Concealer is one of the most versatile makeup products available, but it often gets pigeon-holed into being only for undereye bags and circles. So, what can concealer actually do? It can brighten dark circles, correct skin discoloration, cover active acne and acne scars, contour and highlight facial features, clean up lip and eye products, AND sharpen eyebrows. With all of the different ways to use concealer, it can be tricky finding the right one that fits your individual makeup needs. There are really only a few must-haves to ensure the product is high quality; a good concealer will apply easily and stay where it is put. Other than that, it is up to user preference! As makeup is more accessible than ever, it is important to remember that a high price no longer equals better quality. We’ve compiled a list of the best drugstore concealers for every face!
Top Picks for Drugstore Concealers
#1 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
Drugstore concealer users have unanimously agreed that Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer is the best on the market! The unique sponge-tip applicator allows for seamless application while the concealer boasts 12 hours of creaseless wear. With 18 shades to choose from this product allows its users to brighten, cover, or contour depending on shade choice. Even as the most beloved drugstore concealer, the Instant Age Rewind Concealer is not without critique; some buyers have noted that the product doesn’t dry down super well, and the applicator is prone to breaking.
#2 e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer
e.l.f. Cosmetics has been a drugstore staple for nearly two decades, so it is no surprise to see them on this list. This lightweight yet full-coverage concealer works double-time to erase imperfections AND hydrate the skin! With 25 shades, the Hydrating Camo concealer is one of the more widely accessible products available. Beware those with sensitive skin as the added skin-focused ingredients may cause some irritation! Buyers have also reported issues with creasing due to the lightweight nature of the concealer.
#3 Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
This concealer’s foundation counterpart is seen at the very top of our list of best drugstore foundations! It provides a natural finish for all skin types, so the Fit Me Concealer is a great option for those after that no-makeup makeup look. This concealer usually retails for less than $10 making it yet another affordable option. While there are 14 shades available, buyers have noted that the shades lean towards the lighter side giving the product a more limited audience. Additionally, if you are looking to cover any significant dark circles or prominent acne, I recommend opting for a more full-coverage product.
#4 NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
NYX allows anyone with any makeup budget to get that picture-perfect finish with their HD Studio Concealer. This medium-coverage product is easy to apply and blends well with others! A unique feature about this concealer is that within its 22-color shade range lies a lilac and a green concealer that are magic for correcting that hard-to-conceal discoloration. The HD Studio Concealer has been reported to settle into fine lines and creases, so this is not a product for more mature skin.
#5 Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer
For a life-proof, full-coverage option, Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer is a great choice! This water-resistant formula will last all day, and it can be used in many capacities. 18 shades are currently available, and buyers everywhere praise the range of options. Some even say it has taken the place of their foundation! Conceal+ Perfect Concealer is a well-loved product, but there have been reviews of the product being very drying to the skin. Those with more sensitive skin, be advised.
#6 NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
Similar to our pick for #5, NYX’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer is a full-coverage option for concealing or contouring all day long. It comes in 24 shades. Buyers love it for its easy application on all skin types and ability to seamlessly blend with other skin products. It’s also vegan! When selecting a shade in this product, it is important to know that it may oxidize and darken in color once applied. Choose accordingly!
#7 CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
Available in a whopping 30 shades with CoverGirl’s promise to cater to 99% of skin tones, the TruBlend Undercover Concealer is one of the most diverse concealers on this list! This lightweight option allows users to build coverage over dark circles and imperfections alike. TruBlend is a great option for daytime concealer wearers who want a quick and easy fix. It is specifically geared towards those with a quick routine as the product is known to dry rather quickly. Additionally, potential buyers should note that this concealer does not work well with powders and should be used with other liquid or cream products for a flawless finish.
#8 L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Concealer
Age Perfect Radiant Concealer is a buildable product made for lightening, brightening, and evening dark under eyes. Usually costing around $14, this concealer is on the higher end of the drugstore price range but is an excellent option for anyone looking to hydrate their skin while wearing makeup. This product also doesn’t settle into creases! With only 8 shades to choose from, this concealer will not be suitable for all skin tones. The texture of this product is meant to hydrate and move with the skin. So, if you are looking for a concealer with a lot of staying power, go for a more long-wear product.
#9 Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer
If your main skin concern is dark, tired-looking circles under your eyes, then look no further than Revlon’s ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer. Formulated with caffeine and vitamin c, this concealer depuffs, brightens, and conceals. You really get a bang for your buck considering it does the work of multiple products! Skin Awaken comes in 19 shades of buildable coverage and a natural finish. Because of the multitude of additional ingredients, some users have noticed a bit of separation in the product as well as a messy applicator.
#10 L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
We couldn’t possibly compile a list of the best drugstore concealers without mentioning the cult favorite Pro Conceal! 44 shades of concealing, brightening, color correcting, and contouring tones make this THE most versatile concealer on our list. The unique brush-type applicator allows for precision like no other, and the lightweight feel makes it wearable on all occasions. Did we mention it only costs around $5? Because it is so light, it requires a few layers for any substantial coverage; however, this also means it is great for layering with powder products. (Cosmetics List tip: check out these best drugstore bronzers to layer for an epic and affordable contour!)
