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18 best concealers to cover dark circles, blemishes and pigmentation 2026 – tried and tested
There’s one for every skin type, preference and budget
Fining the best concealer is no easy feat. So if you’re currently scraping out the remains of your last tube and on the hunt to find its replacement, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a formula that will actually cover dark circles, blur away blemishes without leaving a cakey finish or even out your complexion without setting into fine lines, we are here to help.
We (hi, the Cosmo beauty team) hit up three makeup artists to give you expert advice on finding (and applying) concealer like a pro. First up, we have the Charlotte Tilbury, MBE, who shares her 20 years of experience as a makeup artist – and not to mention iconic brand founder. We also spoke to Bobbi Brown’s Executive Director, Global Artistry & Consumer Experience lead, Marc Reagan, and Bobbi Brown’s Senior Pro Artist, Warren Dowdall. It’s safe to say you’re in good hands.
We also carried out our own testing process. Our Cosmo beauty team tried 30 ormulas to find the ones that genuinely deliver, assessing everything from coverage and finish to staying power, shade range and how they perform on different skin types.
The best concealers, at a glance
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How to choose the best concealer for you:
First things first, what type of concealer are you after? One for dark circles, or for blemishes? If you are looking for a concealer to cover dark circles, opt for a shade slightly lighter than your foundation – but not too bright, you don’t want a ghost-like rim around your eyes. You can even blend the concealer with a colour corrector (read our in-depth guide here) to counteract purple or blue tones.
If you’re concerned about blemishes, Charlotte recommends using a full-coverage concealer, like the Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer. “Always start with the smallest amount of product and build only if needed – this is how you achieve that airbrushed effect. Avoid dragging or rubbing – you want to keep the coverage exactly where you placed,” she says.
Luckily for you, testing concealers is our job so we’ve reviewed the highest-rated concealers in 2026 to bring you a zero bullsh*t guide to the ones that work. Heads up, there are 18 formulas in this edit for every skin type and budget.
The best concealers for every skin type and concern
How we test concealers:
We tested 30 concealers to find 18 of the very best formulas on the market. What can you expect from this edit? A carefully curated line-up of bona fide icons that have earned permanent residence in the Cosmo beauty cupboard, alongside buzzy new launches that are already earning glowing reviews. Whether you’re after full-glam coverage, a barely-there brightener, or something that sits perfectly in between, we’ve got you covered.
When testing the best concealers for you guys, we considered everything, from budget and skin type to shade range and finish. We also put everything through a wear process, with each formula analysed over multiple days and in different weather conditions (yep, that’s including the tropical temperatures we’ve had recently. So whether you’re oily, dry or sensitive, there’s a formula here for you. Factors like ingredients, price point and finish were analysed too, so truly no stone was left unturned.
Revolution Conceal and Define Full Coverage Concealer
Revolution Conceal and Define Full Coverage Concealer
Formula: This bb packs a powerful punch – and I didn’t expect it to. When I first applied it, it felt creamy and hydrating: I have no expectations it would cover everything from dark circles to blemishes in just a few taps. While the formula itself is fairly thick, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my under-eyes at the end of the day looked fresh and seamless, without a crease in sight. It’s all thanks to niacinamide, green tea and vitamin E so my complexion never felt dry or cakey throughout the day.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | This stuff does not budge. I applied it over a raging pimple at 8am and, albeit slight fading which is normal, redness was still under control and the coverage was still there. A little amount goes a long way too. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | 40 |
| Finish: | This is described as a soft-matte formula. It has a gentle blurring effect, though it doesn’t make your complexion appear flat or dry at *all*. I even applied it on my under-eyes and it added a gentle, healthy luminosity. |
| Glowing customer review: | “I am super impressed with this concealer. It performs better than some high-end concealers I’ve tried.” |
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer
Pros
- It has super high coverage
- The formula sticks around without creasing
- A little amount goes a long way
Cons
- Some may find the texture is too thick
Formula: Anastasia Beverly Hills has proved (once again) that she’s the queen of our make-up bag, with this A* formula. The concealer is packed with pigment, making it ideal for high-coverage fans. It’ll cover up pretty much anything – spots, pigmentation, a late-night Netflix binge session…
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 25 shades |
|---|---|
| Staying power: | One of the best we've tried, it'll stay put all day. |
| Finish: | Natural |
