We Tested 25 Options, These Are The 12 Best Drugstore Concealers of 2023

Best Overall

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand

5

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In order for a drugstore concealer to be crowned the best of the best, it needed to check off a number of boxes. This one from NYX does all that and more. Case in point: It’s lightweight and layers easily, but doesn’t skimp on coverage. In fact, our tester raved about how easy it was to add thin layers of coverage onto dark circles and spots without looking cakey.

A little bit of the formula goes a long way, ensuring it’ll last a long time and you get your money’s worth. The concealer comes in a variety of shades, ranging from light to dark, as well as color-correcting hues like green, lavender, and yellow. Overall, we found it to be a great choice for everyday if you need a full-coverage concealer that blends easily into the skin and color-corrects blemishes and under-eye circles.

Price at time of publish: $6

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 23 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Dark Spots

Makeup Revolution Beauty Conceal & Define Concealer

4.3

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Powered by niacinamide, a skincare ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties, it’s no wonder why this concealer is a go-to for dark spots. It’s full-coverage, so it hides the look of darkness, whether from an old breakout or too much time in the sun, but also treats them over time and helps give them a little extra dose of calm.

Our tester found the texture thick upon first application, but after a bit of blending, it covered her dark spots quite well. Even after wearing it for a while, her dark spots were still undetectable and the formula felt comfortable on her skin. While our tester took no issue with the formula, she complained that the applicator was flimsy and she worried it wouldn’t last. All in all, as far as dark spot concealers go, this one is a solid option for hiding (and treating) pesky dark spots.

Price at time of publish: $7

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 40 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Blemishes

Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer

4.2

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When you’re prone to breakouts, you want a concealer that can cover your blemishes without making them more severe, and this SkinClearing concealer promises to do just that. You can expect medium coverage that reduces the look of breakouts over time. The salicylic acid formula treats while you cover, so there’s no more sacrificing your skin for the sake of its appearance.

Our tester raved about the formula, which didn’t crease or fade throughout the day, as well as the doe-foot applicator that distributes just the right amount of product every time. We love this one for those looking to spot conceal blemishes while still maintaining a natural finish, we do wish it had a much wider shade range though.

Price at time of publish: $9

Coverage Level: Light to medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 5 | Size: 0.05 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Dark Circles

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer

4.8

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There’s a reason why this concealer has been rated #1 in America.  It’s a go-to for Irwin as well. “This is a personal favorite of mine. The colors are great, the texture glides on like butter, and the coverage is impressive,” she says. Our tester agrees that it’s easy to blend, thanks to a super creamy consistency. It combines the best parts of a cream and liquid concealer to reduce dark circles in a pinch with little need for touch-ups throughout the day. It wins brownie points for a built-in applicator, which the tester says feels really nice on skin, and makes application easy, even if you don’t have a makeup bag full of brushes and sponges.

Price at time of publish: $11

Coverage Level: Medium to full | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 18 | Size: 0.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Acne

Maybelline New York Fit Me! Liquid Concealer Makeup

4.8

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If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss concealer that’s great for covering everyday acne, this is the pick for you. The lightweight liquid formula glides on smooth and has enough tackiness to last all day long as a spot corrector. Our tester loves its natural, dewy finish that makes it ideal for low-maintenance makeup days. She said the formula covered a blemish on her cheek flawlessly and didn’t crease or transfer, even after full day wear.

Price at time of publish: $8

Coverage Level: Light to medium | Finish: Dewy | Shades: 18 | Size: 0.23 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Long Wear

Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer

4.8

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Got oily skin? This humidity-proof, sweat-proof formula delivers 24-hour shine control so that your makeup stays where you want it to — on your face. Use this buildable coverage option for under-eye circles or discoloration, or go up a shade or two for the perfect contour. Since it’s matte, it dries quickly, but our tester swears that it’s easy to build up if you need more coverage. It completely camouflages the look of dark under eyes and blemishes, leaving behind a fresh, natural look.

Price at time of publish: $4

Coverage Level: Buildable | Finish: Matte | Shades: 20 | Size: 0.23 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Full-Coverage

COVERGIRL TruBlend Full Coverage Concealer

4.8

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With 30 shades in a variety of undertones — cool, neutral and warm — to choose from, this concealer is a great choice for almost everyone. The concealer has a velvety consistency that our tester loved. A fan of creamy concealers that don’t feel too thick, she especially loved how this one was a matte finish that still feels weightless. It comes with a large, fluffy doe foot that makes for super easy application, no matter how you’re using it.

Price at time of publish: $11

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 30 | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Matte Finish

L'Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer

4.5

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For coverage that stays matte rain or shine, this concealer from L’Oréal takes the cake. Our tester loved how it covered her dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots in one swoop. In fact, she took note that it didn’t crease at all, even when she applied it across the majority of her face. Try it for yourself and expect a one stop shop for blemishes and under-eye circles for a flawless complexion that lasts from your morning commute to after-work happy hour.

Price at time of publish: $14

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 25 | Size: 0.33 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Dark Skin Tones

Black Opal Brightening Concealer

4.8

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This BIPOC-owned concealer makes brightening up under-eyes and hyperpigmentation a breeze. The applicator glides on like your favorite lip gloss, making it convenient to toss in your purse on the go. The formula delivers full coverage for blemishes, while the shade selection is ideal for melanin-rich skin. “I use some of the colors in my professional kit,” says Irwin, who gives it her seal of approval, proving you can definitely get a professional quality product at a drugstore price.

Despite feeling like the product went on chalky at first, our tester was thrilled at how the product covered her under-eye discoloration and suited her undertone perfectly. She also put it to the test against hyperpigmentation and found it provided the right amount of coverage.

Price at time of publish: $10

Coverage Level: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 12 | Size: 0.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Cruelty-Free Formula

Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Concealer

4.4

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Dark circles, blemishes, and redness are no match for this ultra-clean drugstore formula. Just a dot of product straight from the tube conceals all the above and then some. Our tester especially liked how one tiny dab went a long way, ensuring the product will last a long time. To blend it out, she said she’d prefer a damp beauty blender to make sure the product melds into skin, but that fingers work surprisingly well, too. All in all, we love that with this clean concealer, there’s no creasing — or sign of imperfections, for that matter.

Price at time of publish: $10

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 18 | Size: 0.17 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Multitasker

Physicians Formula Natural Defense Concealer

4.3

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To win the spot as best multitasker, a concealer really needed to surprise our testers with its efficacy and offer sun protection. While it’s not recommended you skip sunscreen (even on cloudy days), you can rest assured that this concealer is working overtime to keep you protected. Formulated to shield skin from sun, blue light, and pollution, this concealer does it all. The ultra-blendable concealer impressed our tester with its comfortable texture, natural coverage, and functional tip. Just be aware that the tip dispenses the same amount of product every time, so if you need a little less, you may end up wasting some. Otherwise, our tester had no additional complaints and said it made her skin look fresh and bright.

Price at time of publish: $12

Coverage Level: Sheer | Finish: Natural | Shades: 6 | Size: 0.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes