Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight
Selena Gomez knows the importance of a great base, and this highlighter is the star of her beauty line. Coming in eight different shades for various skin tones, it’s a lightweight yet intense highlighter that will make your skin look dewy all day long.
NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator
If your goal is to look lit-from-within instead of glittery, this highlighter can get that done. It’s not as intense as some other options, but you’ll definitely see the shine. Get ready for people to ask who your facialist is.
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Highlighter
A classic in the highlighter department, this little bottle packs a serious punch. It’s the perfect middle ground between intensity and subtle and will last you all night long.
RÓEN RoGlow Skin Stick Highlighter
For highlighter beginners, this stick-to-balm highlighter is easy to use and impossible to mess up. It has a light coverage, but the dewiness is unmatched.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Liquid Killawatt Fluid Freestyle Highlighter
Hello, drama. This highlighter comes in five different shades, and each one has intense yet blendable coverage. You can customize it so your skin looks subtly glowing or intensify it for a night out.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand
If you’ve been on TikTok, you know the loyalty this highlighter commands. It gives a beautiful sheen to the skin without looking pasty or too glittery. It also blends out perfectly and will never look streaky.
If you’re envious of the glossy makeup looks you see in magazines, odds are those beautiful models are wearing this highlighter. It comes in four different shades and will make your skin look like you just applied your skincare, just taken up a notch.
Wet n Wild Megaglo Liquid Highlighter
Not only is this highlighter wallet-friendly, but it also comes in multiple shades and is packed with skincare ingredients. With vitamin E and hydrating butters, this product smooths and hydrates your skin while still giving it a powerful glow.
Move over, wallflowers; this product is here to be the center of attention. With six beautiful shades, this highlighter will give your skin that glass-like finish we all envy. It also contains some skincare ingredients, so your face continues to be radiant even after you take it off.
ICONIC LONDON Illuminator
This liquid is intense, which is why it’s amazing that you can customize it to your routine. If you want a light blinding glow, dab a little to the cheekbones. But if you want a subtle sheen instead, you can use the dropper to add a little to your foundation for a wow factor.
Revlon SkinLights Face Glow Illuminator
For newbies to the highlighting world, this is a great starter product. It’s somewhere between subtle and intense but easy to use and completely worth the price.
ILIA Liquid Light Serum Highlighter
We all love makeup that puts our skin first. Formulated with algae and marine extracts, this product helps firm and smooth the skin while you’re wearing it. The coverage of this highlighter is subtle but buildable and gives every look a dewy finish.
UNSUN Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15
If you plan on showing a little skin, this face and body highlighter has you covered. Coming in two beautiful shades, this liquid helps you look bronzed and glowy all summer long. It also has SPF 15, so you can shine at the beach without worrying about UV rays.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Glow Highlighter
If you like the look of a highlighter without any cakiness, this product brings the intensity without the sticky, clunky finish. It comes in four shades, and no matter which one you choose, I have a feeling that selfies are in your future.
e.l.f. Jelly Highlighter
If you want a subtle glow, this bouncy highlighter adds a beautiful sheen to the skin without overwhelming you with too much glitter. The jelly consistency is too fun not to love, but the way it looks on the skin will blow you away.
“If you are looking for a long-lasting, pigmented lipstick in a unique color that’s perfect for melanated skin, look no further. This one can withstand me putting on and taking off my mask multiple times a day before the need to reapply. Mented’s liquid lipsticks have a velvety matte finish and doesn’t suck the hydration out of your lips. This blood orange color looks so beautiful on. Every time I wear it, I get compliments.” —Danielle James, Beauty Director, ELLE.com
“I’m rarely ever moved by an eyeshadow palette—blame the surplus of neutral mattes we’ve been inundated with this year alone. But one swipe from this Danessa Myricks’ palette made me a believer all over again. The looks are endless with this 14-pot palette; the shimmery top and bottom rows are a creamy, blendable delight that deposits an insane amount of pigment. With this palette, everyone is a pro!” — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronze
“As someone who can never say no to a vacation, Charlotte Tilbury’s cream bronzer remains a constant in my rotation for those days when I want to mimic a post-OOO glow. Where many cream bronzers give a muddy finish, one swipe of this is all you need to chisel those cheekbones and add dimension back to your face.” — NP
Ami Cole On Point Precision Brow Pencil
“Ami Cole’s products take the mundanity out of doing your makeup. Aside from its gorgeous orange packaging—hard to miss in any makeup bag—the brand’s newly-released brow pencil already has my other brow products shaking. The dual-sided feature helps me to mimic Zendaya-esque fluffy brows in just a few light strokes.” — NP
Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder
“I lean more dewy than matte, but a light dusting of powder is a must-have for my T-zone. I hate the chalky finish most powders have, but this one is super smooth, barely-there but erases any oily spots while still leaving my skin hydrated.” — Tatjana Freund, ELLE.com Commerce Writer
Sania’s Brow Bar Angled Mechanical Brow Pencil
“When I first showed up to Sania’s Brow Bar, my left eyebrow was noticeably smaller than my right one. Fortunately, founder Sania Vucetaj, aka NYC’s resident brow wizard, took pity on me and introduced me to this genius brow pencil. Equipped with an angled applicator and unique formulation, this handy tool not only evened out my brows—it made them actually look natural. All hail.” — Claire Stern, ELLE.com Deputy Editor
Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel
Look, it’s just that good. This “lip gel” has a nice glossy finish without feeling sticky and has the perfect amount of pink tint to enhance the natural color of my lip without giving me that ashy pink look. You know the ashy pink look I’m talking about.” — NP
Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector
“Small but mighty! I’ve tried a lot of different concealers in my life and most of them never fully covered up my dark circles. The key, it turns out, was to first apply a peach under-eye corrector, and then, boom! Gone. The Bobbi Brown eye corrector is slightly tacky but, surprisingly layers well with other products. It’s been my go-to for years now.” — Leah Romero, ELLE.com Senior Digital Designer
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
“This is, by far, the best foundation I’ve found for my combination skin. The formula blends effortlessly, goes on smooth but dewy, and stays in place all day, even if I (yikes) rub at my face. You can wear it multiple days in a row without the cream causing breakouts, plus the moisturizing hyaluronic acid in the formula means even dry patches will be happy.” — Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE.com Associate Editor
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
“I’ve never been an orange blush girl until this one from Rare Beauty stole my heart. One dot is all I need to create a soft flush on my cheeks, so that should tell you how pigmented this blush is. Selena Gomez, A+ in my book!!” — NP
Glossier Cloud Paint
“I’ve written the phrase ‘I don’t know how to use makeup’ more times on this website than I care to count, but this blush doesn’t care! It’s nearly foolproof. It lasts forever. You can use your fingers. And it looks so damn pretty.” — MF
“If you’ve yet to convert to liquid blush and want to try a decent stop-gap, this fantastic cream blush from Tower 28 comes in a range of sumptuous pinks, reds, and purples. You needn’t worry about doling out too much product either; simply dip your blender or brush onto the cream to pick up as much (or as little) as you need.” — LP
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
“On the days I don’t feel like wearing makeup, this miracle mascara always makes my lashes pop. While the lipstick colors and eye palettes change, it’s a steady standby in my beauty arsenal.” — Alyssa Bailey, ELLE.com Senior News and Strategy Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer
“Though this is technically a primer, I use it as a light-coverage foundation, and it gives the most candle-lit, non-cakey glow you can possibly imagine.” — Jessica Roy, ELLE.com Site Director
Maybelline New York Superstay 14 Hour Lipstick in Endless Raisin
“I believe a bright, bold red lip is appropriate no matter the occasion: work, home, dinner, parties, gym (yes, the gym!). This Maybelline lipstick in Endless Raisin is my go-to color. It slides on easy and doesn’t smudge.” — Rose Minutaglio, ELLE.com Staff Writer
Joey Healy Brow Structure Clear Set
“I have long, lazy eyebrow hairs. This is the only gel that keeps them held in place without making them crunch or look spackled onto my face. It’s also the perfect baby hair or frizz tamer for days when your hair just won’t behave.” — MA
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Face Primer
“I love this smoothing primer. It totally minimizes the appearance of all my pores, and doesn’t feel heavy on my face. Plus, a little goes a longggg way. One tiny tube lasted me for almost an entire year.” — RM
L’Oréal Paris Infallible THe Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner
“Of all the drugstore and high-end eyeliners I’ve glided across my eyes, none comes close to the love I have for L’Oréal’s Infallible Super Slim liner. The rich pigment, ultra-fine tip, the easy application, and matte black finish—I have no choice but to stan!” — NP
If you were to flip through a yearbook that had Senior Superlatives for the best beauty products of all time, there’s no doubt that concealer would win “Most Likely to Succeed.” The reason? Concealer is one of the most versatile makeup items you can have in your collection. It addresses a handful of different beauty concerns, including disguising dark under-eye circles, hiding blemishes, camouflaging redness, evening out skin tone, and blurring imperfections. It can also be used to highlight, contour, and enhance bone structure to add more depth to the face.
