The 20 Most Undetectable (Yet Effective) Concealers for Barely-There Makeup
Photo:
@sasha.mei
Say goodbye to dark circles—this concealer uses an anti-fatigue complex to lighten the under-eye area and reduce puffiness. It also has light-reflecting pigments and botanical-based brightening ingredients to camouflage discoloration and age spots.
Customer review: "This Concealing Corrector Pen lives up to its name by lightening and concealing under-eye shadows as well as lightly moisturizing this area. In addition, it has ingredients that are known for improving skin health. Application is relatively easy once a brand-new applicator is pumped a few times to get the concealer moving down the tube. I found that keeping it upright in a vertical container helps."
Pro: Cruelty-free formula
Con: None
When my tired-looking eyes need a quick and easy pick-me-up, I reach for this light-coverage concealer by Milk Makeup. Its skincare-based formula hydrates and refreshes the eyes, while the addition of light-reflecting powders illuminates them even more.
Customer review: "I have a hard time finding the right products for my skin since it is dry and sensitive, but I was very impressed with this concealer. It did brighten my under-eyes and I don't look so tired. It's smooth and lightweight, and I like the little rolling ball, lol. I use it every day now and I highly recommend this product!"
Pro: Offers a dewy, hydrated look
Con: Limited shade availability
While this is a full-coverage concealer, it's also incredibly lightweight. It blurs and smooths the skin using a powerful blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.
Customer review: "I have super dark circles under my eyes and this product has been a godsend. It provides very good coverage without looking cakey or overdone. It lasts the whole day without settling into any fine lines. Total winner!"
Pro: Gently on acne-prone skin
Con: May emphasize dry areas
Out of all my favorite products from former Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's beauty brand, this ridiculously hydrating concealer has earned a permanent spot at the top of my list.
Customer review: "The only concealer I use. It is hydrating, has amazing coverage, and is not cakey on my under-eyes. This has become a staple for me and I don’t even think about other concealers. It is also the perfect pale olive for me. I definitely recommend!"
Pro: Applies and blends easily
Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin
This has quickly become one of my favorite brown- and black-girl-friendly multi-tasking products. It offers lightweight, buildable coverage and comes in a variety of shades for natural-looking coverage on-the-go.
Customer review: "Love this product!! On lighter makeup days, I’ll use it to spot conceal, and it blends out beautifully. On full makeup days, I’ll use it to conceal and brighten the face. I have used it with various foundations and it still blends beautifully!"
Pro: Natural-looking, skin-like finish
Con: Drying formula
One of the best things about this concealer is that it has broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection against UV rays. The formula is extremely hydrating and glides on smoothly for a seamless, glowy finish.
Customer review: "I've been using Cle de Peau concealer for many years. With previous versions, I struggled with it settling into my pores. The latest formulation has totally changed this, despite the fact that I'm obviously older now. Between the fabulous skincare products, including eye cream, and now the upgraded concealer, my creases are barely visible—which I love!"
Pro: Applies smoothly
Con: Limited shade availability
Fenty Beauty's concealer is another one of my favorites, delivering medium to full coverage that's also lightweight. It leaves a matte finish that's crease-proof.
Customer review: "I bought this after testing a bunch of different concealers at Ulta. This one was the only one that felt like it melted into my skin. It's lightweight and does a good job with concealing. I have combination skin and there's pretty much no caking going on. It literally looks like I'm wearing a filter."
Pro: Water-resistant formula
Con: Not ideal for dry skin
This aptly named concealer moves with your skin instead of sitting on its surface. It's also formulated with mineral pigments for an overall brightening effect.
Customer review: "I love natural makeup looks and usually dislike how fuller coverage concealers with my hooded eyes often look creepy, but super natural ones don’t hide my dark circles. This is perfect. Warm it up between two fingers and then apply."
Pro: Does not shift or oxidize
Con: Not long-lasting
This medium-coverage concealer works on a lot of skin types and is formulated with nourishing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine.
Customer review: "Absolutely love this concealer! For the most part, my only face base product is concealer so I take this very seriously. In true Kosas fashion, this concealer offers buildable coverage without sacrificing texture. I have built this up to cover the most stubborn of blemishes and find that it conceals bumps and redness excellently, without becoming patchy. For my acne-prone skin, this is a miracle worker!"
Pro: Non-comedogenic formula
Con: Somewhat drying
Nyx's concealer is available in 23 different shades, with color-correcting tones like green, yellow, and lavender. You can also use it for a seamless contour.
Customer review: "I love using this concealer. Whenever I apply it, the texture is always soft & not harsh on the skin. This is the first time I purchased this brand for eye makeup and I totally love it. I am definitely going to buy it again. Also, I would recommend it for others."
