The Best Drugstore Concealer – 2023 Reviews and Top Picks
In line with our commitment to help you find products that will actually work for you, we’ve spent more than 21 hours carefully reviewing more than 20 different concealers out in the market today. The products that made it into our list were stringently selected based on their coverage, longevity and added skin benefits- all without harming your skin or your budget.
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser is a great choice for those who are looking for an instant fix for their puffy and tired-looking eyes. Having a built-in puff applicator, this concealer is a breeze to use.
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer has a creamy consistency that makes application easy. It won't cause tugging or pulling which is great in preventing wrinkles and fine lines.
If it's an oil-free concealer you are looking for, then E.L.F Maximum Coverage Concealer is the one for you. It has a creamy texture that is easy to blend and a formulation that can last you for hours.
NYX Cosmetics Concealer Jar, on the other hand, is a recommended product for those with dry skin. It contains emollients to help keep your skin moisturized.
CoverGirl Invisible Concealer is a must-try product if you are looking for a concealer that can be conveniently worn on a daily basis. Apart from that it's affordable, it also offers a natural finish that can seamlessly cover spots and blemishes.
2017’s Reviews of The Best Drugstore Concealers
Rankings | Brands | Quantity | Skin Type | Editor’s Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#2 | L'Oreal Paris | 0.1 ounce | Stick (twist-up design) | |
#1 | Maybelline | 0.2 fl oz | Plastic tube with built-in puff applicator | |
#4 | NYX | 0.25 ounce | Pot | |
#5 | COVERGIRL | 0.32 oz | Tube with applicator | |
#3 | e.l.f. Cosmetics | 0.7 fluid ounce | Tube |
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser is a great fix for those who frequently stay up late at night and those struggling with fine lines. The product is infused with goji berry and haloxyl to reduce the appearance of dark undereye circles and fine lines.
It can also help reduce your puffy lids.
One thing that stands out in this product is its built-in applicator. It’s a tiny dome-shaped applicator made out of dense cotton-like fiber.
You’ll have to twist it to saturate the applicator with the product. It makes application less messy and more precise.
However, this type of packaging can also compromise the concealer and its ingredients since it’s unhygienic and is prone to harboring bacteria (although it’s claimed to be anti-microbially treated).
To get the most out of it, it’s recommended that you apply the product in an outward direction. Start at the inner part of your under eyes and work your way outwards.
Don’t be too conscious about applying excess concealer- you can always wipe it off with a tissue later.
What impresses me the most about this drugstore concealer is the instant effect it gives. Apart from that, it is also supposed to help treat the signs of tiredness and puffiness on your undereye areas with continuous use.
The concealer has a thin consistency and the pigmentation is only up to a medium. If you are looking for something creamier, this one might not be for you.
What We Like:
- Helps conceal and treats puffy and tired eyes
- Built-in applicator is anti-microbially treated
- Gives instant effect
What We Didn’t Like:
- Formula is thin
- The product can build up in the applicator
#2 L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer has a buildable coverage, from sheer to full. Since it has a pointed tip, similar to a crayon, you can use it to cover tiny spots to bigger skin blemishes.
Despite being in stick/crayon form, the product isn’t that hard to apply as it’s actually creamy. The issue, however, is on how it tends to sit on fine lines.
It isn’t that hydrating enough so make sure you use a good eye cream first. Or, choose another concealer if you have really dry skin.
Because of this issue, I think the product is more suited for spot concealing acne scars, rather than hiding dark circles- not unless you don’t have those awkward fine lines under the eyes yet.
The concealer has a semi-matte finish and is actually good against oil-control.
You’ll love that it has a twist-up design, which means no shaving (yey!)
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Requires no shaving
- Excellent for spot concealing
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t contain a lot of product
- Can accentuate fine lines
For an oil-free concealer, choose E.L.F Maximum Coverage Concealer. It comes in a tube packaging which is really nice, especially for hygienic reasons.
You only need to squeeze the tube to dispense the product. It reduces the risk of contamination, which is pretty common among products that come with built-in applicators.
As for the consistency, this one is thick and creamy. It’s actually almost like foundation.
Despite being creamy, however, it requires very little effort to blend. You can use your fingertips or a brush.
Another thing I liked about this product is that it doesn’t dry to a complete matte, although it’s oil-free. If you are into a dewy look, this product can surely help you achieve that.
Apart from that, it also has a long lasting formulation. It doesn’t smudge or wear off easily.
What We Like:
- Hygienic packaging
- Easy to blend
- Doesn’t leave the skin looking too flat
- Long wearing formulation
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not full coverage
- Limited shades
For dry skin, NYX Cosmetics Concealer Jar is the best drugstore concealer. It has emollients that can keep your skin hydrated, particularly your under eye areas.
