We Put 13 Concealers Through the Ultimate Test—These Are the Best for Hiding Dark Circles & Blemishes

Joely Walker, beauty director said, ‘I have so much love for this it's verging on ridiculous. In fact, if I could only use 5 make-up products forever more this would be one of them. Ample coverage, melts seamlessly into skin, stays PUT – it ticks all boxes. Use with your fingers, a sponge, or – my personal favourite – a synthetic Real Techniques brush and buff into skin.'

Rachel Martin beauty editor said, ‘NARS concealeris a cult classic for good reason, this concealer has been a staple in my make-up bag for…what…ten years now? (Look to my mucky packaging if you need proof) The texture is creamy and rich (without erring on the thick side) making it ideal for layering - it melts into the skin beautifully. I also adore the buildable coverage - under eyes are brightened in an instant - think radiance, without any hint of shimmer. If you’re someone who deals with blemishes (raises hand) then this works a treat here too by minimising redness and softening the appearance of the spots themselves. A reminder - always set with powder to ensure ultimate staying power. And stay it does. I can apply the concealer before work at 8am (pre a full day of meetings) and it’s still sitting pretty come cocktail hour.’

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘If this concealer ever got discontinued, I’d honestly have to riot. This is one of my favourite beauty products EVER. I’m talking a desert-island-must-have, a ‘top-five-things-I’d-save-in-a-fire’ situation. And, okay, confession time: I had one bottle for three years. I know, I know, that’s a beauty sin, and definitely not sanitary, but that’s how little you need. A tiny dab erases everything. The texture is this unbelievably rich, creamy, and the pigmentation is just... wow. It’s like a eraser for discolouration. My under-eyes? Shades Butterscotch and Caramel really brighten my under eye. My brows? Chestnut carves them out beautifully. This is the one product I’d stockpile if I could. Me and Sameeha? We’re a cult of two, completely and utterly devoted. If they ever dared to take it away, we’d be leading the charge in a full-blown beauty revolution.’

Sameeha Shaik beauty writer said, ‘Meet the Hourglass concealer that has my heart, so much so I've stayed loyal to it for a number of years, exclusively using it for all occasions including my wedding in 2023. It is rich, creamy and does everything you want from a concealer all the while lending a full-coverage, filter-like, airbrush finish that will stay in place all day. While thick, the formula is non-comedogenic and won't be a pain for your pores.’

Joely Walker, Beauty Director said, ‘E.L.F is a bit of an unsung hero in the UK, but this concealer is a gateway into their full range. It's heavy-duty, heavy coverage so a little goes a long way, but the great shade range manages to blend really well without being cakey.’

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘Saie is criminally underrated. I stumbled upon their foundation first, and the glow it brings is unbeatable. But it’s their Slip Tint Concealer (in shades 16 and 17) that truly stole my heart. When my under-eyes are tired and dry, it’s my absolute go-to. The formula is just so hydrating, i’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, the perfect combination of effective coverage and care. Honestly, it feels like I’m doing my skin a favour by wearing it, not the other way around. It plays beautifully with my other skincare products, and it sets flawlessly with the Laura Mercier powder.’

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘This concealer really impressed me it’s so creamy, and a little definitely goes a long way. It might look thick at first, but it blends out, becoming surprisingly lightweight. My shade, DW24, melts into the skin. While I’d personally love a bit more brightening power, paired with a lighter concealer and it does the trick. The coverage is also great if you have for blemishes, and what sets this apart, is the matte, flawless finish. It’s a fantastic option for those with oily skin, as it stays put without feeling heavy. I’ve reserved this for the summer months.’

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘This concealer is a beautiful blend of skincare and makeup, offering a comfortable, medium coverage that’s perfect for those ‘no-makeup makeup’ days. I was fortunate enough to receive multiple shades(11,12,13), and when my mom, who’s in her 50s, ran out of her usual concealer, I passed one along to her. She absolutely loved it! She raved about how it didn’t settle into her fine lines or accentuate her wrinkles, and how it actually minimised their appearance while brightening her complexion.’

Jade Moscrop, Commercial Content Editor said, ‘If ‘Skinimalism’ is your thing this is one for you, it’s perfect for those no-make-up-make-up days, this concealer won't cake, crease or drag you down. It immediately illuminates my under-eye area and is basically like a second skin. Dreamy!'

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ’I’m genuinely impressed with Merit’s formula. It’s a true multi-tasker. It’s not just a concealer, and it’s not just a foundation - it’s both, and then some. For a travelling busy body it’s great for streamlining your routine by using it as a lightweight base, spot-concealing where needed, and even contouring. That’s the real win for me. They also prioritise clean beauty, which is a big plus, and the soft, hydrating formula (thanks, daffodil extract!) feels amazing on my skin. It’s lightweight, buildable, and gives a really natural medium coverage. If you’re looking to simplify your makeup bag, this is definitely worth trying.

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘This medium concealer makes light work of dark circles. Sweat-proof, water-proof and long-wearing - you can rely on it come rain or shine. Rihanna never misses the mark when it comes to shade range. Trust me when I say there is a perfect skin match for you, to illuminate the high points of your face. Set the true Fenty way with the Invisimatte powder.’

For brightening and concealing, this serum infused concealer is must-have according to Pro artist Adeola Gboyega . She said, ‘Its creamy, hydrating formula works beautifully under the eyes, adding brightness without looking cakey or settling into fine lines. A little goes a long way - gently tapping it in with your ring finger or a damp sponge keeps it looking fresh and radiant. By brightening this area, you can instantly lift and refresh the entire face, making you look more awake and youthful.’

Renee Washington digital fashion and beauty assistant said, ‘The coverage of Victoria Beckham’s Concealer Pen is buildable and sits well on the skin. It blends seamlessly, and despite its skincare-packed ingredients, wearing it during the full work day I found that it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. To keep it in place, I lightly set the concealer with Huda's Easy Bake in Kunafa. Over time, I'm very curious to see how it will have noticed a improve my in my skin’s texture, especially around my eyes. The shades closes to my complexion DP1 and DK2 , and for brighter days I'll be reaching for MD1.’

Georgia Scott beauty and fashion product writer said, ‘Described as a 'serum-based' concealer, I was initially incredibly impressed with how REFY’s concealer glided over the skin. After following instructions, I gave the concealer a shake to avoid any separation. I went for the shade 3 which is proved to be the perfect match for my skin tone; a fair shade with neutral tones suited me perfectly, but also I'm able to fluctuate between shades depending on my tan. What did I think overall? I applied the concealer using the doe foot applicator and blended with the new REFY complexion brush and it's safe to say, I think I've found a new favourite. My under eyes were instantly brightened, any imperfections were naturally blurred and my skin still looked and felt moisturised. I would describe this concealer as a medium, buildable coverage with a satin finish, which is great if you're after that 'no make-up, make-up look'. This serum based hybrid product is made with a range of nourishing ingredients to help the concealer sit comfortably on the skin for a super smooth finish.’