| Glowing customer review: | “I tried this concealer for the first time and was amazed at the staying power, through humidity and heat my makeup look didn’t budge!! Nothing has come close in terms of the finished look and its long lasting effect!” |
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer
Pros
- It's dewy and brightens tired eyes
Cons
- It doesn't provide enough coverage to cover a pimple
Formula: Dark circles? What dark circles? They literally vanish under this formula. The elastic-stretch texture creates a real airbrushed finish without feeling heavy and the sponge applicator makes it easy to apply.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | It’s not going anywhere, plus it’s waterproof. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | 20 shades |
| Finish: | Natural, skin-like |
| Glowing customer review: | ”Being dark skinned, I was a little skeptical at first as it usually requires a few trial and errors to find the right colour foundation or concealer for myself. However, when I received it and tried it on for the first time I was pleasantly surprised and very pleased with how well it matched my skin tone!” |
Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Concealer
Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Concealer
Pros
- Gives a high-coverage, satin finish
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to hydrate
Cons
- The packaging can be a little leaky
Formula: Aimee Connolly has smashed it once again. The Satin Silk concealer is 10/10 if you love the look of ultra-smooth, seamless skin. The velvety formula brightens my under eyes with one layer, but it also has enough coverage to cover a spot or knock back redness. Either way, my skin looks as soft as butter. Highly recommend, would buy again.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | This stayed well put without settling into smile lines. Just a happy gal with a great concealer. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | There are 16 shades to choose from |
| Finish: | Satin |
| Glowing customer review: | ”Really long overdue review but I’ve used the Satin Silk concealer for about a year and a half now and I find it fantastic. It’s lightweight but heavy duty and by that I mean it has fantastic coverage without giving off that cakey consistency that other concealers have.” |
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy and Brightening Concealer
Pros
- It's very hydrating and lightweight
- It offers a natural finish
- There are 38 shades available
Cons
- It has buildable coverage but this isn't your gal to cover a spot
Formula: If you haven't seen this concealer floating about on TikTok, then where have you been? I mean, other than it being just about every single influencer's fave, it's Hailey Bieber's, too! Its medium coverage and creamy formula make for an all-natural finish. Think a glazed doughnut base, if you will.
Key Specifications:
| Staying Power: | As said in the name, this concealer is brightening, so, is preferably set with a translucent powder. Though, if you have more of a dry skin texture it'll last all day without. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | There are a grand total of 38 shades to choose from. |
| Finish: | Brightening and natural |
| Glowing customer review: | “This is one of my favourite concealers. I find it more hydrating than most and doesn’t settle into my creases.” |
Radiant Creamy Concealer
Pros
- It covers *everything* from pimples to under eyes
Cons
- Some may find the texture is too thick
Formula: It's light enough to layer, but pigmented enough to cover and correct any imperfections (spots and dark circles). It did crease up a little around my eyes, so I'd recommend setting it with a powder. The formula contains light reflectors which have an instant brightening effect.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | It's super long-lasting, this one will stay put all day. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant and brightening |
| Shade range: | There are an amazing 30 shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. |
| Glowing customer review: | ”My go to concealer. I hate wearing full face foundation, so I just look where my face is red, dab a little, and brush to blend. Great for a lightweight no-make up make up look. They've got my loyalty locked all the way in.” |
MAC Studio Fix 36hr Smooth Angles Concealer
MAC Studio Fix 36hr Smooth Angles Concealer
Formula: IMO, this is the perfect concealer for day-to-day wear. In the photo I dabbed a small amount under my eyes and over some blemishes on my chin – in both cases, the concealer did a stellar job at brightening my dark circles while knocking back redness. Thanks to its buildable and natural-matte finish, this is a does-all formula that deserves a spot in your kit.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | This bb is designed to last for 36 hours – so one to keep in mind for your next all-nighter. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | Doing what MAC does best, there are 44 shades in a range of undertones |
| Finish: | Natural, soft matte |
| Glowing customer review: | “The texture is lightweight but still provides great coverage, it doesn't feel heavy or cakey throughout the day. It blends effortlessly and gives my skin a smooth, natural finish.” |
Collection Lasting Perfection Ultra Cover Concealer
Collection Lasting Perfection Ultra Cover Concealer
Pros
- It's £5 – need I say more?