Best Overall
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
What We Love: This long-lasting concealer is suitable for all skin types.
What We Don’t Love: This concealer can crease if too much is applied.
“NARS is very well known for its full coverage foundation, so you can only imagine how amazing their concealer is, too,” says beauty and fashion educator Tracy Faith. “The Radiant Creamy Concealer is designed to provide all-day crease-free coverage.” On top of lasting for over 16 hours (yes, an InStyle editor put it to the test), this top-rated product can effortlessly cover everything from acne breakouts to dark circles with nothing more than a tiny drop. (It’s worth noting that a little goes a long way, so be sure to only apply a small amount at a time.)
In addition to camouflaging blemishes and dark spots, this concealer can also be used to contour and highlight certain facial features. (We especially like using it to brighten up our cheekbones since it has a radiant finish.) “Once you blend the product into your skin, you will automatically appear fresh,” Faith says. For best results, apply a small amount to the areas of your face that you want to cover, and blend out lightly — with a brush, sponge, or your fingers — until you get the coverage you want. Since this concealer offers buildable coverage, start small and work your way up if you want a fuller finish. If you have oily skin or are worried about creasing, you can set this concealer with a translucent powder for longer wear.
Price at time of publish: $32
Shades: 30 | Coverage: Medium| Finish: Radiant
Best Drugstore
Maybelline Super Stay Active Wear Liquid Concealer
What We Love: This full-coverage concealer is lightweight and breathable.
What We Don’t Love: Though long-lasting, it can start to crease toward the end of the day.
If you’re looking for an affordable, long-lasting concealer, we have just the thing for you. At less than $15 a pop, Maybelline Super Stay Concealer is a drugstore favorite. We love that it’s made with a lightweight formula that provides full coverage. (Normally, full-coverage concealers have thicker consistencies since they have to mask red blemishes and dark circles, but this airy formula can do that without being too heavy.) It feels light on the skin and effortlessly covers up imperfections, plus it has a 30-hour staying power, which is more than two times what some other concealers offer thanks to its waterproof formula (but it does tend to crease slightly if worn for extra long hours). What separates this product from other drugstore picks — aside from being lightweight and having insane staying power — is that it has a flexible wand that allows users to easily apply the product to the hard-to-reach corners of their eyes. On top of that, the pliable wand seamlessly glides across skin, which means you won’t tug or pull on delicate areas.
Price at time of publish: $12
Shades: 16 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Best Value
Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer
What We Love: A little goes a long way, which means this concealer will last you months on end.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not ideal for dry skin.
Named InStyle’s best concealer for under eyes, it only makes sense that Tarte Shape Tape Full-Coverage Concealer would score a spot on this list. For starters, this concealer provides full coverage with a matte finish, meaning it has the ability to mask dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and acne with just one application. On top of that, the formula is made with good-for-your-skin ingredients like shea butter (which soothes skin), mango butter (which adds hydration), and licorice root (which brightens from the inside out). Plus, these ingredients work overtime to keep the product from creasing and settling into fine lines. As for the standout feature: This concealer has incredible staying power, which means you won’t need to reapply throughout the day.
While this concealer costs $31, we named it the Best Value because one tiny dab can be blended out to conceal your whole under-eye area. Plus, each tube holds 0.33 fluid ounces, which means you’ll have it for months to come. As an avid concealer-wearer, I can attest to this. I’ve had my tube of Shape Tape for over six months, and I’m not even halfway through it yet — even though I use it every day. To make the most of this product, I like to apply a dot of it to the back of my hand and then use my fingers to apply it under my eyes or to spot-treat blemishes. It blends out really well and gives my skin a natural-looking matte finish.
Price at time of publish: $31
Shades: 35| Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Best Splurge
Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer
What We Love: This concealer can last for up to 24 hours (seriously).
What We Don’t Love: The formula is a bit thick, which can make it hard to blend.
If there’s one brand we’re bound to splurge on, it’s Dior. The beloved label has created a handful of our favorite beauty products, including the Backstage Face & Body Foundation, the Diorshow Lash-Extension Effect Volume Mascara, and, most notably, the Forever Skin Correct Concealer. This creamy concealer provides full coverage for all skin types without the need to apply multiple coats. It’s able to hide redness, pimples, dark spots, and dark circles, all with just one swoop. Plus, it can blur pores, which can make skin appear practically airbrushed.
Since this product is a bit of a splurge, it’s worth pointing out that the formula is unlike most concealers. This is because it is made with a special combination of ingredients, including iris extract (which hydrates skin and locks in moisture), wild pansy extract (which soothes skin and reduces redness), and nasturtium extract (which can revitalize skin and make it luminous). Oh, and did we mention this concealer can stay on skin — and look good — for up to 24 hours? Yeah, that’s something to boast about. Because the formula is a bit thicker, it requires a bit more blending — but we promise the end result is totally worth it.
Price at time of publish: $38
Shades: 28 | Coverage: Full| Finish: Natural
Best for Dark Circles
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid
What We Love: This creamy concealer hydrates delicate skin under the eyes.
What We Don’t Love: Lighter shades tend to sell out.
