The 9 Best Drugstore Concealers Tested and Reviewed by Editor
Discover top-rated drugstore concealers for every skin type and concern, reviewed by real beauty experts and editors.
Best Drugstore Concealers: An Editor’s Pick
Finding the perfect concealer doesn’t mean you have to splurge on luxury brands. The drugstore aisle is packed with affordable options that can rival high-end favorites, but with so many choices, how do you decide which is best for you? Cosmopolitan’s Beauty Editor, Beth Gillette, set out to answer that question by rigorously testing 15 drugstore concealers. She evaluated each for coverage, longevity, finish, shade range, and ease of application. The result? A curated list of the top nine drugstore concealers, vetted for real-world wear, versatility, and value.
How We Tested: The Selection Process
To ensure this ranking was as reliable as possible, all concealers were tested on bare skin, paired with foundation, and reapplied for touch-ups throughout the day. Criteria included:
- Coverage: How well the concealer masks under-eye circles, blemishes, and redness.
- Finish: Whether the concealer delivers a radiant, matte, or satin look.
- Longevity: How long the concealer stays put without creasing or fading.
- Shade Range: The diversity and inclusivity of available shades.
- Ease of Application: How smoothly the concealer blends and works with different tools.
Top 9 Drugstore Concealers
The beauty industry is evolving fast, and drugstore concealers now compete with luxury brands in both quality and performance. Here are the standouts, according to Beth Gillette’s rigorous testing:
1. Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Concealer
Pros: Lightweight, moisturizing, natural-looking finish.
Cons: May crease if not set with powder.
This concealer is beloved for its creamy consistency, medium coverage, and radiant finish. It blends seamlessly with all types of foundation and is especially kind to dry under-eyes. Many consider it a dupe for the much pricier Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, thanks to its lightweight feel and hydration. Oil-free, this formula is also a great pick for acne-prone skin. Comes in 18 shades, making it a solid choice for many skin tones.
2. L.A. Girl Pro Concealer
Pros: Ultra-affordable, full coverage, extensive shade range (40 shades, including color correctors).
Cons: Some dislike the brush tip applicator.
Not only is this concealer budget-friendly, but its creamy, full-coverage formula can disguise even the darkest under-eye circles. The range includes color correctors (green for redness, yellow for purple tones, lavender for brightening, orange for blue circles), making it a versatile pick for contouring, highlighting, and correcting. Its viral popularity is well-earned, thanks to thousands of five-star reviews.
3. Nyx Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand
Pros: Blends effortlessly, works both under eyes and to spot-conceal blemishes, wide shade range.
Cons: Can emphasize dry patches if skin isn’t prepped.
This classic wand formula is a favorite for a reason. It delivers buildable, medium-to-full coverage and a natural finish. The shade range is impressive, and the formula is versatile enough for both under eyes and blemishes. However, make sure to moisturize before application, as it can cling to dryness.
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Pros: Brightens under eyes, easy to blend, sponge applicator for smooth application.
Cons: Sponge tip may not appeal to everyone.
This cult-favorite concealer is instantly recognizable by its sponge-tip applicator. It’s praised for brightening under eyes and blending out easily, even without a beauty blender. The finish is natural, with medium coverage that covers dark circles well. The sponge head is divisive but undeniably convenient for quick touch-ups.
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5. E.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
Pros: Full coverage, long-wear, budget-friendly, great shade range.
Cons: Can feel thick and dry if not warmed up prior to application.
If you crave high coverage at a low price, this is your go-to. It’s designed to last up to 16 hours, making it a strong contender for days when you need your makeup to stay put. The formula is thick, so it requires a bit of work to blend, but the payoff in coverage is undeniable.
6. Wet n Wild Incognito Concealer
Pros: Silky texture, buildable coverage, affordable.
Cons: Shade range is limited.
This underrated pick offers a silky, lightweight texture that layers beautifully. It’s easy to build from medium to full coverage and blends out smoothly. The main drawback is a smaller shade range, which may not cater to all skin tones.
7. CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
Pros: Natural finish, lightweight, blends easily.
Cons: Coverage is on the lighter side.
Ideal for a “no-makeup” makeup look, this concealer delivers a barely-there finish and blends effortlessly. It’s a great pick for days when you want just a touch of coverage, but may not be enough for more pronounced blemishes or dark circles.
