Updated on 14 September 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
NYX HD Studio Photogenic (3 g)
Available in a wide range of shades, this concealer offers the best coverage/price ratio while being luminous and easy to apply. It also has very good staying power, without running into fine lines.
Available in 20 different shades and three concealers for imperfections (yellow, blue and green), this concealer was the one we liked the most during our tests. We particularly appreciated its very good coverage, its ability to brighten the eyes, and its flawless hold that doesn’t mark fine lines, unlike many others. We found the spongy applicator ideal for applying just the right amount of product. The texture of the concealer was liquid and fluid, so it was easy to spread with our make-up sponge. On the other hand, its composition is not catastrophic, but it could be better.
It is important to choose a shade that suits your skin colour. The liquid texture is the most popular on the market for its ease of application. There are different ways to apply concealer: with a brush, a sponge, your finger... A good concealer has a good coverage and a natural finish. Cream concealers generally provide very good coverage.
Maybelline New-York Fit me! (6,8 ml)
It offers the best coverage to price ratio, has a luminous finish and is very easy to apply thanks to its applicator, which is perfect even for make-up beginners.
This concealer is available in various shades. Note that these colours are mainly diversified in lighter shades, which will not particularly appeal to darker skin tones. However, in our tests, the Nude (08) proved to be effective and offers good coverage for fairly fair skin. Easy to apply, we were able to spread it easily with our sponge for a luminous result. On the other hand, the product tended to show fine lines. Lastly, its composition is, unfortunately, its worst flaw.
Tarte Shape Tape (10 ml)
Appreciated for its really good coverage and its rather matte finish, it is appealing with its long-lasting effect and is suitable for a more intense make-up – while remaining quite natural. Moreover, it is available in many shades.
This concealer has been very popular online – especially with youtubers and influencers – for several years now, and it also passed our tests hands down: it has a high coverage, it is matte and long-lasting. It effectively hides dark circles all day long without drying or marking the eye area – as long as you don’t have a too dry skin. The finish is also quite natural for a high coverage concealer, and it offers the widest choice of shades in our selection. Its flaw is its composition that leaves a lot to be desired.
Avril (2,5 g)
If it stands out for its impressive coverage, its creamy texture that is pleasant to work with and its natural look, it is equally attractive for its low price and its clean, certified organic composition.
This concealer is ideal for those of you who want to discreetly and naturally reduce dark circles and small imperfections. In our tests, it stood out thanks to its impressive coverage and decent lasting throughout the day. Its creamy, rather thick texture is easy to work with and ensures a natural, rather luminous effect. Moreover, its composition is exemplary and certified organic. However, we have to admit that it has a weak point: it is only available in 4 shades.
RMS Beauty Un Cover Up (5,6 g)
It can be used as a concealer or even as a foundation, and its super-light and ultra-bright texture makes it ideal for dry or mature skin. Moreover, its composition is perfect.
Although the price is considerably higher and therefore not suitable for everyone, this product offers a very practical modularity as it can be used to conceal dark circles and as a foundation. Its very light creamy texture is easy to work with and ensures a natural and luminous finish that enhances the radiance of the face. While we rated it as medium to low coverage in our tests, a small amount of product is enough to highlight fairly unmarked eye contours. Moreover, we approve of the product’s impeccable composition. It is available in 16 shades.
Our selection
Our choice, Best mid-range Best budget Best high-end Mid-range alternative High-end alternative NYX HD Studio Photogenic (3 g) Maybelline New-York Fit me! (6,8 ml) Tarte Shape Tape (10 ml) Avril (2,5 g) RMS Beauty Un Cover Up (5,6 g) Available in a wide range of shades, this concealer offers the best coverage/price ratio while being luminous and easy to apply. It also has very good staying power, without running into fine lines. It offers the best coverage to price ratio, has a luminous finish and is very easy to apply thanks to its applicator, which is perfect even for make-up beginners. Appreciated for its really good coverage and its rather matte finish, it is appealing with its long-lasting effect and is suitable for a more intense make-up - while remaining quite natural. Moreover, it is available in many shades. If it stands out for its impressive coverage, its creamy texture that is pleasant to work with and its natural look, it is equally attractive for its low price and its clean, certified organic composition. It can be used as a concealer or even as a foundation, and its super-light and ultra-bright texture makes it ideal for dry or mature skin. Moreover, its composition is perfect. £ 8.99 on Amazon £ 6.75 on Amazon £ 32.57 on Amazon See the price on Amazon £ 38.27 on Amazon
How did we test?
