7 Drugstore Concealers That We Love
May 06, 2024When you’re shopping for makeup at a store like Sephora or Ulta, it’s pretty easy to tell if you’ll like a product or not, since you can test it out in-store. Drugstores, however, don’t usually let you swatch products—which can make your hunt for the best drugstore concealer feel like a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you and tested tons of concealers to find the best of the best. If you’re looking for an affordable concealer that actually delivers, keep reading. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of our favorites, from full-coverage options to lighter, more buildable varieties. Plus, we’ll clue you in on some of our best tips and tricks to keep in mind when shopping for drugstore concealer. Find it all ahead.
L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer
Coverage: Medium-coverage concealer
Finish: Hydrating, radiant finish
Dewy skin is going to continue to be a huge trend throughout 2024 (and probably beyond). Get ahead of the curve by swapping out your matte-finish concealer for this radiant-finish option from L’Oréal Paris. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and caffeine and helps de-puff, brighten, and camouflage imperfections with a lightweight, crease-resistant finish. Plus, it comes in 24 skin-like shades that coordinate with the brand’s True Match Super-Blendable Foundation and Super-Blendable Powder, taking the guesswork out of color matching your base makeup routine. Consider us obsessed.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Purpose Concealer
Coverage: Medium to full-coverage concealer
Finish: Natural-looking, hydrating finish
This iconic oil-free concealer is like your favorite pair of jeans: comfortable, versatile, and always reliable. The multi-use formula hydrates, conceals, contours, and corrects. We’re especially fond of the concealer’s easy-to-use sponge tip applicator, which makes covering those pesky dark circles a total breeze.
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Fix Stick Correcting Concealer
Coverage: Buildable, medium-coverage concealer
Finish: Natural finish
It wouldn’t be a list of our best drugstore concealers without NYX Professional Makeup—and this creamy option is among our current favorites. The medium-coverage concealer stick comes in 18 skin-like shades as well as six color-correcting options that help neutralize the look of redness, dark circles, and other skin discolorations. Swipe it directly on your skin and blend it with a makeup sponge or brush for up to 12 hours of natural-looking, crease-resistant coverage.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re not sure what shade to choose, see if the brand has a virtual try-on tool on their website (many do). You can find NYX Professional Makeup’s virutal try-on feature here.
Maybelline Super Stay Longwear Liquid Concealer Up to 30HR Wear
Coverage: Full-coverage concealer
Finish: Matte finish
Next time you have a long day (or night) ahead of you, we suggest reaching for this concealer from Maybelline. It offers up to 30 hours (!) of wear, with a full-coverage matte finish that still manages to feel lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Plus, it’s waterproof, transfer-proof, and resists creasing. Super, indeed.
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Up To 24H Full Coverage
Coverage: Full-coverage concealer
Finish: Matte finish
It can be challenging to find a concealer for oily skin that actually stays put, but this high-coverage concealer seriously delivers. The waterproof formula completely covers imperfections like redness and discoloration and dries down with a non-greasy matte finish that stays put for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that because this is so pigmented, a little goes a long way—we recommend starting off with less concealer than you’d normally use and adding more as needed.
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Coverage: Medium-coverage concealer
Finish: Natural finish
Skincare-makeup hybrids like this serum concealer from NYX Professional Makeup give you the best of both worlds. The unique formula with tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea conceals imperfections while also helping to hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours. As far as we’re concerned, it’s one of our favorite concealers for dry skin.
e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer
Coverage: Full-coverage concealer
Finish: Satin finish
When you want a full-coverage concealer but aren’t feeling a matte makeup moment, reach for this hydrating option from e.l.f. It boasts a long-lasting, satiny finish and resists creasing and transferring. Plus, the TikTok-viral formula clocks in at under $10.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Concealer
When choosing a concealer, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration. These include:
Coverage: The amount of pigment and, by extension, coverage in concealers can vary wildly. Some offer barely-there coverage to subtly even out your skin tone, while others provide nearly opaque coverage for concealing visible redness and other discoloration. If you’re not sure which is right for you, we recommend starting with a medium-coverage concealer that you can build to your liking.
Finish: Like foundations, concealers come in a range of finishes, from ultra-dewy and radiant to completely matte. Consider what type of makeup look you usually go for—dewy, natural, or matte—and opt for a concealer that aligns with that look.
Shade range: When it comes to concealer, finding your shade match is essential for getting a natural-looking finish. The broader the shade range, the more likely you are to find a concealer that matches your skin (just don’t forget to take your undertones into account, too).
Usage: Think about how you usually use your concealer. Do you apply it only to the under-eye area, or use it just to spot conceal blemishes? Or do you prefer to use concealer to sculpt, brighten, and shape your face, too? The answers to these questions can help steer you in the direction of a drugstore concealer that suits your needs.
Price: Finally, consider how much you’re willing to spend. Typically, drugstore concealers will clock in at under $20, but the exact amount can vary depending on what formula you’re looking at (and where you’re shopping). Knowing how much you’re willing to spend can help you narrow down your options and find a concealer that works for you.
FAQs About Drugstore Concealer
- What is the best drugstore concealer for mature skin?
“Best” is subjective, but in our opinion, the best drugstore concealers for mature skin are those that have creamy, hydrating formulas, since mature skin tends to be prone to dryness. Try Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Purpose Concealer—it’s hydrating and resists creasing for a natural-looking finish.
- What concealer is best for dark circles?
If you’re looking for a concealer specifically for dark under-eye circles, look for a formula with caffeine. One of the best drugstore under-eye concealers we’ve tried is the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer. It covers dark circles and helps de-puff the eyes for an instantly brighter appearance.
- Does concealer make dark circles worse?
Concealer is not known to make dark circles worse. Typical causes of dark circles can include sleep deprivation, irritation, and even genetics.
Using products that are too harsh for your skin can contribute to redness, though, so if you’re prone to sensitivity, ensure the formula you’re using is suitable for sensitive skin.
- How do you shop for concealer?
To shop for concealer like a pro, decide how much coverage you want (light, medium, full) and what type of finish you want (radiant, natural, matte, etc). That should narrow down your options significantly. Then, pick a formula that best aligns with your needs. In general, you’ll want to have two concealers on hand: one that matches your skin to conceal imperfections, and something a shade or two lighter to brighten and highlight.
Next Up: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Color-Correcting Makeup Like a Pro