What does concealer do?

Concealer is typically used to cover blemishes, targeted spots, or under-eye circles, but you can also use it as a highlighter, contour, shadow primer, or to clean up your brow area after you’ve filled in your arches.

Should I apply my concealer before or after foundation?

This depends on what you’re working to conceal. While concealer can be applied either under or over foundation when covering under-eye circles, we recommend using concealer over a layer of foundation when hiding blemishes or spots.

Can I apply concealer with my fingers?

You can, and fun fact: Your body’s natural heat can actually help to warm up the product so that it spreads evenly over your skin. Make sure to blend it out well so that the product doesn’t leave behind any telltale lines.

The 12 Best Concealers for Acne in 2023

woman putting on foundation — Natalia Mantini / Refinery29 for Getty Images

Concealers can have many different functions, but let’s not forget that their OG intended duty is to camouflage any and every kind of imperfection, from dark circles to blemishes. Speaking of, a good concealer is arguably the most invaluable product for anyone battling breakouts. Yes, it’s important to address the root of the issue with the right skincare products, but let’s be real—those products take time to work. In the interim, concealer is your BFF, the easiest way to hide prominent pimples, fast. Using a formula specifically created not to aggravate acne is key, as the wrong product pick can make pimples worse.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Acne Concealer, replete with acne-clearing sulfur plus alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids to keep keep skin clear. We love that this highly pigmented formula doesn't cake or crease and is easily bendable for flawless coverage. For a more affordable pick, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer can be found in the drugstore for under $10. This oil- and wax-free formula will not clog pores.

The best options on the market have creamy textures that blend seamlessly into the skin while still offering plenty of coverage—and many even do double duty, infused with acne-fighting ingredients that deliver skin-friendly benefits.

We conducted hours of research on the best concealers for acne, evaluating each on coverage level and finish, as well as active ingredients specifically included to fight acne. We also paid careful attention to what these formulas don't have—namely oils and waxes that can clog pores and exacerbate whiteheads and blackheads. Our product testers tried some top-rated picks, noting how well they delivered results—and what impact the formulas had on their acne-prone skin. After considering dozens of formulas and consulting a licensed esthetician, we landed on these picks.

Ahead, find the best concealers for acne that won't break you out.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer at Cultbeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

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Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Dewy Finish:

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shade Range:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Fair Skin:

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 25 at Amazon

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Best for Medium Skin:

Armani Beauty Power Fabric Concealer at Amazon

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Best for Olive Skin:

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

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Best for Dark Skin:

BLK/OPL Flawless Perfecting Concealer

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Best Multi-Tasking:

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ

IT Cosmetics

View On Cultbeauty.com

What We Like

Infused with anti-aging peptides and hydrolyzed collagen
Drying lotion and concealer in one
Very gentle

What Don't We Like

Can be drying for some

Is this a makeup product or a skin care treatment? Answer: both. On the makeup side of things, this hybrid formula offers full-coverage pigments that never crease or cake, effectively covering up all kinds of blemishes, including deep cystic ones and acne scars. On the skincare side, it touts acne-clearing sulfur and alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, along with antibacterial tea tree and oil-absorbing clay, offering similar benefits as a drying lotion.

Price at time of publish: $38

4.2

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer Review

What We Like

Lightweight and breathable
Fragrance-free
Natural looking

What We Don't Like

Settles in creases

Oil- and wax-free, this formula doesn’t suffocate the skin. Instead, its translucent base and lightweight pigments ensure that your skin looks like skin. But make no mistake about it, it still offers plenty of coverage to hide all kinds of imperfections, pimples included. Bonus points for the fact that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning you don’t have to worry about (any more) clogged pores.

Price at time of publish: $7.49

What Our Testers Say

"The product is blendable, has a medium coverage, and gives my under eyes a naturally bright appearance. Since my circles are on the darker side, I have to layer the product twice, but my under eyes don’t look thick at all." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Riteaid.com

What We Like

Dermatologist-recommended
Infused with salicylic acid to combat acne vigorously
Fights acne and conceals
Wallet-friendly

What We Don't Like

Hard to match to skin tone

Salicylic acid is undoubtedly one of the best acne-fighting ingredients there is; the beta-hydroxy acid dissolves oil, helping to unclog pores, and is especially choice for knocking out blackheads and whiteheads.Adding it to a concealer is a brilliant move, essentially ensuring this cover-up acts as a simultaneous spot treatment. We also like the built-in sponge tip applicator that helps blend in the cover perfectly.

Price at time of publish: $8.27

4.7

Kevyn Aucoin

View On Amazon View On Bluemercury.com View On Kevynaucoinbeauty.com

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Review

What We Like

5-in-1 concealer, corrector, foundation, highlight, contour
Mimics the appearance of healthy skin
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Hard to blend out

This concealer is a cult classic for good reason. It’s truly unlike any other concealer out there—insanely rich, insanely buttery, and insanely pigmented. It’s those attributes that make it ideal for using on top of blemishes, though it works equally well to knock out dark circles, redness, and more. Plus, because you only need a teeny tiny bit for complete coverage, one jar lasts you a very long time.

Price at time of publish: $48 for 0.63 oz (Neutral/Deep)

What Our Testers Say

"My dark circles were completely erased with the tiniest amount of product, and once I set it with a touch of translucent powder, it stayed put all day." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

Fenty Beauty Pro Filtâr Instant Retouch Longwear Liquid Concealer

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Fentybeauty.com

What We Like

Long-wearing
Crease-proof
Light and airy

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Sure, finding a concealer shade that matches your skin tone is always important, but it’s even more imperative when you’re trying to camouflage breakouts. After all, the last thing you want is a noticeably discolored spot calling attention to what you’re trying to conceal. The only problem? Concealers are kinda notorious for coming in very limited shade options. Happily, that’s not the case with this pick from RiRi’s brand, which comes in a whopping 50 hues. Despite the medium-to-full coverage, it still feels light and airy on skin and is also long-wearing and crease-proof.

Price at time of publish: $28

4.5

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Cledepeaubeaute.com

What We Like

Infused with SPF 25
Melts into skin without creasing
Blends easily
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Change to formula

This beloved stick now comes in a dozen shades, including several paler tones perfect for those with fair complexions. Extra smooth and creamy, it delivers an airbrushed finish that will make even the peskiest pimples disappear instantly. The original formula was discontinued, alarming fans everywhere because why mess with a good thing, right? But the new formula has the addition of SPF 25.

Price at time of publish: $75

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Lightweight
Resists settling into fine lines
Time-releasing oils create smooth blending

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Don’t be fooled by the thin consistency of this formula; it packs a surprising amount of coverage with just one swipe and has a flawless matte finish. It also contains time-released oils that help ensure it never cakes or creases but always feels comfortable and hydrating.

Price at time of publish: $34

4.8

Ulta

View on Ulta View On QVC View On Tartecosmetics.com

What We Like

Long-lasting
Blends well
Crease-proof

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Review

Per the name, you’ve likely seen plenty of videos on social media of this being used to contour. And yes, it is in fact great for that, but we’d be remiss not to mention how well it actually conceals, too. The buttery texture seeps right into the skin and then stays put, hiding everything that needs hiding for hours on end. It comes in a nice array of 30 colors, including lots of options for those with olive complexions.

Price at time of publish: $31

What Our Testers Say

“The biggest takeaway from wearing shape tape is how my skin looked lifted immediately after applying, and the fact I was able to use it to highlight my features too, was a big win in my opinion.” — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester

Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer

Courtesy of Walmart

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Blackopalbeauty.com

What We Like

Wallet-friendly
Helps makeup pigments pop
Versatile

What We Don't Like

Doesn't blend well

Despite the fact that this only comes in five shades, three of those are geared towards deeper complexions, and all of them feature a unique shade-matching technology to further ensure seamless coverage. It’s also packed with skin-loving vitamins A, C, and E, and has a gorgeous velvety finish that tamps down the oily look of blemishes.

Price at time of publish: $9.50

Courtesy of PÜR

View On Amazon View On Purcosmetics.com

What We Like

Second-skin feel
4-in-1: Covers, brightens, renews, sculpts
Infused with age-busting retinol

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Hard to match skin tone

When it comes to multi-tasking products, Cole recommends this concealer that’s packed with skin-loving ingredients. “It not only helps to cover under eye dark circles and address and smooth the appearance of blemishes and skin imperfections, but it also has ingredients like encapsulated retinol, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, and antioxidants and can help cover, brighten, plump, and correct while providing a natural skin-like finish,” she says. “Consider it your concealer and breakout rescue all-in-one.”

