When stress or sleepless nights take their toll, your complexion is often the first to reveal the signs. Dark circles deepen, and blemishes can appear, making a reliable concealer an essential tool in any makeup bag. But with countless formulas promising everything from crease-resistant wear to skincare benefits, finding the right one is a challenge. We put a wide range of popular and new concealers through rigorous testing to find the very best options for every need and budget in 2026.
How We Put the Top Concealers to the Test
Our evaluation focused on three critical areas: coverage, creasing, and shade range. We began by scrutinising the available shades for each brand, dismissing any that failed to cater to a diverse spectrum of skin tones. To objectively assess coverage, we used a red Sharpie to create simulated blemishes on the forearm, applying and blending each concealer over them with a small brush.
The final and most important phase was the wear test. Each product was worn for a full day while we monitored its performance on actual spots and under-eye circles. We noted any settling into fine lines, ease of blending, and whether the finish became dry, patchy, or irritating over time.
The Top Concealer Picks for Flawless Skin
After extensive trials, these eight formulas stood out from the crowd for their exceptional performance.
Best Concealer Overall: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
This cult-favourite product earns its stellar reputation. It provides long-wearing, comfortable, and buildable coverage that effectively masks both dark circles and blemishes without settling into fine lines. With an impressive 30-shade range, finding a perfect match is straightforward. While not hydrating, its creamy formula controls excess oil without drying the skin, making it a superb all-rounder. At £29.50 for 6ml, it's an investment, but a little goes a long way.
Best Budget Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Proving high performance doesn't require a high price tag, this affordable staple delivers buildable, long-wearing coverage with a smooth, matte finish. Its new, softer applicator allows for quick application. It's ideal for brightening the under-eye area and concealing spots on oily or combination skin. Priced from just £2.25, it's easy to justify buying two shades. The key is to blend it quickly to avoid it setting in place.
Best for Dark Circles: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer
This concealer tackles dark circles by combining coverage with skincare. Infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, it hydrates, plumps, and brightens while offering medium, buildable coverage. It resisted creasing beautifully and left a natural, radiant glow. The large doe-foot applicator makes for swift application. At £28 for 7.2ml, it's a multitasking treat, though those with very sensitive skin should patch-test due to the vitamin C.
Best for Dry Skin: By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
For those battling dry, patchy skin, this hydrating formula is transformative. It contains eight types of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into different skin layers, preventing a cakey or dry finish throughout the day. It provides light-to-medium coverage for a flawless, natural look and includes caffeine and magnolia flower to soothe and brighten. The downside is its premium price of £39 and a more limited 12-shade range.
Best Lightweight Concealer: NYX Bare With Me Serum Concealer
This serum-like concealer is perfect for those seeking a fresh, 'no-makeup' look. Its lightweight consistency blurs texture and redness without feeling heavy or settling into lines. The hygienic pump bottle keeps the formula clean, a boon for acne-prone skin. It leaves a healthy, slightly dewy finish. Excellent value from £6.51, though the pump can dispense more product than needed with a full press.
More Standout Formulas
Mac Studio Fix Concealer is the go-to for full, long-lasting coverage that doesn't budge, even in heat. However, it has a distinct paint-like scent. The Laura Mercier Real Flawless Concealer offers a soft-matte, skin-like finish and excellent blurring, but doesn't distinctly outperform others in its price bracket. For a mid-range option, Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer provides high-end performance with hydrating ingredients at an accessible price, though it also has a chemical scent and a stiffer applicator.
Expert Tips for Perfect Concealer Application
Professional makeup artists emphasise that technique is key. "Prep is everything," says Suzie O'Neill of AYU Cosmetics. Hydrate the under-eye area well and let skincare absorb fully before applying makeup. For application, Jamie Genevieve of Vieve recommends layering strategically: use concealer after foundation to brighten, or before to tackle significant pigmentation, then blend with foundation.
To prevent creasing, especially on mature skin, use a light hand and tap product in gently. Setting lightly with translucent powder can help lock it in place. Finding your shade is easier with online shade finders, but remember: a shade lighter than your foundation brightens eyes, while a skin-tone match seamlessly covers blemishes.
Ultimately, the best concealer fits your specific skin concerns, desired coverage, and budget. Whether you invest in a luxurious multitasker or a brilliant budget buy, these tested winners promise to help you achieve a flawless finish.