Pro: Natural-looking finish
Con: Settles into fine lines
One of the most beloved concealers out there, Nars' Radiant Creamy Concealer is always reliable. The hydrating formula has light-diffusing technology for a radiant and smooth finish with 16 hours of wear.
Customer review: "I started with a light shade under my eyes to brighten the area. Then a slightly darker shade was recommended for me to use as a contour on my cheekbones. Very little product is needed to accomplish effects."
Pro: Creamy, easy-to-use formula
Con: Minimal creasing
Photo:
@sarennya
Milk Makeup's multi-use, medium-to-full coverage concealer provides a lightweight, crease-proof finish using a unique formula with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe vera, and arnica.
Customer review: "First, let me say that at 37, I had never used concealer on my under eye because I felt it always made me look worse—caking, weird color, and settling in lines. This is the first concealer that matches perfectly and doesn’t cake under my eye. It’s also great for breakouts. I’m obsessed!"
Pro: Blends seamlessly
Con: Not ideal for dry, mature skin
If you've been on the hunt for a concealer that gives you a flawless-looking finish, you need to try this one. It's crafted from a high-performance formula with advanced skincare properties.
Customer review: "Hear me now and believe me later—you need this concealer. I don't know where I heard this trick for foundation but I put it together with this product and it is magic: Prep your skin, put a swipe or two of concealer on the back of your hand, spray a dry beauty blender with setting spray and dab the sponge ever so slightly into a bit of the concealer."
Pro: Extensive shade availability
Con: Tricky to shade match
Here's another black and brown girl friendly product I've been loving lately. This concealer by Kulfi Beauty offers a radiant finish while keeping your skin looking and feeling hydrated.
Customer review: "Best concealer I've ever used. It sets way better than any other self-setting concealer I've used, barely creases, and lasts all day/night without caking. It doesn't clog my pores, and feels so natural on my skin. Blends and layers beautifully."
Pro: Layers well with cream-based products
Con: None
Since being introduced to this Tarte concealer two months ago, I've been using it nonstop. It effectively targets hyperpigmentation and dark circles while noticeably brightening the skin.
Customer review: "The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a game-changer in the world of cosmetics. This concealer has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, making it easy to blend and apply. It effortlessly covers dark spots, blemishes, and dark circles without feeling heavy or cake-y on the skin. One of the standout features of this concealer is its impressive staying power. It lasts all day without creasing or fading, keeping your skin looking flawless and radiant from morning to night."
Pro: Blendable and buildable formula
Con: Slight oxidization over time
For foolproof coverage, this concealer is a major contender. Resistant to creasing and humidity, this ultra-creamy formula is waterproof and will last for up to 16 hours.
Customer review: "This was great just like any of their other products. It didn't cake up and worked well for dry, acne prone skin. It didn't crease or wear off either. The only issue is that I went through it so fast! It covered everything really well though and was super creamy and easy to apply."
Pro: Crease-proof and water-proof
Con: Limited shade availability
The super-lightweight formula from Ilia doesn't leave any creases or a cake-y finish. It's also enriched with vitamin C to brighten and smooth the skin.
Customer review: "The ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer blends into a creamy, creaseless and it does reduce the appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and blemishes. I chose shade SC2 Yucca and love that it brightens my under-eyes. This does not crease or breakdown. I think this is a great concealer."
Pro: Silicone and fragrance-free formula
Con: None
Made for all skin types, this lightweight concealer also works to minimize the appearance of pores and leave the skin looking radiant. The hydrating product is buildable while providing a natural, skin-like finish.
Customer review: "I love this skin-like concealer. I’d say it’s an alternative for glossier pot concealer. Don’t expect full coverage or a matte finish, but if you like a more low-key makeup look or something that makes you feel like you’re wearing makeup without feeling cake-y or heavy, I’d recommend this."
Pro: Dewy, radiant coverage
Con: Creases when layered with powder
Laura Mercier's weightless concealer will blur any imperfections while offering all-day hydration. In addition to being transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, and water-resistant, it stays put on the skin for up to 12 hours.
Customer review: "This concealer is so much better than the many, many I have tried over the years. It glides on, covers what it needs to, but doesn't emphasize tiny lines and wrinkles. It's also not drying, a huge deal for me. Love this one!"
Pro: Seamless and even application
Con: Settles slightly in creases
Combat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles by using this concealer packed with active ingredients that protect the skin from pollution and free-radicals while giving a smoothing effect.
Customer review: "If you are on the hunt for full coverage, skin-like concealer then you needn't look any further. I have always struggled with dark circles under my eyes and every concealer I tried previously was incredibly heavy and cake-y on the delicate under-eye area, this is a must-have in my opinion."
Pro: Enriched with active ingredients
Con: None