Price at time of publish: $22

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Creamy in application
Long-wearing
Waterproof

What We Don't Like

Pricey

When you know it’s going to be a loooong day, reach for this formula. It delivers a ton of complete coverage (credit a high concentration of pigments) but won’t budge, smudge, or rub off no matter what (credit a waterproof technology). Plus, it’s oil-free and has a matte finish, which is always helpful when you’re talking about acne-prone skin.

Price at time of publish: $32

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Very blendable and creamy
Long-lasting
Vegan

What We Don't Like

Can crease a bit

Snaps for this formula for being both vegan and cruelty-free, along with offering that "only one swipe needed" type of coverage. The brand's Hydra-Boost complex ensures it’s nice and moisturizing, and it also has brightening pigments, perfect for erasing the look of blemishes. Its carefully tapered applicator tip is ideal for precise dotting, too. Overall, it's a great concealer for camo-ing anything and everything; Kat Von D herself even uses it to cover up tats.

Price at time of publish: $27

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Acne Concealer, which has acne-fighting ingredients and gives outstanding, bendable coverage. For a more affordable pick, the oil- and wax-free Maybelline Fit Me Concealer can be found in the drugstore for under $10.

Meet the Expert

Lynnette Cole is a makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and television personality. She’s currently the Global Education Director at PÜR is a former Miss USA.

What to Look For in a Concealer for Acne

Lightweight and Non-Comedogenic

When it comes to concealing acne, Cole recommends choosing a formula that is lightweight in texture and feel—heavy formulas may only further exacerbate acne. Non-comedogenic formulas are best, as they won’t clog pores and cause more breakouts. You don't have to spend a ton on a non-comedogenic formula, either. The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is oil- and wax-free and costs less than $10.

Blends Easily

Concealers are meant to camouflage blemishes, dark circles, and dark marks, not highlight them. That said, Cole says to find a formula that blends into your skin evenly and looks natural against your skin tone. The goal is to look like you’re not wearing concealer at all. We love how the Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer meshes with skin for a flawless matte, look. The celeb-beloved, TikTok famous Clé de Peau Beauté has reached icon status for the smooth complexion it leaves in its wake, earning it a spot on our list as well.

Skincare Benefits

Cole also suggests looking for a multi-tasking formula packed with ingredients to provide additional skincare benefits as it conceals. Her recs include antioxidants, which boost collagen production, brighten and fade hyperpigmentation and dark marks (including those left behind from past breakouts), and protect the skin against environmental stressors and free radical damage, as well as hydrating ingredients, like sodium hyaluronate. Of course, acne-fighting and oil-controlling ingredients like tea tree oil are also a plus (you can find it in our best overall pick, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Acne Concealer).

FAQ

What does concealer do?

Concealer is typically used to cover blemishes, targeted spots, or under-eye circles, but you can also use it as a highlighter, contour, shadow primer, or to clean up your brow area after you’ve filled in your arches.
Should I apply my concealer before or after foundation?

This depends on what you’re working to conceal. While concealer can be applied either under or over foundation when covering under-eye circles, we recommend using concealer over a layer of foundation when hiding blemishes or spots.
Can I apply concealer with my fingers?

You can, and fun fact: Your body’s natural heat can actually help to warm up the product so that it spreads evenly over your skin. Make sure to blend it out well so that the product doesn’t leave behind any telltale lines.

We Found the 16 Best Concealers for Sensitive Skin of 2023

Updated by Jill DiDonato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Suh DH, Oh H, Lee SJ, Kim HJ, Ryu HJ. Relationship between acne and the use of cosmetics: Results of a questionnaire study in 539 Korean individuals. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(7):2172-2178. doi:10.1111/jocd.13853
Yang J, Yang H, Xu A, He L. A Review of Advancement on Influencing Factors of Acne: An Emphasis on Environment Characteristics. Front Public Health. 2020;8:450. Published 2020 Sep 17. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00450
Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. doi:10.2147/CCID.S9042

Best Overall

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer

Best Budget

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer

Best Dewy Finish

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

Best Shade Range

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer

Best for Fair Skin

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 25

Best for Medium Skin

Armani Beauty Power Fabric Concealer

Best for Olive Skin

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Best for Dark Skin

BLK/OPL Flawless Perfecting Concealer

Best Multi-Tasking

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer

Best Long-Wearing

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer

Best Vegan

KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Concealer Crème

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