8. L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer
Pros: Seamless blendability, natural finish, matches foundation shades.
Cons: Coverage is light to medium.
This concealer was designed to pair with L’Oréal’s True Match foundation, ensuring a uniform look. The formula is easy to blend, offers a natural finish, and is great for touch-ups. However, those seeking heavy coverage may need to look elsewhere.
9. Revlon ColorStay Concealer
Pros: Long-lasting, full coverage, transfer-resistant.
Cons: Thick formula may not suit everyone.
If you need serious staying power, this concealer is built to last. The coverage is on the heavier side, making it ideal for blemishes and pigmentation. The thick formula isn’t for everyone, but it’s a reliable choice for oily or combination skin.
| Concealer | Coverage | Finish | Shades | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline Fit Me | Medium | Radiant | 18 | Dry/under-eye use |
| L.A. Girl Pro | Full | Satin | 40 | Color correcting/high coverage |
| Nyx HD Photogenic | Medium-Full | Natural | 24 | Versatile use |
| Maybelline Age Rewind | Medium | Natural | 12 | Brightening/under-eye |
| E.l.f. 16HR Camo | Full | Matte | 25 | Long wear/high coverage |
| Wet n Wild Incognito | Buildable | Natural | 16 | Everyday use |
| CoverGirl TruBlend | Light | Natural | 10 | Light coverage |
| L’Oréal True Match | Light-Medium | Natural | 12 | Seamless blending |
| Revlon ColorStay | Full | Matte | 10 | Longevity/blemishes |
How to Choose the Right Concealer for Your Needs
With so many options, consider the following when shopping for your next drugstore concealer:
- Skin Type: Dry skin benefits from hydrating formulas, while oily skin may prefer matte, long-wear options.
- Shade Range: Look for a wide range to match your undertone, or try color-correcting options for specific concerns.
- Coverage Needs: Choose medium coverage for daily wear, or opt for full coverage if you need to camouflage dark circles or blemishes.
- Finish: Decide whether you want a radiant (glowy), matte (shine-free), or satin (natural) finish.
Why We Love Drugstore Concealers
Drugstore concealers have come a long way in quality, shade inclusivity, and innovation. They allow you to experiment with different formulas without the commitment of a high price tag, and brands continue to expand shade ranges to reflect true diversity. With professional testing and consumer feedback, you can trust that the best drugstore concealers now rival luxury favorites.
Meet the Tester: Beth Gillette
Beth Gillette, Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, has seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories—from lip stains to bronzing drops. She’s an authority in all makeup categories, but especially drugstore concealers, thanks to her daily testing on her acne-prone, hyperpigmentation-prone skin. Beth works closely with dermatologists and makeup artists, ensuring her reviews are both expert-backed and consumer-focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my concealer from creasing?
Set your concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder and ensure your under-eye area is well moisturized before application.
What’s the best way to apply concealer?
For under eyes, dot product in a triangle shape and blend with a damp sponge or brush. For blemishes, tap directly onto the spot and blend edges.
Should concealer be lighter or darker than my foundation?
For under eyes, choose a shade one to two steps lighter than your foundation to brighten. For spot concealing, match your foundation exactly.
Do drugstore concealers really compete with luxury brands?
Yes! Many drugstore concealers now offer comparable coverage, finish, and longevity at a fraction of the cost.
How do I choose the right concealer for mature skin?
Look for hydrating, creamy formulas that don’t settle into fine lines. Avoid overly drying or matte finishes.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to break the bank for flawless coverage. The drugstore concealer market is stronger than ever, with options to suit every skin type, concern, and budget. Whether you want a radiant glow or serious camouflage, there’s a formula—and a shade—waiting for you. Let this guide help you find your next holy-grail concealer without the luxury price tag.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/g4866/best-drugstore-concealers/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g61110958/best-drugstore-concealer/
- https://www.blackradiancebeauty.com/blogs/press/black-radiance-featured-on-cosmopolitan-in-the-article-titled-13-best-drugstore-concealers-to-cover-your-acne-hyperpigmentation-dark-circles-and-more
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g65666880/suni-lee-favorite-drugstore-makeup/
- https://www.lauramercier.com/en-to/blogs/art-of-living-flawlessly/cosmopolitans-holy-grail-awards-best-concealer
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/beauty-lab-under-eye-concealers
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtRCeq_-DCI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St0cIQvez9g
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