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When the unexpected happens on our face—a random breakout, sunken-in dark circles from a late night, puffiness from crying—there is one quick makeup fix we can turn to: using a trusty concealer. Concealers are the unsung heroes of our makeup routines, and one of our favorite aspects of these miracle workers is that you can find some of the best ones ever at your local drugstore. But how do you pick the right drugstore concealer?
Shop The Best Drugstore Concealers
That actually depends on a lot of different factors. "There’s so much personal preference here," says Donni Davy, Euphoria lead makeup artist and co-founder of Half Magic. "Concealers come in sticks, creams, liquids, high coverage, sheer, oily, matte, shimmery, and endless options."
So consider this the ultimate drugstore concealer guide. Davy along with other celeb makeup artists share their picks along with tips and tricks for incorporating inexpensive concealers into your makeup routine. See below to find the right one for you.
Best for Travel
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
Pros
Radiant finish- Built-in sponge applicator
- 12-hour wear
Cons
- Reveiwers say they wish there were more shades available
One of the top drugstore concealers, this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind has a smooth formula that leaves a radiant finish. Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo typically buffs out concealer with a damp sponge, but the built-in application makes this perfect for on-the-go.
Customer Review:
"I have been using this concealer for years. It has always done an excellent job of covering my dark circles." -Sheri
| Shades | 18 |
|---|
Pros
- Lasts all day
- Full coverage
Cons
- Reviewers say that it's best for oily skin
This concealer receives high praise from everyone from TikTok influencers to celeb makeup artists, and for good reason: It’s full coverage, won’t cake or settle into fine lines and creases, and lasts all day.
Customer Review:
"I'm 1000000% in love with this if you're like me and like a matte finish on your makeup use this product!!!" -Sophia
| Shades | 23 |
|---|
Pros
- Radiant finish
- Blends in seamlessly
Cons
- Reviewers say that they wish there were more in-between shades
- Reviewers claim it can be a bit drying
Like a cup of coffee for your under-eyes, this hydrating concealer instantly rids bags and dark circles, and gives the skin a natural, radiant finish.
Customer Review:
"I love the consistency. Application and blending is super easy. Lasts a long time too, you don't need much." -Andra
| Shades | 9 |
|---|
Pros
- Matte finish
- Can double as a highlighter or contour product
- Wide shade range
Cons
- Reviewers say that it can be a bit thick
If you gravitate toward matte formulas, this waterproof one is a top pick. Celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin says this full-coverage concealer can cover most skin concerns, from acne scars to blemishes. Pro tip: Go a few shades lighter to use as a highlighter or a few shades darker to use as a contour.
Customer Review:
"I love this concealer, the consistency and the coverage is amazing!"-CindyBoo115
| Shades | 25 |
|---|
Pros
- Seamless full-coverage
- 18-hour longwear
Cons
- Reviewers say it can be a bit drying
This high-coverage formula stays put (without creasing) for 18 hours while hydrating with hyaluronic acid. For a more sheer look, blend it out with your fingers. To keep the coverage full, celebrity makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf- Tilbury recommends layering on with a brush.
Customer Review:
"This concealer looks so good on the skin. It's easy to blend, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is really hydrating. It's my absolute favorite and I've tried a lot of concealers over the last couple years." -Lisa Bee
| Shades | 12 |
|---|
Pros
- No creasing
- Doe-foot applicator for precise application
Cons
- Reviewers say it can be a bit drying
The pointed doe-foot applicator on the CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer makes it easy to precisely apply product. Oquendo suggests placing concealer on the inner corner of your eye and right underneath your brow bone to fake a wide-awake look.
