The Best Concealers For Dark Circles, Eye Bags & Blemishes, Tested By Vogue
From blemishes and hyperpigmentation to redness and dark circles, the best concealers can hide a multitude of sins. In fact, many make-up artists recommend actually forgoing foundation in favour of a good concealer. “I use concealer to brighten, not to cover,” says make-up artist Bari Khalique. “A current favourite of mine is the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Duo, which comes with perfectly blended two shades that brightens under eyes, hides blemishes and I also use it to lift the cheekbones.” Indeed, forget the cakey concealers of yesteryear – today’s innovative offerings blend seamlessly into the skin, delivering smooth, even coverage.
The trick is finding the right formula for your skin concern: If covering spots is your top priority, you might want to focus on finding something with salicylic acid to help unclog pores, while those looking for the best foundation for mature skin should look to lightweight formulations which won’t settle into fine lines, but instead enhance the skin’s glow. “When choosing concealer it’s not one-size-fits-all,” adds Khalique. “It’s good to try things out and play.”
Next, you’ll want to think about application. “I prefer to use fingers when applying concealer; the product blends better and it gives off a more natural, skin like finish.” You can also do it just as effectively with a beauty blender or make-up brush – choose a dense-bristled brush for areas where you require fuller coverage, and opt for a fluffy brush or sponge for a more second-skin look.
Vogue’s best concealers at a glance:
- Best concealer with skincare benefits: Victoria Beckham Beauty By Augustinus Bader: The Concealer Pen, £64
- Best for full, skin-like coverage: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Concealer, £30
- Best concealer for mature skin: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Concealer, £28.50
- Best liquid concealer: Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Concealer,
£26£18.20 - Best stick concealer: Clé De Peau Beauté Concealer Stick,
£55£44 - Best concealer for dark circles: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy Brightening Concealer, £26
Every concealer in our edit comes tried and tested by Vogue beauty editors, who have assessed the formulation, finish and longevity of countless concealers to bring you the best of the best. From oil free picks that won’t clog your pores as they cover your blemishes to nourishing formulas well suited to drier skin types and active options that complement the best eye creams, you’re sure to find the best concealer for you in the below shortlist of Vogue-approved options. From full-coverage cream concealers to lighter liquids and convenient sticks, scroll on for the Vogue guide to concealers for every preference.
Read more: An Expert’s Guide To Concealer For Mature Skin
- Best: click-pen concealer with active skin care
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Infused with Augustinus Bader’s world-renowned TCF8® skincare complex, this concealer doesn’t just camouflage skin concerns – it actively treats them, too. From spots and wrinkles to puffiness and pigmentation, the actives in its formula help to improve the quality of skin with every wear. Among them: acetyl hexapeptide-8, a topical substitute for botox, polyglutamic acid, a powerhouse for collagen production and squalane, which strengthens the moisture barrier for your smoothest skin yet. As for the coverage, it’s buildable and skin-similar, with enough pigment to conceal discolouration without looking overdone.
4/23Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Best concealer for: a radiant finish, medium-buildable coverage and precise application
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Nars’s award-winning concealers are cult classics for good reason. This particular one is popular for its medium to buildable coverage, which allows for correction with a more natural and dewy finish. What’s more, it boasts a slimline doe foot applicator which s perfect for spot concealing, targeting fine lines and the hollows under the eyes.
5/23Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer
- Best concealer for: maximum coverage with a skin-mimicking finish
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Offering maximum coverage but still retaining a lightweight consistency, this concealer really is magic in a bottle. Designed to diffuse light for filter-like flawlessness, kiss blemishes and discolouration goodbye.
Best concealer for: a dewy, full coverage finish
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Lightweight and full-coverage, the Very Valentino concealer really can do it all. A brilliant brightening concealer, it lends a luminous finish to the skin, while hydrating the area throughout the day, thanks to caffeine, vitamin E and amino acids. It’s also great for de-puffing the eye area.
Best concealer for: sensitive or breakout-prone skin
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Oxygenetix’s Oxygenating Concealer is paraben, water and fragrance-free, making it perfect for even the most sensitive of skin types. The aloe vera in the formula helps to soothe the skin, while the full-coverage pigments do their job disguising blemishes. It’s also sweat and water-resistant,so is truly long wearing.
- Best concealer for: brightening dark circles and eye bags
Why it’s Vogue-approved:
This concealer is packed full of skin boosting ingredients and is a great option if you’re seeking a natural finish. With caffeine, collagen-boosting algae extract and peptides, it helps to alleviate dark circles and dull skin while delivering a dewy, natural glow.
