Expert-Tested Concealers That Hide Blemishes and Dark Circles in One Swipe

• Full coverage

• Too dry for some reviewers

For years, editors, experts, and influencers have been raving about the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer for its high-coverage finish, blurring power, and long-wearing, waterproof formula. But did you know it’s non-comedogenic? No wonder it feels so lightweight!

Coverage: Full

Shades: 32

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5

An ELLE editor says: “I have been hearing about this concealer for decades, but for some reason it took me until this year to finally join the bandwagon and give it a go. As an acne-prone, sensitive-skin, full-coverage-loving girl, I can confidently call this my dream concealer. It not only covers but blurs my blemishes and dark circles, all without clogging a single pore.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer

• Formulated for sensitive skin

• Can settle into fine lines

A favorite of Aharon’s, the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer is perfect for everyday wear. Not only does it blend like magic, it has the texture and ingredients of a hydrating serum but delivers the look of a medium-coverage concealer. “It’s formulated for sensitive skin and free from fragrance and alcohol, in addition to being non-comedogenic,” Aharon says.

Coverage: Light-to-medium

Shades: 20

Sephora rating: 4.3/5A Sephora reviewer says: “I absolutely love this concealer! It goes on so smoothly! This concealer is also great for my sensitive skin. Highly recommend this product!”

• Blurring finish

• Too dry for dry skin

This concealer is long-wearing, blurring, and brightening with medium-buildable coverage. Plus, it’s packed with niacinamide, fermented arnica, and hyaluronic acid to promote a hydrated, healthy-looking complexion. Quite the multitasker, it even depuffs your under-eyes after two weeks of daily use.

Coverage: Medium

Shades: 31

Sephora rating: 4/5A Sephora reviewer says: “Amazing concealer that goes on the skin like butter! Feels very light, melts into the skin, and doesn’t exaggerate any dry spots (which is a big issue for my skin). This is my favorite product I put on my face, and I have yet to find another concealer to rival this one!!”

• Great for mature skin

• Difficult shade range

The Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer is another go-to for Aharon. She loves the “natural, polished finish that still feels breathable and doesn’t settle into lines.” Infused with skin-loving ingredients, it also provides up to 24 hours of hydration.

Coverage: Full

Shades: 20

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This concealer has been a game changer. I am 56 years old and starting to get some under eye fine lines—dare I say wrinkles—and this is the first concealer I’ve used that doesn’t crease or wear off. I love it! It is a must have!”

• Smooths texture

• Too thick for under-eyes

The Nars Soft Matte Concealer is “velvety, long-wearing, and gives great spot coverage without heaviness,” says Aharon. It’s an industry favorite for spot concealing in a pinch without making breakouts and redness worse, thanks to peptides, hyaluronic acid, and a mix of vitamins A, C, and E.

Coverage: Full

Shades: 30Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5

An ELLE editor says: “When I have a breakout I need to cover, I always lean on my Nars Soft Matte Concealer. I simply dip a small brush into the pot (a little goes a long way) and pat it onto each blemish. They practically disappear in seconds. It’s super long-wearing, lightweight, and I love knowing it isn’t making my skin worse.”—Emma Aerin Becker

• Blendable formula

• Leaky packaging

For a waterproof, full-coverage formula, the Dior Backstage Concealer is surprisingly thin and lightweight. The tiny brush applicator makes precise application a breeze, while micro-pigments visibly blur imperfections and brighten complexion.

Coverage: Full

Shades: 22

Sephora rating: 4.3/5

A Sephora reviewer says: “So good. Coverage is amazing and blendable. Stays on all day! Highly recommend. If you are middle-aged or have wrinkles, this is an approved makeup item!”

• Skin care-forward formula

• Coverage may be too light for some

Not everyone with acne-prone skin wants a high-coverage formula. Enter the Refy Concealer—it’s hydrating, brightening, and boasts a light, serum-like texture.

Coverage: Light

Shades: 24

Sephora rating: 4.4/5A Sephora reviewer says: “It is definitely not a full coverage concealer and that’s exactly what I was looking for. This lightweight concealer, brightens and blurs and doesn’t get patchy or cakey”

• Medium coverage

• Dries down quickly

Enriched with vitamin C and mastic—an ingredient known to have anti-bacterial properties—the Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer helps firm, nourish, and refine your skin while you wear it. The lightweight formula provides medium coverage but feels like skin care.

Coverage: Medium

Shades: 20

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’m telling you this is a game changer. I have tried every concealer, and this is so radiant with a medium coverage and very hydrating. I have three different shades. One to cover up blemishes, one lighter color for under eyes, and a dark for contour. It is AMAZING.”

• Long-lasting

• Can get cakey

Finding a non-comedogenic concealer doesn’t have to break the bank. The e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer is long-wearing, crease-proof, and still lightweight—all for the price of a latte.

Coverage: Full

Shades: 25

Ulta rating: 4.3/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “My favorite concealer because it’s so cheap compared to others, and it lasts all day for me. I have oily skin and I use this concealer with a moisturizer, primer, and setting powder, and it lasts perfectly all day. Definitely buildable and easy to use. Love and recommend!”

• Skin care packed

• Some users note it can crease

Aharon calls this concealer the definition of “skin care-meets-makeup.” It’s hydrating, brightening, and ”so effortless under the eyes.” The serum-like formula is infused with a variety of skin care ingredients, such as caffeine, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and arnica.

Coverage: Medium

Shades: 38

Sephora rating: 3.9/5

A Sephora reviewer says: “Kosas’ concealer is the only concealer that doesn’t crease and leaves my skin hydrated all day. It’s super hydrating but not to the point where it’s oily. Definitely one of my makeup holy grails!”

Non-comedogenic products all come down to the formula. “A non-comedogenic concealer avoids certain oils and ingredients that are known to trigger congestion or clog pores,” says Aharon. It’s important to look for oil-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free formulas. You can also check for soothing actives like hyaluronic acid or centella. “Also test the feel,” Aharon adds. “If it’s too thick or heavy, even a non-comedogenic product can feel pore-suffocating.”

Absolutely! You don’t have to sacrifice coverage for skin care. Many modern formulas deliver medium to high coverage while staying breathable and gentle.

Lisa Aharon is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Emma Aerin Becker consulted a celebrity makeup artist to learn about the best non-comedogenic concealers. She also tested them out, read through countless customer reviews, and evaluated each product on their unique features.