It offers medium to full coverage without looking cakey or clumpy. The concealer is concentrated so a little amount goes a long way.
It stays on quite long, too.
The product comes in a small pot, containing only 0.25 ounce. Because of its packaging and consistency, this one might be a bit tricky to dispense and apply.
To get the best out of the product, I suggest using a buffing-type concealer brush and really work the product on your skin. You can also use your fingers, tho I don’t think it’ll be the more convenient option, especially since the product can get stuck on your nails.
One nice thing about the concealer is that it comes in a wide range of colors. You can find one for color correcting, highlighting and even contouring.
What We Like:
- Concentrated
- Wide range of colors available
- Contains emollients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can require effort to apply and blend
- May not work well with oily skin
If you are looking for something that’s creamy yet natural-looking, CoverGirl Invisible Concealer is one of your best options. The concealer has a consistency that goes in between a cream and a liquid- not too thick or thin.
It comes with a soft-tipped doe foot applicator for precision and convenience. You can easily cover redness and spots with this one.
The finish of this concealer is on the matte side. Once blended, it virtually disappears on your skin.
As for dark undereye circles, it can only conceal them to a certain extent since the pigmentation of the product isn’t that high. So, if you are dealing with really dark circles, this one might not do the trick.
Instead, pick a concealer that offers full coverage.
As for application, you’ll be better off using a makeup sponge. Using your fingers won’t build up the product that well on your skin.
What We Like:
- Blends easily
- Comes with a doe foot applicator
- Great for everyday wear
What We Didn’t Like:
- Rubs off easily
- Not highly pigmented
Reviews and Comparisons of The Best Drugstore Concealers
Rankings | Best Overall | 2nd choice | 3rd choice | 4th choice | 5th choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top-Rated Drugstore Concealers 2017 |
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Brand | |||||
Consistency | Thin | Creamy | Creamy | Creamy | Light cream |
Coverage | Medium coverage | Buildable coverage (sheer to full) | Medium | Medium to full coverage | Medium |
Shades/ Color | 6 shades | 6 shades | 6 shades | 24 colors | 5 shades |
Get Started |
How To Choose The Right Shade When Buying Drugstore Concealer
When you’re buying a concealer, the last thing you want to happen is to get a shade that’s way too off from your natural skin color- especially if you only get to realize it once you’re home.
Yeah, we’ve all been there and it’s not fun. Apart from having to return the product (that is if your store has a good return policy), the experience can also make you feel more intimidated about buying cosmetics.
To save yourself from the extra trip back to the store and the trauma (alright, a bit exaggerated on this one) that goes with it, here are some tips to help you out:
If you’ll be buying your concealer online, it’s a good idea to check the shade to something you are already familiar with. Say, for example, your foundation.
You can try searching for the product’s swatches, too.
In case you’ll be purchasing the concealer from your local store, make sure to physically swatch it under natural lighting. Do not solely rely on the store’s lighting as they are extremely unreliable.
Trust me.
As for swatching, do it on your neck, near your ear. The idea is that the shade should blend with your skin tone and a bit lighter than your foundation.
If you’ll be using the concealer to hide dark undereye circles, take note that it may not always be enough. Packing on a light concealer on the area will only accentuate the problem more.
Instead, use a color correcting product and top it off with your concealer.
Apart from color, your skin’s undertone is something you should consider, too. If you have a yellow undertone, pick concealers that are golden in tint.
For people of color, go for products that have an orange or yellow undertone.
Best Ways To Use Drugstore Concealers
Eyeshadow base
Ditch your expensive eyelid primers and use your concealer instead. Apply the product on your lids to make the color of your eyeshadow pop or to simply to make it last longer.
Highlight
Choose a concealer that’s a few shades lighter than your skin color and it can double as a highlighter. Use it on the high areas of your face where light normally hits, like the high points of your cheeks and nose.
Lighter lip color
If you are looking for ways to lighten your lipstick, your concealer can do the trick. Simply dab a small amount of product on your lips until you get the right shade you are looking for.
Note: Make sure you exfoliate your lips prior to using this trick.
Reshaping the eyebrows
Get that eyebrows on fleek by using concealer to outline the arch of your brows. Just make sure you blend the product well to get a natural-looking result.
Conclusion
Cosmetic items don’t come cheap. This is one good reason why a lot of people are now turning more into drugstore items.
For the best drugstore concealer, we are highly recommending Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser. Apart from helping you conceal your blemishes, it can actually help your treat your skin concerns, especially with continuous use.
It works well on puffy and tired-looking lids and promises to give instant effects after application.
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