Best Drugstore Concealers for Specific Skin Types and Concerns
Here is a list of the best of the best broken down by skin type and concern to help you in your search for the perfect drugstore concealer.
Best Under Eye Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer
Drugstore concealer users have unanimously agreed that Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer is the best on the market! The unique sponge-tip applicator allows for a seamless application while the concealer boasts 12 hours of creaseless wear. With 18 shades to choose from this product allows its users to brighten, cover, or contour depending on shade choice. Even as the most beloved drugstore concealer, the Instant Age Rewind Concealer is not without critique; some buyers have noted that the product doesn’t dry down super well, and the applicator is prone to breaking.
Best Concealer for Dark Circles
Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer
If your main skin concern is dark, tired-looking circles under your eyes, then look no further than Revlon’s ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer. Formulated with caffeine and vitamin c, this concealer depuffs, brightens, and conceals. You really get a bang for your buck considering it does the work of multiple products! Skin Awaken comes in 19 shades of buildable coverage and a natural finish. Because of the multitude of additional ingredients, some users have noticed a bit of separation in the product as well as a messy applicator.
Best Concealer for Mature Skin
L’Oréal Age Perfect Radiant Concealer
Age Perfect Radiant Concealer is a buildable product made for lightening, brightening, and evening dark under eyes. Usually costing around $14, this concealer is on the higher end of the drugstore price range but is a great option for anyone looking to hydrate their skin while wearing makeup. This product also doesn’t settle into creases! With only 8 shades to choose from, this concealer will not be suitable for all skin tones. The texture of this product is meant to hydrate and move with the skin. So, if you are looking for a concealer with a lot of staying power, go for a more long-wear product.
Best Concealer for Acne
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer
While your immediate reaction to acne is to smother it with product until it goes away, that is not always the healthiest option for your skin. Acne is a wound by nature and will need to breathe to heal. This is not to say that you can’t use a concealer with acne, it just means you must be a bit more mindful about the concealer you use! Almay’s Clear Complexion Concealer is an acne-fighting option. It contains salicylic acid to fight acne-causing bacteria and aloe to soothe inflamed skin. While it works overtime to fight and heal acne along with concealing it, there are unfortunately only 6 shades available.
Best Concealer for Fair Skin
NYX HD Studio Photogenic Concealer
NYX allows anyone with any makeup budget to get that picture-perfect finish with their HD Studio Concealer. This medium-coverage product is easy to apply and blends well with others! A unique feature about this concealer is that within its 22-color shade range lies a lilac and a green concealer that are magic for correcting that hard-to-conceal discoloration. The HD Studio Concealer is known to settle into fine lines and creases, so this is not a product for more mature skin.
Best Concealer for Oily Skin
e.l.f Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer
e.l.f. Cosmetics has been a drugstore staple for nearly two decades, so it is no surprise to see them on this list. This lightweight yet full-coverage concealer works double-time to erase imperfections AND hydrate the skin! With 25 shades, the Hydrating Camo concealer is one of the more widely accessible products available. Beware those with sensitive skin as the added skin-focused ingredients may cause some irritation! Buyers have also reported issues with creasing due to the lightweight nature of the concealer.
This concealer is especially great for those worried about their foundation not sticking to their face. Using oily skin-specific products on top of your foundation can help!
Best Contouring Concealer
L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
We couldn’t possibly compile a list of best drugstore concealers without mentioning the cult favorite Pro Conceal! 44 shades of concealing, brightening, color correcting, and contouring tones make this THE most versatile concealer on our list. The unique brush-type applicator allows for precision like no other, and the lightweight feel makes it wearable on all occasions. Did we mention it only costs around $5? Because it is so light, it requires a few layers for any substantial coverage; however, this also means it is great for layering with powder products. (Cosmetics List tip: check out these best drugstore bronzers to layer for an epic and affordable contour!)
Where to Go for the Best Drugstore Concealer
Where there is a road, there is a drugstore! From CVS to Walgreens and everywhere in between, many stores across the country have beauty sections worth checking out. Pricewise, drugstore beauty products will cost just about the same regardless of what store you go to. For extra savings, shop beauty at the store whose pharmacy you use! Most every drugstore has a loyalty program that allows you to earn item-specific coupons or discounts as you spend. You can also keep an eye out for weekly savings guides provided by each individual store. Product selection varies from store to store, so there really is no “best” company to shop at. If you can, spend some time at all of them! Then you can make the most informed opinion about which product is right for you.
Is Drugstore Concealer Worth It?
Absolutely! It can be so easy to get caught up in the name-brand products, and — as with any makeup product — concealer is offered at a range of prices. We hope that if you only gain one thing from this article it’s that great concealers CAN be affordable! There are tons of high-quality, low-price options on the market tailored to all shades and skin types.
Makeup is such a super personal thing, so questions like ‘Is concealer for me?’ and ‘How do I use it?’ can really only be answered by one person: YOU! With the options listed above, you can feel free to test out a product knowing it won’t break the bank. So, go to your local drugstore, pick what feels right, and see what you can create.
Simone is a graduate of Georgetown University and a skincare enthusiast. Her favorite skincare product is currently COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. In addition to her passion for cosmetics, Simone loves to spend time outdoors.