It’s a fact: Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty products have taken the world by storm. While the brand has been around for years, it recently made a huge splash after TikTok users couldn’t stop raving about the Flawless Filter primer. And, while we ourselves love the Flawless Filter with everything in us, there’s one product that deserves just as much attention: The Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer. This concealer offers medium-to-full coverage (depending on how much you use) and can stay on skin for up to 16 hours. Plus, it comes in 30 shades, which means you can find the perfect fit for your complexion.
“I am extremely picky when it comes to concealer because my under eyes get dried out so quickly. I need something that will (most importantly) mask my dark circles, but also keep the area hydrated and plump throughout the day,” says InStyle Commerce Editor Mary Honkus. “Let me tell you, I’m not easily impressed by concealers, but from the first blend, I was immediately blown away. Two small dabs make me look so well rested, even when I’m most certainly not, and my under-eyes stay comfortable even through a full day’s wear. If you have fair skin like me, you’ll want to snatch this up quickly as the lighter shades tend to sell out fast.”
Price at time of publish: $33
Shades: 30| Coverage: Medium to Full| Finish: Radiant
Best for Blemishes
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Full-Coverage Concealer
What We Love: This concealer is made with oil-absorbing ingredients that work to dry out pimples.
What We Don’t Love: This shouldn’t be used near the delicate eye area because it is drying.
If you have acne-prone skin, you might have noticed there are a limited amount of concealers that cater to inflamed blemishes. While, yes, there are countless concealers that work to hide pimples, there are very few that work to heal pimples while they hide them. Instead of just covering up the problem, why not address it? Luckily, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer does just that. Made with a blend of powerhouse ingredients including zinc oxide, kaolin clay, witch hazel, tea tree, sulfur, and a gentle AHA/BHA complex, this formula works to taper down zits by absorbing excess oil. Plus, it’s infused with anti-aging peptides and hydrolyzed collagen, both of which help to soothe and smooth out skin.
As for the concealer itself, it offers a full coverage finish that effectively conceals the look of blemishes, acne, redness, and discoloration without creasing or cracking. Plus, when you wash it off, you’ll notice that your blemishes are smaller and more dried out, meaning skin clarity will improve with each wear. We will note that since this is essentially a drying formula, only use it on zits and not on the delicate skin around the eyes.
Price at time of publish: $38
Shades: 7| Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Best for Red Spots
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Corrector in Green
What We Love: This concealer is offered in seven bold hues (including green, red, and purple), which are made to address discoloration for different skin tones.
What We Don’t Love: The formula is thick and can be hard to blend.
According to celebrity makeup artist Tonya Riner, Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Color Corrector works well to cover red blemishes on both light and dark skin tones. (If you have a fair complexion, use the Green shade and if you have a darker complexion, use the Brick Red hue.) Because this formula has a thicker consistency than other concealers, it’s important that you apply it correctly so it goes on smoothly. “Use a tiny brush for pinpoint concealing so the color corrector is only on the discoloration,” Riner says. “Then press (so you don’t disturb the coverage you just created) a foundation that matches your skin tone on top to blend.” This will ensure that the color corrector is hiding the discoloration while also blending in with the rest of your makeup.
What we like about this product is that it’s suitable for all skin types, and it is offered in seven different shades, which means you can find the ideal hue for your skin. Here’s the lowdown: Those with light to medium skin tones should opt for the green shade to minimize redness, the yellow hue to cover dark circles and hyperpigmentation, and the lavender color to address sallowness. Those with medium skin tones should grab the peach hue to minimize dark spots, dark circles, and acne scars. As for those with deeper skin tones, try the orange/red shade or the brick red color to cover dark spots, dark circles, and acne scars.
Price at time of publish: $31
Shades: 7| Coverage: Full| Finish: Matte
Best for Dry Skin
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream
What We Love: This ultra-creamy concealer is made with hyaluronic acid and peptides, which help hydrate skin.
What We Don’t Love: It can crease if it is not blended out well enough.
As a beauty editor, I’ve had the ability to try countless (and I mean countless) different makeup products. While I love testing new formulas and experimenting with all kinds of items, I’ve noticed more often than not, I tend to go back to my tried-and-true products. But, after learning that Hailey Bieber uses the Kosas Revealer Concealer, I knew I had to try it. From the first swipe, I was a convert. This incredibly creamy concealer glides over my skin effortlessly, covering my dark circles and pesky acne scars in no time. I love how blendable the formula is and how I can build on top of it if I want more coverage (which I usually don’t need since this concealer is so good).
On top of being supreme at covering dark circles and blemishes, this concealer also has an all-star formula that’s ideal for dry skin. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and peptides, which work to hydrate skin and make it more supple, as well as caffeine, which fights dark circles, puffiness, and dullness.
And if you had any doubt about this concealer, celebrity makeup artists love it, too. “Kosas Revealer Concealer is my number one pick for any skin type and any age,” Riner says. “The formula is creamy and never creases which makes it foolproof, and they offer a wide range of shades.”
Price at time of publish: $28
Shades: 28| Coverage: Medium| Finish: Radiant
Best for Oily Skin
Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless Oil-Free 24 Hour Concealer
What We Love: Because it’s oil-free, it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
What We Don’t Love: It dries fast, which means you need to blend it quickly when you apply it.
If you have oily skin, finding a concealer that stays put is no easy feat. Luckily, Smashbox Studio Skin Concealer is made with a creamy, oil-free formula that is ideal for greasier complexions. Because it’s not made with oil, it won’t slip into fine lines and cause creases. It also won’t melt off the skin if it comes in contact with oil because it has long-lasting capabilities that are made to withstand damp, greasy skin. On top of that, this concealer hides dark circles and hyperpigmentation as well as redness and age spots to boot.
What really makes this concealer stand out is that it’s very buildable, which means it offers a range of different coverages (from light wear to full coverage). We will note that the formula dries fast and has a thicker consistency than most concealers, so just be sure that if you want to build on top of it, you apply each layer quickly. As for the cherry on top: It’s made with a vegan formula that’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts — a huge win for oily skin!
Price at time of publish: $29
Shades: 30| Coverage: Medium to Full | Finish: Natural
Best for Dark Skin Tones
Dermablend Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer
What We Love: This hydrating concealer is waterproof and transfer-resistant.
What We Don’t Love: It can be hard to wash off completely if you don’t double cleanse.
Created by physician Craig Roberts and his makeup artist wife, Flori Roberts, Dermablend is the ideal brand for anyone who is looking for a hybrid between makeup and skincare. The products in the line have the perfect combination of good-for-your-skin formulas and high-powered makeup ingredients, which are safe for all skin types, tones, and conditions. One product in particular that delivers both skincare benefits and makeup capabilities is the brand’s top-rated full-coverage concealer.
“Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer is my fave,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Velázquez. “The skincare ingredients infused in this formula are very helpful for balancing out discoloration, without getting cakey throughout the day.” (You can thank sunflower seed oil and vegetable glycerin for this since they keep skin hydrated.) Plus, this concealer is 100 percent vegan and made without alcohol and parabens.
In terms of dark skin tones, this product offers a handful of shades that seamlessly blend into darker complexions. “There are a variety of shades in this line, from olive to deep, beautiful ebony,” Velázquez says. “The undertones of this formula also offer a warm finish without looking too red, orange, gray, or ashy.”