- It offers full coverage, concealing anything from a pimple to dark circles
- Hello shade range, we see you!
Cons
- Requires a setting powder to keep it in place
Formula: Oh, hey old friend! You're back! That's right the OG Collection Lasting Perfection concealer has had a shiny upgrade. It now has a more extensive shade range with a larger doe-foot applicator, but still delivers full coverage whilst being lightweight and easy to blend. The formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil, so it won't settle into fine lines.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | Lasting from day to night, desk to dancefloor, although I’d layer on a setting powder JIC. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Blurred |
| Shade range: | 27 shades, ranging from deep to fair. |
| Glowing customer review: | “This formula is to die for. I've used the original since the Zoella days and was so excited to hear about this release. It's lightweight yet coverage is so good and buildable. Super brightening under the eye and doesn't crease.” |
REFY Concealer
Pros
- It blends seamlessly, leaving a dewy finish
Cons
- Sometimes it can turn dry throughout the day, so keep a hydrating facial mist on hand
Formula: This is the exact concealer formula I expected REFY to launch – lightweight, serum-based and a creamy dream to apply. Working on that 'clean girl' aesthetic that Jess Hunt so effortlessly pulls off, the formula has enough oomph to brighten the under eye and fade pigmentation. You may need something a little thicker to cover a pimple, but it keeps the skin looking naturally blurred and radiant.
How's it done? The key ingredients are brown algae extract and phytosqualane (vegetable squalane), both working to enhance hydration for as long as you wear it. You can wave goodbye to dry and flakey under eyes with this in hand.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | It stays all day and, thanks to the hydrating ingredients, it doesn't crease or cake. Mist the Face Setter over top and you've got a makeup look that isn't going anywhere. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
| Shade range: | 24 shades ranging from fair to deep with a variety of undertones. |
| Glowing customer review: | “I love the formula. It’s thick enough to cover but light enough that it doesn’t crease. Love it!” |
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer
Pros
- Gives a natural, airbrushed finish
- Long staying power and crease resistant
Cons
- Those with super-dry skin may want to prep with hydrating products to keep a smooth finish
Formula: We all know Charlotte Tilbury already has some excellent concealers in its line up – and ones we know and love here at Cosmo HQ. But if you’re looking for a full-coverage formula with a flawless finish, look no further than the Airbrush Flawless Foundation. “Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer instantly erases the look of spots, acne, redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes while still giving an undetectable finish that is light-as-air. It’s a flawless win for all skin,” Charlotte Tilbury tells Cosmopolitan UK.
You can read the full Cosmo review here.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | Trust, this bb will stick around for the full day. Cosmo Beauty Editor Beth Gileette even wore it for a full day of skiing, reporting that the concealer looked just as good at the end of the day as it did when she put it on. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Natural, matte |
| Shade range: | 34 shades in a range of undertones |
| Glowing customer review: | “I’ve never had a better concealer in my life and I’ve tried a few! Transformative! I’d give it 10 stars.” |
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen with TFC8
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen with TFC8
Pros
- It doesn't settle into pores or fine lines, but leaves a smooth appearance
- It has enough coverage to cover a pimple or brighten under the eyes
- It contains TFC8, by Augustinus Bader, to support skin repair and renewal
Cons
- It’s expensive AF
Formula: “The worst thing about the Victoria Beckham Beauty concealer is the price – and that’s where my list ends. I love the brush-style tip that allows for easy application, but I love the formula that comes out of it even more. It’s super creamy and blendable, but has enough oomph to cover a pimple or brighten under the eyes. And if you are using this under your eyes, I’ve never found it to sink into fine lines or smile lines.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 19 shades |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
| Staying power: | For £68, you’d hope this formula sticks around all day – and it does just that. Coverage doesn't fade and it doesn't sink into fine lines, either. |
| Glowing customer review: | The best eye concealer I have ever tried. I am a 44 year old woman. It does not crease in lines. Very smooth and hydrating. Worth the price. |
By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
Pros
