This article explores the top 10 best drugstore concealers of 2024, curated based on insights from makeup professionals and real user experiences.
Achieving a flawless complexion is a dream for many makeup enthusiasts. But dark circles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation can stand in the way. Discover the magic of concealer! This makeup must-have effectively targets imperfections, creating a smooth, even base for the rest of your makeup routine. However, with countless drugstore concealers lining the shelves, choosing the right one can be tricky. So we’ll go into detail about the benefits of concealer, explore different formulas and finishes for different skin concerns, and help you find the best drugstore concealer to achieve a flawless, long-lasting makeup look.
What is Concealer?
Concealer is a makeup product that specifically conceals blemishes, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It comes in various textures (liquid, cream, stick) and finishes (matte, radiant) to suit different skin types and desired coverage levels. By strategically applying concealer, you can even out the skin tone, brighten the under-eye area, and create a polished, airbrushed finish to your makeup.
The Benefits of Using Concealer
Here’s how concealer elevates your makeup game:
- Evens Skin Tone: Concealer helps camouflage imperfections like acne scars, sunspots, and uneven skin tone, creating a more flawless appearance.
- Brightens Under-Eyes: Dark circles can make you look tired. Concealer helps counteract their blue or purple tones, brightening the under-eye area and leaving you looking refreshed.
- Polished Makeup Look: Applying concealer after foundation creates a smooth, polished base for the rest of your makeup. Whether you prefer a natural or dramatic look, concealer helps achieve a flawless canvas.
Now that you understand the magic of concealers, let’s explore how to choose the right one for your skin type and desired outcome.
Choosing the Right Concealer
There are two key factors to consider when choosing a concealer: formula and finish.
Formula
- Liquid Concealer: This versatile formula offers light to full coverage and blends seamlessly. Ideal for normal, oily, and combination skin.
- Cream Concealer: Provides high coverage and is perfect for camouflaging blemishes and scars. It is best suited for dry or normal skin types.
- Stick Concealer: Offers targeted, full coverage. Great for spot-containing blemishes and hyperpigmentation. It works well for most skin types.
Finish
- Matte: Ideal for oily skin, as it absorbs excess oil and prevents creasing.
- Radiant: Contains light-reflecting particles that illuminate the under-eye area and add a dewy glow. Suitable for dry or normal skin.
- Natural: Offers a finish that closely resembles your natural skin texture.
Color Matching
Choosing the proper shade is essential for a natural appearance. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly or is a shade lighter to brighten the under-eye area. To ensure the best fit, test hues on your jawline.
Top Considerations When Choosing the Best Drugstore Concealer
Before diving into our top picks, let’s explore some key factors to consider when selecting the best drugstore concealer:
Expert Opinions & Reviews: Consulting makeup artists (MUAs) and user reviews can be incredibly helpful. MUAs offer insights on product performance for specific concerns, while user reviews provide real-life experiences.
Ingredients & Safety: If you have sensitive skin, check the ingredient list for potential allergens or comedogenic ingredients (ingredients that can clog pores). Look for fragrance-free and non-comedogenic options.
Coverage & Finish: Consider your desired coverage level (light, medium, or full) and finish (matte, radiant) based on your skin type and concerns. If you have dark circles, prioritize a medium- to full-coverage concealer. For blemishes, a high-coverage concealer might be best.
The Top 10 Best Drugstore Concealers of 2024
Now, let’s dive into the cream of the crop—the top 10 best drugstore concealers of 2024, as chosen by makeup experts and loved by users!
Maybelline
- Coverage & Finish: Light to Medium, Natural
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (hydration), Vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Expert Insights: “This drugstore classic offers a buildable, natural finish that blends flawlessly,” says MUA Jessica Jones. “It’s perfect for everyday wear and evens out skin tone without looking cakey.”
- User Reviews: Users love its lightweight texture, easy blending, and natural look.
- Price & Availability: $7-$9, widely available at drugstores and online retailers.
L’Oréal Paris
- Coverage & Finish: Full, matte
- Key Ingredients: Long-lasting polymers (wear time)
- Expert Insights: “For those who need serious coverage that lasts all day, this is a winner,” says MUA Sarah Miller. “It works great to cover up flaws and hyperpigmentation and is great for oily skin.”
- User Reviews: Appreciated for its full coverage, long wear time, and budge-proof formula. Some users with dry skin might find it slightly drying.
- Price & Availability: $10-$12, at drugstores and online retailers.
NYX Professional Makeup
- Coverage & Finish: Medium to full, Matte
- Key Ingredients: Light-diffusing particles (blurring effect)
- Expert Insights: “This concealer offers amazing value for its price,” raves MUA Emma Choi. “The matte finish is suitable for oily skin, and the light-diffusing particles assist in blurring blemishes for a photo-ready look.”
- User Reviews: Praised for its medium-to-full coverage, affordability, and ability to mattify the skin. Some users might find the applicator tip slightly large.
- Price & Availability: $6-$8, at drugstores and online retailers.