Price at time of publish: $28
Shades: 16| Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Best Shade Range
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer
What We Love: This creamy, long-wear concealer feels light on skin.
What We Don’t Love: This concealer can crease if too much is applied.
Complete with 50 shades — ranging from very fair to very deep — Fenty’s long-wear concealer has a hue that will match anyone’s skin tone. On top of having colors that pair well with a diverse range of skin tones, each concealer in the line features different undertones (a couple being neutral, neutral warm, cool, warm yellow, and warm olive), which means you can find the absolute perfect shade to address your skincare concerns, whether you want to cover dark circles, red blemishes, age spots, or something in between. Plus, the creamy formula is lightweight and breathable, and provides skin with medium-to-full coverage. It also offers a soft matte finish that brightens skin, especially the under-eye area. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way — just a dab should be enough to cover any concerns (and layering too much can cause it to crease).
Price at time of publish: $28
Shades: 50| Coverage: Medium to Full| Finish: Matte
Best Crease-Free
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer
What We Love: This bestselling concealer blurs and smooths uneven skin texture.
What We Don’t Love: This concealer is not suitable for dry skin.
“NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer really describes itself in the title,” says New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers. “It’s a soft, creamy concealer that blurs imperfections, blemishes, and dark circles, yet has a delicate, matte appearance and gives excellent coverage.” This product’s full-coverage capabilities are due to the unique formula that contains what NARS refers to as “Optimal Diffusion Powder,” a lightweight powder that actually transforms the look of skin by blurring imperfections with the help of light-diffusing spheres that are designed to absorb and refract light for a soft-focus finish.
Aside from making skin look airbrushed, this concealer also stays put for hours since it’s made without oil. As for what it’s made with, that’s what has turned this concealer into a bestseller. Infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E, this product will actually make skin appear smoother, softer, and plumper over time. Now if that’s not a skincare win, we don’t know what is. Keep in mind though, that because it has a more matte finish it can feel slightly drying — so if you have dry skin you may want to go with something else.
Price at time of publish: $30
Shades: 30 | Coverage: Full| Finish: Matte
Best Long-Wear
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
What We Love: This lightweight concealer is water, sweat, and humidity-resistant.
What We Don’t Love: The pump dispenses too much product.
“MAC Pro Longwear Concealer is an excellent long-wear concealer,” Flowers explains. “It’s not only brightening, but it’s also waterproof, has very buildable coverage, and its matte texture is excellent for oily skin.” Aside from being able to brighten skin, this full-coverage concealer also camouflages zits, covers up dark spots, and evens out texture.
Ultimately, this concealer’s fragrance- and oil-free formula is the star of the show. It’s made to stay on skin for up to 24 hours, which means you won’t need to reapply it. On top of that, it can withstand just about anything since it’s water-, sweat-, and humidity-proof. (You can wear this concealer to the gym, beach, and anywhere in between.) This is also a great concealer for those who want to add more coverage to their look because it can be built on top of without becoming cakey. As a bonus, it’s also ideal for aging skin since it doesn’t settle into fine lines. While there’s so much to love about it, we wish we could change the pump, because it dispenses entirely too much product at once.
Price at time of publish: $28
Shades: 16| Coverage: Full| Finish: Matte
What to Keep in Mind
Shade
Finding the right shade for your skin is undoubtedly the most important step when it comes to purchasing a concealer. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a concealer that’s about one to two shades lighter than your foundation if you want to camouflage dark circles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, if you’re looking to hide blemishes like acne or red spots, you should opt for a concealer that’s the same shade as your foundation so you can seamlessly blend the two together. Luckily, most concealers (including a variety on this list) offer a wide range of shades that are sure to provide you with the color match you’re looking for.
Let’s be honest: Sometimes powder foundations and tinted moisturizers just don’t cut it. When the goal is smooth, even, radiant-looking skin, liquid foundations are often the recommendation. However, with so many formulas on the market, it can be hard to know which product is actually worth weaving into your makeup routine. With that in mind, editors set out to find the best liquid foundations. To do so, they enlisted the help of a handful of reviewers to research the most popular formulas and test them out firsthand to see which actually live up to the hype.
After rigorously testing 27 top-rated liquid foundations—taking into account the formula’s coverage, finish, active ingredients, and overall wear—we uncovered the top six liquid foundations. In the end, the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation came out on top thanks to its extensive shade range and high scores in all of the aforementioned categories.
Ready to uncover the other five winners? Keep reading for the best liquid foundations, according to InStyle testers.
Best Overall
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
What We Love: This lightweight liquid foundation has a glowy finish that doesn’t sink into creases at all.
What We Don’t Love: The formula is a bit watery, which makes it drip a bit when you pump it.
The NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation boasts a lightweight liquid formula that offers buildable medium coverage. “I would say [the coverage claims are] true—it has a great coverage that builds very easily,” our reviewer reveals. The foundation is sold in 36 shades ranging from light to dark, with options for warm, cool, and neutral undertones alike.
This liquid foundation formula doesn’t only offer color coverage, though. It’s made with biomimetic oat to reduce the appearance of redness, Japanese lilyturf to help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, and cacao peptides and milk thistle to counteract the negative effects of environmental stressors like blue light. In that way, this foundation helps protect and nourish skin just as much as it perfects its color tones.
The best part is that, thanks to its lightweight nature, it dries quickly and leaves skin looking radiant in a flash. “It is dewy and very natural looking,” our reviewer notes. “It is glowy and doesn’t set into my creases at all.”
The one downfall is that, since the formula is so lightweight, it’s a bit watery. As such, when you pump it out, it tends to drip a bit, which can potentially waste precious product.
Even with that one shortcoming, our reviewer remains head over heels for this product. “I loved the formula. It melted into my skin and it looks great. I really don’t have any dislikes,” she shares.
Price at time of publish: $49
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Active Ingredients: Biomimetic Oat, Japanese Lilyturf, Cacao Peptides, Milk Thistle | Size: 30 mL | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Value
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
What We Love: It’s notably more affordable than other high-performing liquid foundations we tested.
What We Don’t Love: This foundation does include fragrance and the smell a con for some of our testers.
Newsflash: The way-too-thick, orange-tinged foundations of drugstores past are long gone. The L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation was one of the top performers of our tests thanks to its just-right consistency and its ability to dry down quickly while still being able to blend for seamless coverage. Plus, it doesn’t crease or cake with wear.
“This feels like the perfect combination of a thick and thin foundation,” our reviewer says. “It is not runny but still light and not overly thick.“
From a coverage stance, this drugstore staple delivers buildable coverage with a natural, semi-matte finish. “I love the finish of this product and the packaging,” our reviewer shares. “Upon first use, there is nothing I do not like about this product. It looks beautiful on the skin without being drying or cakey and it went on like a dream.”
In addition to evening out skin tone, the foundation, which is sold in 40 shades, also offers SPF 25 sun protection. (Though, considering dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30, don’t let that fool you into thinking it replaces the sunscreen in your skincare routine.)
Price at time of publish: $16
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, Titanium Dioxide | Size: 30 mL | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Light Coverage
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40
What We Love: This serum-like formula has a dewy finish that never looks oily or greasy.