Customer Review:
"I an in love with the product, this is probably Covergirl's best product I've ever used! It's full coverage, and blends beautifully. I have dry skin and it doesn't cling to dry spots or crease (where creasing shouldn't be). I def recommend!!" -Emley
| Shades | 12 |
|---|
Pros
- Contains caffeine and vitamin C for hydrating and brightening properties
Cons
- Reviewers say it can go on thick
When it comes to drugstore concealers, this multipurpose one is hard to beat. Infused with caffeine and vitamin C, it hydrates, refreshes, and brightens in one step.
Customer Review:
"I've tried quite a few concealers and I keep coming back to this one. Blends beautifully, creamy formula that is moisturizing without being oily, doesn't crease once set, good coverage without it being *too much* coverage. Shade 005/Fair fits my complexion perfectly."
| Shades | 18 |
|---|
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has vitamin E, green tea, and snow mushroom for hydration and brightening effects
Cons
- Reviewers say it can sometimes be streaky once dried
This TikTok-viral (and personal pick from Martin) formula combines good-for-your-skin ingredients like vitamin E, green tea, and hydrating snow mushroom with illuminating coverage. "They give incredible buildable coverage and it's easy to spot your shade match from its tube," he says. For light makeup days, skip foundation and try this concealer as an all-over base product.
Customer Review:
"Concealers are always tricky for me... but not this one. It was perfect and a little does go a long way. Perfect coverage and easy to bled. Definitely worth it and I have normal to dry skin."
| Shades | 17 |
|---|
Best on a Budget
Wet n Wild Mega Last Incognito All-Day Full Coverage Concealer
Now 24% Off
Pros
- Has hydrating ingredients like shea butter, licorice root extract, and mango seed butter
Cons
- Reviewers say that the scent can be off-putting
For as much as (or even less than) your daily iced coffee, you can get this concealer, which provides mega coverage and hydrates with shea butter, licorice root extract, and mango seed butter.
Customer Review:
"I get really bad dark circles under my eyes and have tried everything for concealer and this has worked the best by far. It gives great coverage that lasts without creasing and you cannot beat it for the price."
| Shades | 13 |
|---|
Pros
- Hydrating
- Sheer coverage
Cons
Dry under-eyes have met their match: This Neutrogena concealer with a hyaluronic acid-infused center hydrates the skin while adding sheer coverage.
Customer Review:
"This is an amazing under eye concealer. I have tried about 4-6 different under eye concealers in the last 6 months and nothing beats Hydro Boost concealer! I noticed with all the other under eye concealers my under eye looks dry and the concealer ends up settling in under eye lines and wrinkles and just ends up emphasizing all the lines and wrinkles! With Hydro boost it moisturizes and does not settle in fine lines and wrinkles. After using this 1 week, I ran out and bought 2 more! This is exactly what I have been searching for...love it!" -Lynnie
| Shades | 5 |
|---|
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to treat acne
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Only 5 shades
- No shades for deep skin tones
While this concealer provides skin natural-looking coverage to hide those pesky blemishes, it also contains salicylic acid to treat acne at the same time. It's non-comedogenic and oil-free so it won't clog pores, making it ideal for those who are acne-prone.
| Shades | 5 |
|---|
Pros
- Matte Finish
- 24-hour longwear
Cons
- Reviewers say that it's hard to shade match
A creamy concealer that stays on through humid weather, sweat, and more, this matte formula is your go-to for when you need all-day coverage.
Customer Review:
"I've been wanting to try Rimmel products because they don't shimmer. So in switching from a different concealer to try this Rimmel one, I was actually impressed. It remained matte for a good part of the day, held up to sweating, blended in well to my skin tone. And didn't settle into fine lines. Longevity could have been improved to last the entire day."
| Shades | 13 |
|---|
Pros
- Made for deep skin tones
- Brightens complexion
Cons
Specifically formulated for those with dark and deep skin, this concealer blends in seamlessly for natural-looking coverage. It also has a luminous finish to give your skin a glow boost.
| Shades | 12 |
|---|
Pros
- Hydrating
- Super pigmented
- Wide shade range
Cons
Davy likes this concealer specifically for under the eyes. "It’s super pigmented and a little goes a long way," she says. It's a full-coverage concealer that has a satin finish, but it's also super hydrating.