For testing the concealers, of course, we used them for several days. First, we evaluated their ease of application (presence of an applicator) and the texture of the product. We also looked at their pigmentation and coverage to camouflage dark circles under the eyes. At the same time, we judged its appearance and finish.
In addition, we studied the evolution of these observations, as well as the product’s staying power throughout the day (it does not dry out too much, does not mark fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and is generally comfortable to wear). In addition, we paid attention to the packaging and its practicality, as well as the possibility to easily – or not – select a suitable shade online. Finally, we also checked its composition.
How to choose your concealer?
Concealer is one of the basics to have in your beauty kit for a healthy glow. Combined with a good eye contour and an effective mascara (or even a well-placed line of eyeliner), it brightens up the eyes in no time.
While it is primarily used to cover dark circles – which are a daily occurrence for many of us – it is also useful for hiding small imperfections and even illuminating shadowy areas of the face. But it is still very difficult to find the right product for our specific needs, as there are so many different types of products and brands on the market.
To guide you in your choice, we have listed some criteria to take into account before any purchase:
- Different types of concealer: while liquid concealers are often the most popular for their ease of application, their modularity and a wide choice of formulas, creamy concealers, presented in small jars, generally provide fairly good coverage but are sold without an applicator. Sticks are the perfect asset for those who are in a hurry, and are practical to slip into a bag to ensure a few easy touch-ups during the day. There are also a few references in mineral powder form.
- Texture, coverage and finish: if your dark circles are very pronounced, you will be tempted to choose a product with a lot of coverage, which often also has a rather matte finish and a slightly thicker texture. If you have dry or mature skin, we advise you to opt for light, glowy or even moisturising formulas to avoid marking the lines and wrinkles under your eyes. For those with an oily skins, you can opt for a long-lasting, matte texture.
- Shades: a suitable concealer should be neither too dark (it can accentuate dark circles) nor too light (it will cover up nothing or give you an ill look). The rule is the same as for foundation: choose a product that matches your skin tone – or even a shade lower to brighten the eye area. Moreover, bluish circles are best concealed with a pinky or orangy concealer, while pink, brown or purple circles are neutralised by beige, peach and pink products.
- Application: you can of course apply your concealer with your finger, a sponge or a brush, depending on your preference and the desired result. The little extra? Concealer can of course be used to hide small imperfections and redness on your face. You can also opt for a coloured concealer to be applied under your concealer, in order to maximise the neutralisation of the colour of your dark circles, but be careful not to “overload” your eye contour. Don’t hesitate to apply a powder to fix it.
Other recommended concealers
Gemey Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser (£7.30 / 6,8 ml upon publication): an original applicator. Appreciated by users of all ages thanks to its rather natural look, its ease of application and its affordable price, it is distinguished by its original packaging for gentle application. During our tests, we appreciated its correct coverage and the beautiful luminosity it provides. On the other hand, its composition leaves much to be desired, as does the rather limited choice of 8 shades, which also tend towards orange undertones.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (£25.41 / 6 ml upon publication): a very popular option thanks to its creamy texture. With a very camouflaging formula and a luminous, natural finish, it is nevertheless also likely to mark drier skin, fine lines and imperfections. During our tests, indeed, we found its texture a little too thick and visible on the skin. The composition of the product could also be improved, but we appreciate the wide range of shades available.
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (£6.4 / 3,5 ml upon publication): very popular, but with an awful composition. Although we could have included it in our top pick for its exceptional coverage, we preferred the HD Studio Photogenic from the same brand for its better composition. It is available in many shades (23) and offers very good staying power.
Other concealers tested
Boho Green Correcteur (£12.67 / 3,5 g upon publication): a solution in a stick. Unlike the products in this selection, this concealer comes in a convenient stick form – and in an eco-friendly cardboard packaging. It corrects and illuminates the eye area while providing a very good coverage and a natural effect. As many users point out and as our tests have highlighted, its texture may seem a little too oily and thick for some. We also regret the lack of diversity in terms of shades, but welcome its clean and organic composition.
Make Up Forever Ultra HD Concealer (£19.30 / 5 ml upon publication): a fluid texture that is easy to apply with its flexible foam tip. This concealer offers a covering and natural effect at the same time. It is long-lasting, and stands out for its “light-catching” effect for a naturally glowy look – which we liked during our tests. It is available in about twenty shades, which is already appreciable. In our opinion, it is an interesting conventional alternative to the RMS Beauty concealer, but its composition leaves a lot to be desired, once again.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