What We Don’t Love: It has a slightly tacky finish.
If your goal is radiant, natural-looking coverage, this lightweight liquid foundation is a must. The ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation is sold in 30 shades, all of which have skincare-meets-makeup benefits, and is Cindy Crawford-approved. This formula is lightweight and fairly thin—serum-like, as advertised.
In addition to creating natural-looking coverage, this serum-foundation hybrid revitalizes skin with a blend of hydrating squalane, smoothing niacinamide, and plumping hyaluronic acid. What’s more, it’s infused with zinc oxide to deliver SPF 40 protection, so it acts as a sun shield, too.
“This formula claims to provide dewy, lightweight coverage; I would say this is 100% true—it leaves my face with that ‘your skin but better’ look and blends really easily,” our reviewer notes. Part of what makes it so natural-looking, she adds, is the fact that it doesn’t sink into creases or fine lines—even over extended wear.
Two things to note: Despite the beautiful finish it delivers, from a physical feel stance, our reviewer found this serum foundation to be a bit tacky to the touch. Then, from an application standpoint, she says that the serum dropper is a bit more difficult to use than a classic one-handed pump. “It’s easier to dispense too much or too little product,” she admits.
Still, those two pitfalls weren’t enough to deter her from this popular liquid foundation. “Overall, I loved this formula,” she says. “Its coverage is definitely more sheer, but it imparts a dewy, natural-looking glow and blends incredibly easily. The added broad-spectrum SPF protection is also a bonus.“
Price at time of publish: $48
Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Active Ingredients: Plant-Based Squalane, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Size: 30 mL | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Medium Coverage
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
What We Love: This liquid foundation has the perfect consistency—it’s not too watery and not too thick—and it feels weightless on the skin.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not quite full coverage—but it is buildable, so you can still achieve adequate coverage.
The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation claims to be a full coverage foundation but when our testers wore it from morning to night, they found that it’s actually a great option for medium coverage. That said, they admit that it is buildable, so it is possible to achieve fuller coverage if that’s your goal. And, even if you do opt for extra layers, they found that it remains lightweight and comfortable throughout wear—it never feels heavy on the skin.
Part of why it’s so comfortable is because it’s specifically formulated to be. “It contains eternalsoft polymers to provide an increased level of comfort for ultra-long wear,” our reviewer found.
Logistically speaking, the foundation, which is housed in a tall, frosted glass bottle, is sold in 43 shades ranging from light to dark. “It claims to have a natural-matte finish, which I agree with,” one of our reviewers says. “It is matte but still has a bit of a glow and does not look drying or cakey on the skin. It does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles. It has a very nice finish.”
Even though the coverage this foundation delivers doesn’t quite match up with its claims, our reviewers found that, overall, there’s nothing they don’t like about the product.
Price at time of publish: $52
Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Active Ingredients: Eternalsoft Polymers | Size: 30 mL | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Full Coverage
HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation
What We Love: Although the finish is matte, it has a touch of dew to keep skin looking natural and healthy.
What We Don’t Love: It takes longer to dry down because it’s a thicker formula.
The HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation is another liquid foundation that claims to offer full coverage, that our reviewers found to be closer to medium-to-full coverage in reality. Despite not fully living up to its claims, though, our reviewers concluded that this thick formula is truly something to behold.
“I love how full coverage this product is while still looking natural on the skin,” our reviewer says. “It claims to have a natural finish, which I agree with. The finish does not appear too matte and still has a bit of a glow. I do not feel that my skin looks heavy or cakey after applying. Overall, it looks very healthy and even on the skin.”
Like the Lancôme foundation, this Hourglass formula comes in a luxurious frosted glass bottle that feels heavy and expensive. “It also has a soft closure, which I love,” our reviewer says. “The foundation comes out in a pump and leaves no mess at all. I love the packaging.“
Although the HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Liquid Foundation is comfortable to wear, since its a notably thicker formula, our reviewer does note that she thinks it’s best for shorter wear. “It would be amazing for special events when I want to cover redness, acne, or other imperfections,” she says. “My skin still looks healthy and dewy without being overly heavy.”
Price at time of publish: $56
Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural | Active Ingredients: Sunflower Seed Wax, Jojoba Esters | Size: 25 mL | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Foundation
What We Love: This medium-coverage foundation leaves skin looking even, smooth, and hydrated.
What We Don’t Love: It’s pricey and we wish it had a wider shade range.
Spending $70 for a bottle of liquid foundation may seem like overkill but our reviewers found that this medium-coverage makeup product is well worth the splurge.
“After applying the N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Foundation, my skin looks so healthy and glowy in all the right places,” our reviewer marvels. “It does not look cakey or oily, just extremely fresh and healthy. I love the finish of this foundation. It doesn’t look too unnatural or like I’m wearing a lot of makeup and it doesn’t settle into fine lines.”
Speaking of a lot of makeup, this liquid foundation is buildable, so you can wear a single oat or layer it on for the tailored coverage you desire. “It is easy to layer this foundation,” our reviewers assure us. “It has a medium coverage, evens out skin tone, and leaves the skin looking super smooth and hydrated. It is not too heavy on the skin but still covers up imperfections.”
It doesn’t just make skin look smooth and hydrated during wear, though. Since it’s formulated with Chanel’s signature red camellia oil, it actually works to impart anti-aging benefits long after wear.
Given the high praise, you’ll be glad to know this luxury liquid foundation looks as expensive as the results it delivers. While the 20 shades span from light to dark, we do wish they had more skin tone offerings.
“I love the finish of this foundation and how my skin looks so healthy, dewy, and even,” our reviewer says. “I feel that I could wear this everyday or for special occasions. There is not much I do not like about this product, other than the high price tag.“
Price at time of publish: $70
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Luminous | Active Ingredients: Red Camellia Oil | Size: 30 mL | Cruelty-Free: No
What to Keep in Mind
Coverage
Liquid foundations come in a variety of coverages, ranging from light to full. While many foundations fall in the medium to full category (with BB and CC creams offering lighter coverage), light coverage liquid foundations do exist. What type of coverage you choose, depends on your skin concerns as well as personal preferences.
Formula Finish
Think about how you want your skin to look post-application. If you want to look dewy and glowing, consider a hydrating satin foundation (like our Best Overall pick, the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation); if you want a mattified end look, focus on matte foundations. Oilier skin types may prefer a matte finish to help combat that mid-morning sheen of grease, whereas as drier may want the extra hydration from a dewy product.
Wear
Do you want a liquid foundation that wears flawlessly all day long? Or are you looking for something that you plan to only wear for shorter-duration special occasions (like a wedding or night out)? If you’re leaning toward the former, you’ll want to buy a foundation that’s designed to last for up to at least 12 hours (the the Lancôme Teint Idole Matte Foundation has a staying power of up to 24 hours), and that’s specifically marketed not to cake or crease. When working with special occasion makeup goals, on the other hand, you can be a bit more flexible with the wear duration of your liquid foundation.
