of Linen, Barley, Honey and Almond. It has a concealing power like any other, filling in uneven texture and blurring out skin blemishes. Hyaluronic is infused into the formula to address fine lines and wrinkles. The concealer contains antioxidants that remove free radicals and moisturisers that keep the skin soft and smooth the entire day. The delilah Cream Concealer is certified 100% vegan and is dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin. The delilah Farewell Cream Concealer is available in stores for around £25 GBP. The cream concealer is rated 4.8-stars out of 5 for its creamy texture and flawless finish on the skin.
delilah Farewell Cream Concealer Advantages |
delilah Farewell Cream Concealer Disadvantage |
Great coverage |
Faulty applicator stick |
Easy to blend |
|
Creamy finish |
9. Glossier Stretch Concealer
Glossier Stretch Concealer comes in a buildable coverage that gives a dewy finish to the skin. It promises to even out skin texture and blurs visible dark circles and skin redness. The concealer is infused with mineral pigments that lighten the skin, especially dark spots. Glossier makes sure that its concealer product is inclusive for everyone in that it offers 12 varieties of shades for every skin colour and complexion. The elastic micro waxes in the product help incorporate into the layers, making it one with the skin, resulting in a lightweight finish. It is formulated free from fragrance and dermatologist-tested safe for the most sensitive skin. The Glossier Stretch Concealer is available online and in stores for around £15 GBP each. The concealer is rated 4.3-stars out of 5 for its nourishing and skin-enhancing formula.
Glossier Stretch Concealer Advantages |
Glossier Stretch Concealer Disadvantages |
Dewy finish |
Creases out |
Great coverage on the skin |
Greasy |
Perfect for textured and wrinkled skin |
10. Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer
The Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer is a collection of varying shades that deeply hydrates and conceals the skin. The concealer assures long-lasting wear with full coverage that does not crease wrinkles and fine lines. It has a waterproof formula that resists smudging when it comes in contact with moisture and liquid. Hyaluronic acid keeps moisture intact between the layers of the skin to prevent the feeling of drying. Its no mask-like effect feels lightweight on the skin with layers of application. It is made cruelty-free and ideal for all vegan beauty cosmetic users. The Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer is retailed for approximately £6 GBP. The Catrice Cosmetics Concealer is rated 4.3-stars out of 5 for its full coverage and lightweight formula.
Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer Advantages |
Catrice Cosmetics True Skin High Cover Concealer Disadvantages |
Even application |
Smears off |
Great coverage |
patchy |
Waterproof formula |
How to choose the best concealer for your skin?
A general rule when choosing the best concealer for one’s skin tone is picking a shade close to one’s skin tone. One could test out the concealer on the skin in a well-lighted place. Another thing to do is evaluate the blemishes they are trying to conceal. Most often, the shades and colours of these concealers predetermine their capacity to blur out skin problems like acne, dark circles or evening out textured skin. Dark circles around the eyes suit shades leaning on peach undertones for light-skinned and orange undertones for people with darker complexions. One should be fully aware of the skin tone they have to pick out appropriate and close-to-skin-tone concealer products. For deeper and darker blemishes, one should choose concealers that can provide full coverage to sufficiently hide highly pigmented blemishes.
What is the best concealer for oily skin?
The best concealers for oily skin are those that don't have oil in the ingredient, are waterproof, light on the skin, and non-comedogenic. Oil-free concealer is a no-brainer for people with oily skin as it could only worsen the oil build-up in the ingredients. People with oily skin tend to oversecrete oil, which causes added weight to the concealer; a light formula would reduce that and minimise creasing. The best concealers for oily skin must be matte-finish and is non-comedogenic to reduce the overproduction of oil while not clogging out the pores. A matte finish also helps counteract the natural radiance that oily skin induces after long hours of wearing the concealer.
What is the best concealer for dry skin?
The best concealer for dry skin must include hydrating and moisturising ingredients. People often recommend liquid or cream concealers for people with dry skin as they mostly contain a hydrating formula that prevents drying out. One could also opt for concealers that leave a radiant finish to the skin as they may appear a little glossed out and hydrated. The best concealers for dry skin 2022 contain hydrating ingredients commonly including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides. Concealers should not show signs of flaking off, streaking or creases when applied for it to pass as a non-drying concealer.
What is the best concealer for men?
The best concealer for men must match their skin tone, complement their skin type and address the blemishes that need to be concealed. Concealers hold the same purpose as it is with women. After all, men have a few distinctive skin qualities apart from women that would require specific considerations to the concealer that would suit them
Listed below are the best types of concealers for men.
- A general rule when choosing concealer is that the shade must match their skin colour. Swatching the product on the back of the hand or over the arm would be a good indication of skin colour matching.
- A stick concealer is best recommended for men, primarily those unacquainted with concealers. These concealers come in a tube with a dedicated wand for a more straightforward application. They are handier and can come in travel-friendly sizes for men to carry anywhere. The best concealers and makeup for men 2022 must provide convenience and is compact.
- The level of coverage also matters depending on the blemishes that men want to cover. Higher coverage would be needed for highly pigmented blemishes like deep scars, birthmarks, acne, and facial moles.
- Men should be able to evaluate their skin type between normal and dry to oily. Men with oily skin should opt for matte and oil-free formulations to prevent worsening oil build-up. Dry skin should wear concealers with hydrating ingredients that keep the skin looking radiant and healthy.
Can concealers be used as a foundation?
Yes, concealers can be used as a foundation. These two cosmetic products somehow share the same purpose of concealing blemishes. Formulations for concealers have become so versatile that they can be used as a spot treatment, contour, and as a foundation. The only difference between the two is that concealers have a more pigmented and thicker formulation that gives them an edge by blurring out imperfections. One must be cautioned when using concealers as a foundation as they are highly pigmented and provide full coverage. Small amounts of concealer products can be lightly applied on the skin when used as a foundation alternative.