Customer Review:
"Impressed by the formula. Best for dry skin. Keeps my skin hydrated."
| Shades | 24 |
|---|
Pros
- Blends well
- Lightweight
- Natural Coverage
Cons
- Reviewers say that it doesn't last as long as they'd like
This lightweight concealer makes for great spot coverage if you're looking to hide blemishes, acne scars, and dark spots. It's lightweight and oil-free, so it won't clog pores and cause breakouts.
Customer Review:
"It's legit a amazing drugstore product. Works like magic and doesn't dry and crease. AMAZING GO BUY NOW!"
| Shades | 14 |
|---|
Great Shade Range
Makeup Revolution Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Full Coverage Concealer
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Full-coverage
Cons
- Reviewers say that it might cause creasing
Another two-in-one product, this concealer is packed with nourishing skincare ingredients to calm and soothe the skin while providing coverage. You'll find niacinamide to reduce any redness and irritation. Plus, it has a wide range of shades to match any skin tone.
Customer Review:
"I use this almost as foundation for acne scars and small breakouts and it's amazing. It has such good coverage, it lasts so long, and it's super light weight."
| Shades | 24 |
|---|
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Reviewers aren't a fan of the wand applicator
Made with a cooling ceramic wand applicator, this concealer provides buildable coverage while also reducing the appearance of puffiness. It also helps cover dark circles, evens out skin tone, and brightens the eye area.
Customer Review:
"I purchased this product last week and LOVE it. My toddler accidentally bruised his mommy during our vacation a couple days before I returned back to work. 1.) The applicator is not a traditional sponge and I'm so happy about that. 2) Perfect dots of concealer to discourage "caking" of product every time I pull the wand out. 3) it blends so well! I recommend this product even if it's for daily use."
| Shades | 10 |
|---|
Pros
- Contains ceramides and peptides to hydrate and depuff
- Buildable coverage
Cons
Made with ceramides and peptides, this concealer hydrates the skin and helps reduce puffiness. Its creamy formula also provides buildable coverage to hide those dark circles and fine lines.
| Shades | 10 |
|---|
What's the difference between a drugstore concealer and the higher-end options?
Martin says that thanks to new formulations and advanced technology, you can't really tell the difference between a drugstore concealer and a more expensive one other than the cost. "Just because a brand is sold at a drugstore doesn't mean their formulas don't perform as well or aren't as high-end as fancier brands," agrees Davy. "There are no rules here."
How do you find the right shade?
Martin says shade-matching a drugstore concealer might be tricky because you won't be able to test it out in-store the same way you can for more expensive concealers. The best way to shop is to stay within neutral tones. "Neutrals are a good balance of warm and cool," he says. "Once you understand undertones, you can then identify your own shade."
When it comes to hiding certain skin concerns, it's all about color correcting. Davy recommends shades that have more of a peach, pink, orange, or red undertone to them to hide under-eye darkness as those shades will counteract the blue-ish or gray in dark circles. Blemishes, she says, you'll want to pick a shade that matches your skin tone.
Oquendo recommends swatching a few different shades against your jawline and picking the one that disappears. “When you swipe your concealer, give it about five minutes to dry down, because some concealers might change color,” he adds.
Katie Intner
Katie Intner is the associate beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar across print and digital, where she covers (and tests) everything from the latest aesthetic treatment your dermatologist loves, to science-forward fragrances, to the biggest beauty tech innovations and at-home tools. When Katie is not working on a story or connecting with brands to delve into the latest and greatest formulas, she can be caught scouring a French pharmacy in Paris, or checking out a buzzy new spa or wellness haven. Before joining the Harper’s Bazaar team, Katie held fashion and beauty positions at Nylon, The Zoe Report, and People.
Audrey Noble
Beauty Contributor
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