A waterproof foundation can be a lifesaver in the summer, on vacation, or whenever you need your makeup to last all day and night without turning into a muddy, cakey mess. But finding the right formulas can mean the difference between a clear, polished complexion, and a sticky, coated, smudge-y one. “Waterproof foundations are a great solution for when you want to wear a full face of makeup, but don’t want to constantly worry about touch-ups or looking like you’re melting,” Emily Amick, New York City-based Makeup Artist, told InStyle. The trick is finding a formula that strikes the right balance delivering a breathable lightweight texture with impressive staying power, and one that works into the skin, instead of caking on top of it.
“Our skin creates natural oils over the course of the day, and waterproof foundation will endure the buildup of natural oils,” Deney Adams, celebrity makeup artist at Blonde Artists, told InStyle. With more options hitting the market than ever before, we’re helping you weed through the clutter, and find the high-quality, outperforming formulas that will hold up despite water, sweat, and tears.
Best Overall
MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
What We Love: The formula feels light and comfortable on skin.
What We Don’t Love: The coverage may be too sheer for some.
Don’t let the new name fool you. This bottle houses the same beloved formula as the MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation, just with a fancier name and more shade options to choose from. It’s the familiar bottle you’ll find in almost every professional makeup artist’s kit because of its ability to withstand the elements — no matter if it’s long days on set or the sweat and tears of a hot summer wedding — while still looking fresh and natural. The formula strikes the hard-to-find balance of being delightfully creamy and hydrating without feeling heavy on the skin. It’s a buildable formula that starts sheer, adding a natural dewy finish to the skin, but can work up to medium coverage and will last all day and night without melting away.
Price at time of publish: $39
Shade Range: 30 | Coverage: Buildable| Size: 1.7 oz
Best Value
Make Up Forever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
What We Love: The long wear formula is vegan.
What We Don’t Love: The matte finish can be dry for some skin types.
As the name suggests, this high-performance formula was originally designed to be undetectable under any light and look natural even under the most high-definition lenses, like those used in television production and on fashion runways. “The formula is beautiful for skin that really looks like skin but has the coverage to hide any imperfections,” Amick told InStyle. “It is long-lasting, waterproof, and designed to be undetectable on HD cameras, so it’s perfect for someone who fears cakey-ness and just wants luminous, perfect skin (a.k.a, all of us!).”
Price at time of publish: $43
Shade Range: 40 | Coverage: Medium| Size: 1.01 oz
Best Splurge
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
What We Love: It’s great for use on face and body.
What We Don’t Love: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin.
If you’re looking to even out skin anywhere on your face or body, this buildable, lightweight formula will do the trick. It provides enough flexibility to build up to your desired coverage level, while also delivering the staying power to withstand a sweaty workout or hot day at the beach, without wiping away. “This foundation looks like a second skin and is buildable so you can layer it to the desired coverage,” Tobi Henney, celebrity makeup artist to Megan Fox, Barbara Palvin, and Poppy Delevingne, told InStyle. “This is the perfect option for someone who wants to even out their skin tone because you can build it up in areas where you need a little more coverage,” Amick added.
Price at time of publish: $40
Shade Range: 40 | Coverage: Medium| Size: 1.6 oz
Best Budget
Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup
What We Love: The texture is impressively lightweight and comfortable on skin.
What We Don’t Love: It may be too drying for some skin types.
Don’t let the friendly price tag fool you. This high-quality formula feels luxurious on the skin and has a staying power that rivals that of its higher-priced counterparts. The oil-free formula and natural matte finish are great for combatting the greasiest, sweatiest days, or anyone who battles a naturally shiny T-zone come the afternoon. A small dab is enough to provide medium coverage and even out any redness or dark spots on the skin, so your complexion appears flawless. It also layers nicely if you need a little extra coverage in certain areas. The best part: you don’t have to worry about this budge-proof base wiping away in the summer heat, and it’s spiked with a shot of SPF 15 sun protection, too.
Price at time of publish: $10
Shade Range: 43 | Coverage: Medium| Size: 1 oz.
Best Drugstore
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
What We Love: The budget-friendly price tag.
What We Don’t Love: Some noted it can look orange against fairer complexions.
Here’s a multi-tasking formula that delivers on its promises as both a quality concealer and a high-performing foundation base. “I was surprised by its performance when I first tried it, but this affordable formula really holds its own,” Amick told InStyle. “It’s a great semi-matte, water-resistant foundation that packs a lot of coverage without looking heavy.” We also love the impressively inclusive shade range and the versatility of this product which helps to even skin tone and effectively disguise dark under-eye circles without caking or settling into fine lines.
Price at time of publish: $12
Shade Range: 45 | Coverage: Full | Size: 1 oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Morphe Filter Effect Soft-Focus Foundation
What We Don’t Love: The coverage may be too light for some.
We love a good makeup product spiked with skincare benefits, and this long-wear foundation is exactly that. The texture strikes a delicate balance being both soft, but not watery, and creamy, but not heavy, giving skin natural coverage that looks like your skin, but better. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which deliver added hydration and a dose of skin-loving antioxidants that help improve skin texture overtime. The formula blends seamlessly into skin, without caking on top of it, and adds a natural dewy glow that won’t wipe away at the first sign of sweat or moisture.
Price at time of publish: $20
Shade Range: 40 | Coverage: Medium| Size: 0.94 oz.
Best Matte Finish
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
What We Love: It helps to reduce shine.
What We Don’t Love: Some note it can settle into fine lines.
The luxurious formula may come at a price, but let that be your first clue that this is not your average foundation formula. The high-quality, sweat-proof makeup base is packed with oil-absorbing powders and micro-algae extract that eliminate any excess grease or shine from skin, even on the hottest, stickiest summer nights. It’s also spiked with hydrating hyaluronic acid to help keep skin supple, while still managing to give complexion the most gorgeous natural matte finish. “It looks great in photos and has great longevity,” Henney told InStyle. A small dab goes a long way in delivering full coverage wherever you need it, and rest assured that even base will stay put until you decide it’s time to wash it all away.
Price at time of publish: $40
Shade Range: 34 | Coverage: Full| Size: 1.5 oz.
Best Natural Finish
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
What We Love: The natural matte finish won’t leave skin dry.
What We Don’t Love: The fancy formula, comes with a fancy price tag.
A full-coverage, waterproof foundation that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin is hard to find. That was until the beloved celebrity makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury, gifted us the prettiest bottle of dewy, hydrating perfection that feels like a second skin. The creamy foundation strikes the delicate balance of delivering full coverage, without feeling like a heavy blanket of pigment on the skin. It also features a host of skincare benefits including wrinkle-fighters that help to improve skin’s appearance long-term, instead of just temporarily covering things up. “This is such a stunning foundation, that’s sweat-proof, humidity proof, and transfer-proof and can last from day to night,” Henney told InStyle.
Price at time of publish: $46
Shade Range: 44 shades| Coverage: Full| Size: 1 oz.
Best Stick
Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
What We Love: The creamy stick makes for easy application.
What We Don’t Love: It has a higher price tag, and comes with less product.
