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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. |
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| Shade range: | 20 shades |
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| Finish: | Natural, skin-like |
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| 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!” |
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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. |
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| Shade range: | There are 16 shades to choose from |
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| Finish: | Satin |
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| 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.” |
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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. |
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| Shade range: | Doing what MAC does best, there are 44 shades in a range of undertones |
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| Finish: | Natural, soft matte |
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| 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.” |
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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. |
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| Finish: | Radiant and brightening |
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| Shade range: | There are an amazing 30 shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. |
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| 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.” |
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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. |
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| Finish: | Radiant |
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| Shade range: | 24 shades ranging from fair to deep with a variety of undertones. |
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| Glowing customer review: | “I love the formula. It’s thick enough to cover but light enough that it doesn’t crease. Love it!” |
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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. |
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| Finish: | Natural, matte |
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| Shade range: | 34 shades in a range of undertones |
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| 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.” |
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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. |
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| Finish: | Fresh and natural |
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| Shade range | There are 24 shades on the Sephora website, including a few colour correction shades. |
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| 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.” |
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Best budget under-eye concealer
Maybelline Instant Eraser Eye Concealer
Best budget under-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! |
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| Finish: | Radiant |
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| Shade range: | Available in 15 shades with a range of undertones perfect for highlighting. |
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| 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.” |
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Best concealer for skincare benefits
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer
Best concealer for skincare benefits
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer
Credit: Bobbi BrownPros
It offers skincare benefits, combining makeup and an eye cream in one
It's a great option if you prefer natural finishes
Cons
It requires a setting powder to keep it on for the day
Formula: Think of it as an eye-cream-meets-concealer. This formula has active skincare ingredients that will help to counteract dark circles in the long term, whilst the medium coverage formula conceals discolouration without looking too heavy.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | It's a little dewier than the others so will require a setting powder if you want it to last the day. |
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| Finish: | Natural |
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| Shade Range: | 17 shades |
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| Glowing customer review: | ”This Is a lovely concealer. A little goes along way. It blends really well and nourishes my under under eye. It lasts well and isn't cakey” |
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Best for oily skin
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hour More Than Concealer - via LookFantastic
Best for oily skin
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 |
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| Finish: | Natural |
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| Shade range: | There are 19 shades to choose from |
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| Glowing customer review: | “Best concealer I have ever used. Lightweight but great coverage looks like skin but better.” |
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Best concealer for brightening
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Highlighter Pen
Best concealer for brightening
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Highlighter Pen
Now 17% Off
Credit: Courtesy of brandPros
After an illuminated finish? This is your gal
Cons
The shade range could be extended
It needs a setting powder to keep it in place
Formula: YSL's Touche Eclat is an iconic beauty product - and for good reason - the illuminating formula helps give a lifted, fresh-faced look in just a few swipes. There's no shimmer or glitter in sight, just a light-reflecting formula that brightens up the whole face.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | At least 5 hours, you may need a little top-up come 3pm, but luckily the sleek gold pen is travel-friendly. |
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| Finish: | Luminous |
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| Shade Range: | 12 shades available on the YSL site. |
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| Glowing customer review: | ”It blends well and (I think) looks quite subtle and natural. It is never dry or cakey. It is not a concealer, so the cover is very sheer. You can even dab a bit about on a no makeup day, just to make you look a bit more wide awake.” |
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Best for dry skin
Luminous Silk Concealer
Best for dry skin
Luminous Silk Concealer
Now 15% Off
Credit: ArmaniPros
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. |
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| Finish: | Brightening and luminous |
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| Shade Range: | There are 10 shades on the LookFantastic site; 22 on the Armani website. |
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| Glowing customer review: | “Great concealer, stays put all day and great shade! Looks great under eyes but also covers blemishes.” |
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Best concealer with a large shade range
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
Best concealer with a large shade range
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
Pros
It offers a groundbreaking 50 shades
It offers high coverage without creasing
Cons
Some testers say it creases, so be sure to set it with a powder
Formula: Hailed a hero by beauty folks in the know thanks to its unbeatable shade range, impressive full coverage, and non-crease consistency, this is definitely one to try if you usually struggle trying to find your perfect colour match.
Key Specifications:
| Staying power: | One of the best in the biz, it'll stay put through sweat, rain, and whatever else gets thrown your way. |
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| Finish: | Soft matte |
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| Shade range: | There are an incredible 50 shades to choose from - it's the biggest, most diverse concealer shade range going. |
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| Glowing Customer Review: | “This concealer is so creamy and smooth. It glides onto my skin without going blotchy and it looks so natural. 10 out of 10, totally recommend.” |
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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.
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