A concealer buying guide starts with a simple question: what do you want to hide? Under-eye shadows, red blemishes and dark marks each call for a different texture and shade. One all-purpose concealer can work, but knowing the options helps you to buy the one, or two, that you will actually use.
What this guide draws on
The advice below is based on the usual properties of each concealer format, on how makers describe coverage and finish, and on basic color-matching principles. No concealers were tested by ArniSun for this guide. For application technique, see How to Apply Concealer for a Smooth Finish.
Coverage
| Coverage | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Softens; skin shows through | Mild shadows; everyday natural looks |
| Medium | Covers most discoloration; buildable | Under-eyes; redness |
| Full | Hides strong marks | Blemishes, dark spots, scars, tattoos |
Higher coverage usually means a thicker texture, which can crease under the eyes. Use the lowest coverage that does the job.
Texture and format
| Format | Texture | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid with a wand | Thin, fluid | Light to full | Under-eyes; most skin types; beginners |
| Cream in a pot or palette | Thick, creamy | Medium to full | Dark circles; discoloration; dry to normal skin |
| Stick | Solid, creamy | Medium to full | Blemishes; spot covering; quick use |
| Pencil | Firm | Medium | Precise spots; around lips and brows |
| Serum or skin-tint concealer | Very thin | Sheer to light | Natural looks; mature skin |
| Color corrector | Tinted cream or liquid | Neutralizes color | Strong darkness or redness. See Color Correcting Makeup: What Each Color Does |
Finish
- Matte: stays put, and suits blemishes and oily skin. It can look dry under the eyes.
- Natural or satin: the most versatile.
- Radiant or luminous: brightens under the eyes. It can draw attention to raised blemishes.
Choosing by concern
| Concern | Texture | Finish | Shade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-eye darkness | Light to medium liquid; hydrating | Satin or radiant | Match, or up to one shade lighter |
| Under-eyes with fine lines | Thin, hydrating liquid or serum concealer | Satin | Match |
| Red blemishes | Thick liquid, cream or stick; long-wearing | Matte | Exact match to skin or foundation |
| Dark spots or marks | Medium to full cream or liquid | Natural to matte | Exact match; corrector underneath, if needed |
| Redness around the nose | Medium liquid | Natural | Exact match |
| Highlighting | Thin liquid | Radiant | One shade lighter |
Choosing by skin type
- Dry or mature skin: hydrating liquids with ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Avoid thick matte sticks under the eyes.
- Oily skin: matte, long-wear liquids. Set with powder.
- Acne-prone skin: non-comedogenic formulas. Avoid touching the applicator directly to blemishes.
- Sensitive skin or eyes: fragrance-free products that are labeled as suitable for the eye area.
Getting the shade right
- For blemishes and marks: match your foundation, or your skin, exactly.
- For under the eyes: the same shade, or no more than one shade lighter.
- Undertone: peach or salmon-leaning concealers counter blue-purple darkness. Yellow-leaning ones counter mild redness. See Skin Undertones: Warm, Cool, Neutral, and Olive.
- Test in daylight, on the area where you will use it, not on your hand.
Many people need two concealers: a light, hydrating one for under the eyes and a thicker, matching one for spots.
What to check on the label
| Claim | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Full coverage" | High pigment; use sparingly |
| "Crease-proof" | Formulated to resist settling; technique still matters |
| "Hydrating", "serum" | Thinner; kinder to dry skin |
| "Long-wear", "waterproof" | Sets firmly; needs proper removal |
| "Non-comedogenic" | Formulated not to clog pores; not a regulated term |
| "Brightening" | Often contains light-reflecting particles or a peach tone |
Packaging and hygiene
- Wands are convenient, but they return to the tube after touching your skin. Avoid applying them directly to active blemishes. Use a clean brush or fingertip instead.
- Pots need clean fingers or a brush.
- Squeeze tubes and pumps are the most hygienic.
- Liquid and cream concealers generally last 6 to 12 months after opening.
Do you need concealer if you wear foundation?
Often less of it. Foundation evens out most of the face, and concealer finishes the areas that need more. Some people wear concealer alone, on bare skin, for a lighter look. For choosing the foundation to go with it, see Liquid vs Powder Foundation: Coverage and Finish and How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade.
Related on ArniSun
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right concealer shade?
Match your foundation for blemishes, and go no more than one shade lighter for under the eyes. Test on the area in daylight.
Is liquid or stick concealer better?
Liquid is more versatile, and better under the eyes. Sticks give fuller coverage for blemishes and are quick to use.
Why does my concealer crease?
Too much product, a formula that is too thick, or dry skin under the eyes. Use a thinner, hydrating concealer in a small amount, and set lightly.