CoverGirl
- Coverage & Finish: Full, radiant
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (hydration), Vitamin C (brightening)
- Expert Insights: “This option is a great choice for dry skin,” says MUA David Lee. “The hydrating formula provides a radiant finish that brightens the under-eye area and conceals imperfections effectively.”
- User Reviews: Loved for its full coverage, hydrating properties, and radiant finish. A good option for those seeking a dewy look.
- Price & Availability: $8-$10, at drugstores and online retailers.
Neutrogena
- Coverage & Finish: Light to medium, Radiant
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (hydration), Caffeine (de-puffing)
- Expert Insights: “This drugstore gem is perfect for dry and dehydrated skin,” says MUA Olivia Kim. “The lightweight solution moisturizes and brightens the under-eye area, leaving behind a natural, radiant finish.”
- User Reviews: It is praised for its hydrating properties, lightweight feel, and natural-looking coverage. It might not be right for people who want full coverage.
- Price & Availability: $9-$11, at drugstores and online retailers.
Milani
- Coverage & Finish: Full, matte
- Key Ingredients: Mattifying powders (oil control)
- Expert Insights: “This concealer is a long-wear champion,” says MUA Sophia Martinez. “It provides excellent coverage for blemishes and hyperpigmentation, and the matte finish keeps oil at bay.”
- User Reviews: Appreciated for its long-lasting wear, full coverage, and ability to control oil. Some users might find the formula slightly thick.
- Price & Availability: $9-$11, at drugstores and online retailers.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
- Coverage & Finish: Medium to full, Matte
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Expert Insights: “This full-coverage concealer offers amazing value for the price,” says MUA Sophia Kim. “It’s great for hiding flaws, acne scars, and uneven skin tone, and the matte finish makes it last for a long time.”
- User Reviews: Users are impressed by its high coverage, affordability, and ability to conceal blemishes. A few find the matte finish a bit too drying.
- Price & Availability: $5-$7, available at drugstores and online retailers.
Maybelline
- Coverage & Finish: Light to medium, Radiant
- Key Ingredients: Haloxyl (brightening complex), Goji Berry (antioxidant)
- Expert Insights: “This cult-favorite concealer is a multi-tasking wonder,” says MUA Sophia Thompson. “The applicator has a massage tip that relieves puffiness, and the light-reflecting product illuminates the under-eye area.”
- User Reviews: Users love the brightening effect, ease of use with the applicator tip, and hydrating formula. Some mention a need to build coverage for blemishes.
- Price & Availability: $8-$10, widely available at drugstores and online retailers.
Makeup Revolution
- Coverage & Finish: Full, matte
- Key Ingredients: Vegan Formula
- Expert Insights: “This cruelty-free concealer offers impressive full coverage at a drugstore price point,” says MUA Riley Robinson. “The matte finish works well for oily skin and can be used to conceal blemishes and contour the face.”
- User Reviews: Appreciated for its full coverage, affordability, and wide shade range. Some users might find the formula slightly drying.
- Price & Availability: $5-$7, at drugstores and online retailers.
Rimmel London
- Coverage & Finish: Medium to full, Matte
- Key Ingredients: Long-wearing polymers
- Expert Insights: “This concealer is a reliable option for oily skin,” says MUA Chloe Bennett. “The matte finish controls shine and offers medium to full coverage for blemishes and imperfections.”
- User Reviews: It is praised for its affordability, long-wear time, and ability to mattify the skin. This product may not be good for people who have dry skin.
- Price & Availability: $4-$6, at drugstores and online retailers.
Pro Application Tips for Flawless Concealing
Now that you’ve discovered your perfect drugstore concealer, let’s unlock the secrets to flawless application:
- Skincare Prep is Key: A well-hydrated and moisturized base is essential for smooth concealer application. Apply your moisturizer and sunscreen and allow them to fully absorb before applying concealer.
- Less is More: A little goes a long way with concealer. Start with a small amount and apply more only if needed for targeted areas.
- Concealing Techniques:
- Under-Eyes: Apply concealer in a crescent moon shape under your eyes, blending upwards and outwards towards your temples.
- Blemishes: Use a small, pointed brush or your fingertip to dab concealer directly onto blemishes. Blend the edges seamlessly for a natural look.
- Spot Concealing: Apply concealer directly to specific areas you want to camouflage, such as redness or hyperpigmentation.
- Setting is Essential: Locking in your concealer with a translucent powder prevents creasing and ensures long-lasting wear. Use a light hand and dust the powder on the areas where you applied concealer.
Conclusion
Drugstore concealers offer incredible value and performance, making them a fantastic option for achieving a flawless complexion. With a variety of formulas, finishes, and coverages available, there’s a perfect drugstore concealer for everyone. Remember, experiment with different concealers based on expert recommendations and your unique needs in order to find your holy grail product. Most importantly, embrace your natural beauty and use concealer to enhance your features, not mask them entirely. With the right concealer and application techniques, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a radiant, flawless complexion!
Read More: 10 Best Drugstore Primers of 2024, According to Experts