- Lends a fresh, dewy sheen to the skin
- Pumped with hyaluronic acid to hydrate
- Smooths your complexion without turning patchy
Cons
- It’s an expensive option
Formula: I've slept on this concealer for farrrr too long. I know, I know, nearly £40 for a concealer isn’t the kinda price tag us girlies-on-a-budget wanna see, but if you happen to come across some b-day money or a lucky win on a scratch card, this is what I suggest you spend your £££ on. It’s one of the creamiest concealers I've come across with a stunning, serum-like consistency that instantly sinks in. It's brightening and dewy = concealer of dreams.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | This sticks around like my fave full-coverage formulas. You just need a few layers to cover a pimple and some setting powder to keep it in place. |
|---|---|
| Shade range: | There are 12 shades. |
| Glowing customer review: | “This provides a great medium level coverage and it doesn’t look cakey. It’s also super easy to blend. I’m surprised not enough people are talking about it.” |
Morphe Under Eye Correcting Concealer
Morphe Under Eye Correcting Concealer
Pros
- It offers buildable coverage without turning dry or cakey
- The large, spongey wand makes application easy
Cons
- It needs to be layered to completely cover a pimple
Formula: No lie, this is one of my fave concealers *ever* and I have tried loads. Firstly, I’m low-key obsessed with the fluffy wand that packs on the perfect amount of concealer. Then, there's the oh-so creamy formula that provides buildable coverage while giving a healthy, dewy sheen to my under-eye (not that I was staying up in a Netflix bingeathon).
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | It’s Morphe we’re talking about – of course this is going to last from day to night. And, what’s better, it stays on without creasing or turning dry. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Fresh and natural |
| Shade range | There are 24 shades on the Sephora website, including a few colour correction shades. |
| Glowing customer review: | “I love this. I cannot believe how well it matched my skin tone. This will now be a staple of my makeup bag. Great for every day use to hide any blemishes.” |
Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer
Pros
- It's super lightweight so it won't sink into fine lines
- It lasts the day without smudging, come rain or shine
- There's a *very* impressive shade range
Cons
- Keep on layering if you're using this to cover a pimple
Formula: Selena Gomez, you have outdone yourself with this epic concealer formula - and with almost 100 5* reviews on Space NK, it seems we're not the only ones who think so! The hydrating concealer gives a buildable medium-to-full coverage, that feels lightweight (and won't settle into fine lines). Plus, the packaging is oh-so chic.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | The long-wear, sweat-resistant formula will stay put. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
| Shade Range: | A wonderful 48 shades to choose from. |
| Glowing customer review: | “Really good full coverage concealer, amazing shade range. Doesn't crease under my eyes and lasts a full day at work” |
Rimmel Multi-Tasker Wake Me Up Foundation & Concealer
Rimmel Multi-Tasker Wake Me Up Foundation & Concealer
Pros
- The metal, roller applicator feels cooling on tired eyes - dreamy
- The serum-like formula leaves a dewy finish
- It's affordable
Cons
- It doesn't offer enough coverage to hide an angry pimple
Formula: I didn’t expect to love this concealer but hey, what does this beauty journo know!? If you want your concealer to feel hella hydrated and to give your skin a radiant glow, Wake Me Up is your gal. Being a concealer-foundation hybrid, it packs on enough coverage but has a serum-like consistency that lends a smooth and healthy finish. I’m also obsessed with the cooling metal wand that feels super refreshing on my sleep-deprived eye bags.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | This stuff sticks around! I always follow up with a loose setting powder (hi, One/Size) albeit it only needs a light dusting to keep it in place. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
| Shade range: | There are 12 shades overall. Not bad, but there’s lots of room for improvement. |
| Glowing customer review: | “I love love love this. It looks so smooth and feels super hydrating.” |
Maybelline Instant Eraser Eye Concealer
Maybelline Instant Eraser Eye Concealer
Pros
- The sponge-tip applicator makes application a breeze
- It sinks seamlessly in, leaving a hydrated and glowy finish
- It lasts a long, long time
Cons
- It can crease throughout the day, so make sure to set it with a loose powder
