Hide dark under-eye circles and cover blemishes with our favourite concealers, designed to combat all manner of imperfections
If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, or need something that can camouflage blemishes and redness, you need to invest in the best concealer you can get your hands on.
Whatever your concealer needs, whether it’s dark circles, fine lines, blemishes or redness we’re sure to have the best concealer for you below.
Best under eye concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, £27.50, John Lewis
Under-eye concealers are the best way to combat dark circles and disguise any signs of late nights (or very early mornings). The best concealer for this delicate area will be feather-light but durable enough to combat shadows and conceal those pesky lines. Sounds like a tough job, but it’s nothing that our round up can’t handle. The best concealers for dark circles will even radiate light – keeping your eyes bright all day long. While on the hunt for a new concealer, look for products that are packed with moisturising properties. A truly indulgent formula will have vitamin A and D infusions to help fight the effects of dryness and encourage elasticity. An industry favourite for years, Laura Mercier’s Secret Camoflauge completely camouflages dark circles and blemishes. With two shades to match your undertone and your skin colour, you can create your own custom blend and thus the perfect coverage.
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Best drugstore concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, £3.99, Boots
Insanely popular thanks to its affordable price point, Collection’s concealer is the proud owner of endless positive reviews from consumers, YouTubers, beauty bloggers and editors alike. Considering its affordable price tag, it’s thick, pigmented and does a good job of covering spots and dark circles, plus there’s a lot in the tube for just four quid. Resist the temptation to dab directly on to your face, especially spots (not hygienic) – instead, dab a little onto a clean finger, press into the blemish and blend slightly using a brush if you prefer.
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Best concealer for dark circles
Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector, £19.50, Fabled
Technically a corrector, we know, but the power of this little pot of pigmented cream is a firm favourite of so many in the office that we had to give it a mention. Colour matched as a concealer is to your skin tone, the pink or peach toned formula perfectly neutralises any dark under-eye shadows. The result? You look super awake and healthy – before you’ve applied any other products. It’s no wonder the brand calls it one of the ‘secrets of the universe’. Check out our before and after pictures if you don’t believe us, and follow with Bobbi’s Creamy Concealer to disguise bisque or peach hues.
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Best concealer for dry skin
Clarins Instant Concealer, £22.50, John Lewis
Dry skin benefits from all textures of concealer, they just need to be nourishing and glow-giving to nourish rather than enhance dry patches. Liquids will do this perfectly well, but also try out creams; they’ll be thicker and give better coverage, and a stick is perfect for blending and dotting along imperfections, whereas a cream concealer works well under the eyes to cover up any discolouration. The last thing mature or dry skin types need is a cakey formula that’ll make fine lines or dry patches look worse – opt for a nourishing liquid formula that’ll sink into the skin and give some luminosity. Smooth fine lines and banish shadows and imperfections while boosting radiance with Clarins Instant Concealer; lightweight and smoothing, this concealer is a make-up bag must.
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Best concealer for acne
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, £18, Selfridges
Much like the best under eye concealer, this one will even out your skin tone while covering any blemishes or redness. The only difference? You don’t want the brightening effect. When you’re aiming to hide redness or blemishes, you don’t want to attract attention to the area. Make sure to use one of the best acne treatments beforehand so it can get to work under your concealer. MAC’s new Pro Longwear Concealer issuper lightweight and so it flows over any angry, raised areas easily before sinking into the skin. Use a pointed concealer brush to ‘scribble’ over any blemishes, using the warmth of your finger to gently blend the edges into the skin for the most subtle spot coverage ever.
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Best concealer for spots
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, £39, Space NK
Pesky spots can be a nightmare to cover up; while there’s nothing wrong with blemishes, having a giant zit may make you feel self-conscious. On its own, Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Finish is perfect for pressing onto spots, scars, birthmarks, but its pretty versatile in that the pigment can be mixed for foundation, too. Just about anything can be disguised by this power pigment, which comes in a huge spectrum of light, olive and dark shades. For a formula that blends more easily, mix with a little moisturiser for a concealer, or more for a full coverage base. It’s a cult classic for a reason.
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Best concealer for acne scars
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer, £20.99, Fabled
First of all, those dark marks left after a spot aren’t classified as acne scars – you’ll need a highly pigmented concealer with brightening properties and a good glycolic acid toner to combat those. Deep, textured, pitted scars need something more heavy-duty, so look for something with a creamy, sturdy texture to completely fill and cover them. Amazing Cosmetics’ answer to the best concealer is highly concentrated, so you only need the tiniest dab to cover any acne scars. It works on dark circles, broken capillaries, redness and acne as well – just remember to blend with your finger to melt the slightly waxy texture into your skin.
Best concealer for oily skin
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £24, Fabled
Once you’ve found the best foundation for oily skin, it’s time to pair it with a trusty concealer. Those with an oily skin type should typically should avid creamy or stick concealers and instead opt for liquid concealers. Not only does they easily build coverage, they’re also easy to apply and are less likely to crease thanks to their light texture. However, there are some great new oil-free cream concealers on the market, which help you stay free from shine all day long. NARS’ oil-free formula is every oily-skinned girl’s dream and it’s got seriously magic coverage and staying power. The soft-focus finish blurs away imperfections, it lasts for hours without creasing or caking, plus the inclusion of peptides, vitamins A, C & E, and hyaluronic acid mean your skin gets a treat underneath.
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Best concealer for dark skin
LA Girl PRO.conceal HD High Definition Concealer, £5, Beauty Bay
Most brands have only just started to take notice of their olive and dark-skinned clients and it’s about time. While it’s important to prioritise a formula that sits comfortably on your skin, blurs imperfections and does all the other tricks, those with darker skin need to pay careful attention to the actual pigment of the concealer; avoid anything that looks greyish, reddish or ashy and make sure it doesn’t oxidise or go lighter or darker throughout the day. LA Girl’s Pro.conceal works all over for blemishes, dark circles and fine lines, but we’re mostly impressed by the serious range of shades on offer. From Porcelain to Almond To Dark Cocoa, there really is something for everyone – and at a fiver, it’s a total steal.
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Best concealer brush
Although some people prefer to use the ‘wand’ or bristled tip of their concealer, a brush is recommended in order to ensure that you make the most of the product and get a nice, even finish with equal coverage. Size-wise, we suggest something like this Bobbi Brown Concealer Brush, or the classic MAC Concealer Brush. Alternatively, pat concealer into the under eye area with your ring finger – it’ll fit perfectly into the inner corner of your eye socket and under the lash line.
Our pick of the best under-eye concealers will help you achieve that flawless look – no matter what kind of night you had.
Shop more of our favourite conealers below.