Every element of this fancy foundation stick was designed with intention to make for an easy, fuss-free application, and flawless, long-lasting coverage. The unique slanted, triangular tip allows you to effortlessly navigate the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies around your face and nose. The creamy formula glides onto skin, making it easy to apply as foundation to cover larger areas for all-over coverage, or double as a concealer dabbed onto targeted spots like under the eyes. The coverage is substantial, yet still manages to feel lightweight and comfortable on skin. Plus, thanks to its impressive long-wear and waterproof benefits, you’re safe against the elements all day and night.
Price at time of publish: $48
Shade Range: 32 | Coverage: Full| Size: 0.25 oz.
Best Clean
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
What We Love: The extensive shade range ensures a perfect match for most.
What We Don’t Love: The coverage might be too light for some.
A quick Google search will surface over 50,000 four- and five-star reviews of the beauty universe celebrating this beloved formula for a plethora of reasons. For starters, the all-inclusive range features 50 distinct shade options across the light to deep spectrum, delivering the perfect shade match to more beauty lovers than ever before. The meticulous formula balances tone and texture, delivering comfortable, all-day wear that isn’t too heavy, too matte, or too shiny. The gorgeous soft matte finish looks like your skin, but better, and is buildable so you can work up to your desired coverage level, without feeling like you’re caking on pigment. Added bonus: this polished base will remain flawless through sweat and tears.
Price at time of publish: $39
Shade Range: 50 | Coverage: Medium | Size: 1.08 oz.
Best Cruelty-Free
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Full Coverage Waterproof Foundation
What We Love: It’s easy to blend.
What We Don’t Love: It can feel heavy on skin.
This is a feel-good formula for multiple reasons. One: it feels impressively pampering thanks to hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which keep skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Two: special pigments help to create a special blurring effect which gives the complexion a polished, matte finish, without leaving skin dry and cakey. Three: it’s a formula built to last and one that will take you from humid beach days to all-night dance parties without wiping away. We also love the cruelty-free formulation which just adds to the feel-good factors.
Price at time of publish: $38
Shade Range: 30 | Coverage: Full| Size: 1 oz.
What to Keep in Mind
When to Use
There’s no wrong time to use a waterproof foundation. From hot summer days and nights, to beach vacations, or anytime you’re looking for your makeup to last for a long period of time. “If you’re a full-face-at-the-gym kind of person, or a stage performer, you might consider a waterproof formula for daily use! There’s no harm in wearing waterproof year-round as long as you’re cleansing properly at the end of the day,” Amick told InStyle.
Skin Type
Be sure to check out the ingredients when choosing a foundation. It’s often misunderstood that waterproof foundations are heavy and drying. “We all have different skin types and skin needs, you’ll want to choose a foundation with ingredients that work best with your needs,” Adams, told InStyle. “For example, if you have oily skin you might look out for foundation with zinc oxide or serecite.” There are also formulas spiked with hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated.
Coverage
Not all waterproof foundations are full coverage. There are many great formulas on the market today that offer medium, buildable coverage so you can be in control of the desired effect. You can also find waterproof foundations with both matte and natural finishes, so you can best meet your skin needs.
This top-reviewed concealer is the game-changer you need in your beauty routine.
Does the perfect concealer exist? That depends on your skin type, the time of year, and the climate. If you are looking for a great beauty product that’s actually affordable, it might seem like an impossible task. However, 96,500+ people may disagree with that sentiment.
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer has 96,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews and 1,900+ 5-star Ulta reviews. If you’re hesitant to try another new beauty product, this price tag is too good to pass up. You can get this bestselling concealer for only $7. Nope, that’s not a typo.
You can use this beloved product to conceal fine lines, blemishes, redness, and dark circles, according to the brand. Or you can get a darker shade and use this to contour. If you’ve tried everything, you might as well check out this amazing deal. For $7, what do you have to lose? The (the appearance of) some under eye bags.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, Brightener
This concealer has up to 12 hours of hydrating wear, according to the brand. It’s crease-resistant and you can use it to 1. conceal 2. color correct or 3. to contour. This applicator makes blending it so easy to blend your look and there are 18 beautiful shades to choose from.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer Reviews
A shopper declared, “Holy grail concealer!!!! HELLO where have you been all my life? How have I slept on this drugstore product for so long?! It gets glowing reviews everywhere and now I know why. Started using concealer about 6/7 years ago and never in all those years found something that either matched my skin tone or didn’t crease and look awful – or both. From the high end to the organic to the low end, never found it. Enter this simple product and the quest is over. Formulation is light and creasing is barely noticeable on me even without setting.”
Another shared, “I like the product so well that I am on my third one. I use this all over my face where needed to blend In any dark spots and under eyes . It never cakes. Light is a perfect blend for my skin. Cant tell I have anything on . I feel that it makes me look years younger.“
Someone else explained, “I have tried countless concealers for my under eye circles—most of which cost triple the price of this one by the way. I figured I’d try this on a whim because the reviews were so great and it was so inexpensive. It’s officially become my new favorite concealer. It’s not cakey, it blends easily, it doesn’t crease and it lasts all day.”
An Amazon customer said, “This inexpensive dark circle concealer is the best I’ve ever found. It goes on very easily and stays on for hours on my skin. It blends easily with a light touch of my finger. It really does hide my dark circles! I feel so lucky to have tried it. I was fortunate to order the right color for me. I am 72 years young and had almost given up on products like this. It’s never too late.”
While bronzer has never abandoned its promise of a luster unencumbered by seasonal shifts, these real-world recommendations reveal a host of additional benefits, from mattifying effects to skin-nourishing ingredients. Nevertheless, a seamless glow is always the goal. “It doesn’t look like powder, there’s no texture left on the skin—yet you have this perfect color of a sun-kissed complexion,” says the makeup artist Violette,who founded her own brand of Parisian beauty staples in 2021 and later signed on as Guerlain’s creative director of makeup. With this lineup–including Violette’s classic Terracotta, new brands rooted in inclusivity, and some seriously chic packaging—there’s no shortage of radiance.
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Power Sculpt Velvet Bronzer
This formula from the recently revamped Haus Labs gets a skin-friendly boost from plant-derived squalane as well as fermented arnica oil—an anti-inflammatory ingredient long favored by founder Lady Gaga. “I especially love that it’s talc-free, non comedogenic, cruelty-free, and vegan,” says Rokael Lizama, noting the formulation’s seamless blendability. He recommends “applying it first in the crease of the eye, then warming the sides of the forehead and the cheekbone area to create a monochromatic sun-kissed look.”
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer
Designer Asia Hall, behind the fashion-tech brand Neon Cowboys, appreciates this formula’s sheer quality and broad shade range. “For our New York Fashion Week runway debut, our makeup lead Nick Lennon used the Fenty cream bronzer for all our models, which was quite impressive since we had a very diverse cast,” she says. The designer pairs her LED face jewelry with a bronzed flush to emphasize her high cheekbones.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powder
A master of soft glam and avant-garde makeup looks alike, makeup artist Tyron Machhausen understands how to dial it up with little effort. This powder bronzer, adorned with tiny double Cs in a classic compact, is one of his secret weapons. “The texture is so silky,” says the Chanel artist, explaining that he applies it “where the sun would naturally hit: forehead, cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the chin.” Praising the formula’s easy blendability, Machhausen leans into the oversize packaging, using a large Kabuki brush to quickly dust not just the face but the whole body.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
Makeup artist Jenna Menard, who has created looks for Kerry Washington and Kate Winslet, understands the importance of shade-matching when it comes to bronzer. She prefers this cream formula from Merit for its “neutral base, which means no orange tones—just a natural, warm, believable glow.” The vegan bronzer delivers fatty acids to keep skin moisturized while steering clear of ingredients that trigger acne. But the best part, for Menard, is its buildability. The sheer formula allows you to “take your time getting to the right hint of warmth for your look,” she says.
Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Cream Highlighter
For Rebecca Zhou, co-founder and CEO of the body-care brand Soft Services, this ultra-moisturizing formula—infused with hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and caper extract—is an instant ticket to sun-kissed skin. It “goes on really nicely with a brush or with fingers when I’m on the go,” says Zhou, who pairs the shade Peau de Soleil with a flush of Peau de Pêche. Her secret: “Dab a bit on the bridge of your nose to give the effect of catching a bit too much sun.”
Dior Forever Natural Bronze Bronzing Powder
This formula, neatly packed in a chic quilted cushion case, is Dior beauty ambassador Sabrina Bedrani’s go-to for a few reasons. “First, I love that the formula is 95% mineral origin, but what I love most is the texture,” says Bedrani, behind Sofia Vergara’s radiant glam for the 2022 Emmys. Infused with wild pansy flower extract, “it blends easily onto the skin, warms up the face without looking too powdery, and gives a very natural sun-kissed look,” the makeup artist says. “It’s also a great product when doing men’s grooming, as they tend to not like the feeling of having makeup on their faces.”
Simihaze Beauty Sun Wash Bronzing Powder
Zizi Donohoe’s aesthetic sensibility led her to this formula from Simihaze. “The glossy red magnetic packaging is to die for,” says the designer who also moonlights as a model. This bronzing powder comes in two finishes—matte (infused with kokum seed butter) and pearlescent (with a flicker of diamond powder)—which Donohoe uses conjointly for an effect that’s “glowy without looking like a glazed donut.” She also applauds the lighter shade range for working wonderfully with her pale skin. “It’s a perfect, easy, everyday look,” she says, adding that a dusting on “eyelids and temples” amps things up for a night out.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder
Carolina Gonzalez, the makeup artist behind Sabrina Carpenter’s nearly glass skin, has found a favorite in this formula. It’s technically a setting powder, she notes, but “it’s so multi-use, and the shade range is additionally perfect for bronzing.” The microfine pigment “buffs out flawlessly and can be layered, all the while adding a radiant and effortless glow,” adds Gonzalez, part of Armani’s international artist collective. The built-in brush and minimal compact make it an on-the-go companion for touch-ups throughout the day.
Prados Beauty The Matriarch Bronzer
“I love Prados Beauty because it’s an inclusive and uplifting brand that inspires people through the lens of Indigenous communities,” says Thirteen Lune cofounder Nyakio Grieco, behind the recently launched skin-care brand Relevant. She favors this formula because of its versatility. “Depending on the day and occasion, I like to wear this bronzer in different ways,” she says, opting for a light dusting anywhere the light hits for a daytime glow and focusing on dimension for a night out.
Clarins Bronzing Compact
“Whether I want to sculpt or just add a sun kiss, this bronzer works perfectly and always looks natural,” says makeup artist Adam Burrell, known for keeping California girls glowing (Winnie Harlow, Khloe Kardashian). “It features the Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex, which helps minimize damage from environmental pollution that leads to premature signs of aging,” he says, alluding to a trifecta of powerhouse botanicals that includes succory dock-cress, white horehound, and furcellaria. Another trio that makes this bronzer great: the compact’s three side-by-side shades, which allow for customizable color.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
After a makeup artist introduced her to this Chanel formula, model Eniko Mihalik went home and immediately ordered one for herself. “I was impressed with how natural the color is—it is not an orangey shade,” Mihalik says. “Nobody is orange.” Using a large sponge, she likes to apply it to her face and body, giving her fair complexion a “healthy summer glow” by way of light-reflecting pigments. It’s a sentiment echoed by drag artist Violet Chachki, part of the Farfetch Beauty Global Collective. “It gives me that perfect, natural, sun-kissed look, and the formula is smooth, extremely blendable and buildable,” says Chachki, preferring this cream-gel hybrid for the way it works with other products in her arsenal.
Guerlain Terracotta Sunkissed Natural Bronzer
“In the winter, Guerlain’s Terracotta acts as my best friend,” says makeup artist Violette, explaining how this argan oil–infused bronzer perks up her olive skin. She prefers “nothing too technical” in terms of application, dusting it across the nose, forehead, and cheeks, along with a swirl of her own Bisou blush. “When I do this, I look fresh—like I napped and went on a vacation!”
The creme de la creme of drugstore brands, E.L.F Cosmetics’ Camo Concealer has a creamy formula and perfectly designed applicator, plus two different finishes—hydrating and matte—that puts your favorite high-end one to shame.
Vitamin E, antioxidants, chamomile, and soy work to brighten and depuff those pesky bags under your eyes, while the flow-through brush applies the perfect amount of product for flawless coverage.
Wet n Wild Mega Last Incognito AllDay Full Coverage Concealer
The sorcery this concealer does makes it hard to believe it’s only $4. This drugstore staple is full-coverage, so it can be used without foundation to conceal impurities and blends seamlessly with your other makeup players.
L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer
Everyone has had a LA Girl concealer at one point in their life because it’s just that good. A little goes a long way with this concealer. Plus, it has an expansive shade range so you’ll be able to highlight, concealer, and contour with multiple shades.
Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear Foundation + Concealer
To be a regular full-coverage concealer is one thing. But Milani conceals while nourishing the skin with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, olive fruit oil and more.
L’Oréal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof Concealer
If you’re a fan of the foundation, the concealer will be your new favorite. The applicator is large enough to help you sculpt all over your face. You don’t have to worry about it separating because it’s also water-resistant and transfer-resistant.
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Antioxidant Concealer
A concealer with anti-blue light ingredients? Revlon spoke to the social media influencer in all of us. No need to worry about dark circles or puffiness, this concealer erases it all.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
This concealer hides blemishes but allows for the real you to shine through with it’s light-but-effective coverage. Reviewers suggest using a darker shade as contour and a lighter shade as a highlighter because the formula works so well together.
NYX Professional Makeup Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand
Photoshop in a tube. The full coverage formula can cover the worst of breakouts and rivals Nars’ cult-favorite concealer, but at a fraction of the price. It goes on smooth without caking under your eyes, which is a major indicator of a great concealer.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
Dark circles disappear with this concealer thanks to Gogi berry that brightens the under eye area and leaves your face illuminated for up to twelve hours. Tip: Spend the other twelve hours in the day sleeping to get rid of those dark circles for good.
Revlon ColorStay Concealer
The salicylic acid in Revlon’s ColorStay concealer is a pimple’s worst enemy as it eliminates blemishes in no time. Treatment plus coverage equals happy skin. Cover up now then say goodbye to your zit for good.
Kassy Rose Makeup Artistry 