Formula: For starters, let's talk about the applicator. A squidgy, nifty sponge, that allows you to sweep it on and blend seamlessly, with ease. We especially love how easy it is to apply beneath your eyes – aka, the place it's most tricky to do, without creasing and cake. It's one of those clever concealers that manages to give high coverage but is lightweight and hydrating. So, no need to worry about it clinging to dry patches.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | When set with powder, I could go up to 20 hours if I had to without it budging! There's a reason one is sold every 6 seconds! |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Radiant |
| Shade range: | Available in 15 shades with a range of undertones perfect for highlighting. |
| Glowing customer review: | “This concealer is an essential item in my makeup bag. It last ages and the twist dispenser means you get every last drop of product.” |
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour More Than Concealer - via LookFantastic
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour More Than Concealer - via LookFantastic
Pros
- It provides full, long-lasting coverage
- It’s affordable
- The finish is natural and skin-like
Cons
- Those after a dewy finish may find the texture too thick
Formula: If you’re looking for a full-coverage, affordable formula that will conceal dark circles and blemishes with ease, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour More Than Concealer is the one to reach for. With incredible staying power too, you can trust that once this bb is on (with the help of some setting powder, obvs), it’s locked in for the day.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | No, I haven’t worn this for 24 hours straight (who do you think I am!?), but I can confirm it lasts a whole work day without top-ups needed |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Natural |
| Shade range: | There are 19 shades to choose from |
| Glowing customer review: | “Best concealer I have ever used. Lightweight but great coverage looks like skin but better.” |
Pros
- It has a beautiful, silky finish that feels lightweight on the skin
Cons
- Nearly £40 for a concealer? I'll leave that there
Formula: This one feels super-lightweight but it still covers EVERYTHING. Because it goes on so… silky (ahem) it’s ridiculously easy to blend and doesn’t crease. Also, it makes you look like you’ve had at least 10 hours sleep. We love to see it.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | Yep, this one didn’t budge once I buffed it in. |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Brightening and luminous |
| Shade Range: | There are 10 shades on the LookFantastic site; 22 on the Armani website. |
| Glowing customer review: | “Great concealer, stays put all day and great shade! Looks great under eyes but also covers blemishes.” |
How to apply concealer:
The ideal environment for base makeup is even skin, free of any dry patches. But whose under-eyes match that description? (Nobody’s - the answer is nobody’s.) Reagan suggests laying down moisturiser or eye cream for any areas you are concealing, ensuring “a smooth application, allowing the concealer to blend evenly.”
“When concealing spots, ‘pinpoint concealing’ works best,” says Dowdall. “Apply in a crosshatch pattern, with light layers of product from the top to bottom of the blemish and then from left to right, building up to your desired level of coverage. Once completed, pat around the edges to melt the concealer onto the surrounding skin.”
For concealing under eyes, it's all about technique, says Dowdall. “For a universally flattering lift effect, apply a small amount of concealer towards the inner corner of the eye and a small amount on the outer corner, pulling upwards in the direction of the temple. Blend out with a concealer brush for a bright, wide-awake under eye.” Clever, huh?
How to stop concealer creasing:
The focus is on placement and blending, suggests Charlotte. “Avoid applying too close to the lower lash line where the skin naturally folds. Instead, place your concealer slightly lower and blend upwards – this diffuses the product and prevents it from settling into fine lines.” She recommends the Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer as it’s designed to move with the skin without sitting in fine lines. She calls it “life-proof” – withstanding any smile or laugh that comes its way.
Should you apply concealer before or after foundation?
The burning question: should you apply concealer before or after foundation? Well, you can do both. The underpainting technique has grown in popularity in recent years, where concealer and bronzer is applied before foundation to achieve a more natural-looking finish.
Or, as Charlotte Tilbury recommends, you can use it after foundation. “This allows you to see exactly where you still need coverage, and you can then go in with precision, placing concealer only where it’s needed – you’ll often need far less than you think,” she adds.
“For a lifted, snatched look, use the flat side of the applicator to swipe outwards from the corners of the eyes, nose and mouth plus underneath the brow bone,” she says, recommending the Hollywood Complexion to stipple the product in an upwards motion.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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