I’ve tried TONS of different concealers from various stores, and today I want to share the best drugstore concealers I’ve found for dark circles and other dark spots. To me a good concealer is one that gives full coverage on the dark under-eye area, is good for all skin types (including sensitive skin), and has a natural finish. I like the no-makeup makeup look for everyday! A perfect concealer would also be cruelty free and a lightweight formula. I don’t go for flawless skin but I want something with great coverage that makes me look more awake!
I don’t normally wear foundation and primarily wear just concealer as my full coverage. Today’s list of best concealers are all at an affordable price and have been in my makeup bag for at least a couple of months now. I should preface this by saying I’m by no means a makeup artist. I’m just a mom who was on the hunt for the best long-lasting formula that I could find in a local drugstore that didn’t cost a ton of money.
Best Drugstore Concealer for Dark Circles
My makeup routine is fairly simple: moisturizer, concealer, a little bit of contour, eye shadow, mascara, and maybe some blush if I’m feeling like color correcting my cheeks at all. I always look for lightweight texture because I don’t like feeling like I have makeup on my face, if that makes sense.
Favorite everyday concealers for mature skin
My current favorite concealer is the one I use everyday. It’s a liquid concealer that is great for everyday use. I actually have three concealers I go between for my everyday. One gives a medium coverage and the other is best for dark under-eye circles because it’s more of a full-coverage concealer. I should note that I don’t do heavy makeup for everyday, because typically I’m running around with my kids and it’s just not necessary. The third is a much lighter coverage, is easy to swipe on and is a fantastic option for natural-looking coverage on days when I actually slept the night before.
On days when I need a little extra coverage, I’ll actually layer a couple of different shades to give me a little bit of that flawless finish. My natural skin tone usually falls between the lightest shade a brand has and the 2nd or 3rd lightest shade. I like when a brand has a wider shade range because it helps me pick a better color for my skin.
The best drugstore brand concealers for dark circles
elf 16 Hour Hydrating Camo Concealer Satin Finish
elf makes this affordable everyday full coverage concealer. It has a matte finish and I think it looks best if you use foundation on top. This is my go-to concealer for dark spots that need some extra coverage (I use it in shade Fair Rose). It is enriched with avocado oil to help moisturize skin, but also kaolin clay to help control excess oil and shine. AND it’s vegan and cruelty-free!
NYX HD Concealer in shade CW02 Fair
Affordable everyday concealer for medium coverage. It is cruelty-free, and lightweight on your face. And it comes in a wide range of shades, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding the perfect color match for your skin tone. If you want to try something different, go for the lavender shade to brighten up dull skin. Get the green shade to neutralize and remove redness (perfect as an acne concealer). And go for yellow if you want a dark circle concealer. Those three color choices mean you aren’t choosing your actual skin tone but are going for an effect instead. Kind of genius! NYX products are made without PFAS, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Corrector
My pick for an affordable everyday concealer for light coverage (I use it in shade 110). This is an anti-aging concealer infused with haloxyl to help reduce the look of fine lines. I often will use this concealer as buildable coverage over my medium concealer. You can also use it as a contour!
What I use for buildable full coverage concealer after a late night:
NYX HD Concealer in shade CW02 Fair with Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Corrector in shade 110 on top
You probably will need to try a few before you find the right concealer for your skin, but hopefully these eye concealers help you!
For other “best beauty under $20” items, you can check out my Amazon Storefront where I keep a list of my favorites!
Now let’s dive into the more luxury brands for concealing dark spots.
Best higher-end concealers for dark spots
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer
A natural finish, full coverage concealer that is waterproof! This one lasts all day long and normally requires makeup remover to get it all off at the end of the day. Works well on most skin types, including dry skin.
Magic Away Concealer by Charlotte Tilbury
This one is well known for a flawless finish, which explains the “magic” in its name. Many professional makeup artists keep this one in their bag. It’s full coverage, and it totally blurs away any blemishes, dark spots, or dark eye circles. The only thing I don’t love about it is that it covers up some of my freckles.
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Another concealer with a cult following, Tarte’s Shape Tape has been a favorite of many for years. It’s a great concealer for dark spots! Tarte makes this one with shea butter which helps moisturize your skin. Shape Tape is another good choice if you have dry skin. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and waterproof!
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
A classic concealer for all, NARS Radiant is a medium coverage concealer that you can build to have more of a full coverage effect. I have never had trouble with this one creasing in fine lines. I like liquid formulas like this that give more of a dewy finish than matte. If you don’t love that you may not like this concealer.
BOI-ING Industrial Strength Full Coverage Cream Concealer by Benefit Cosmetics
“Industrial Strength” is right! This one is a Benefit Cosmetics full coverage concealer for dark spots. It’s full-coverage and leaves a matte finish. It works well on sensitive skin but does crease after a while. If you have many fine lines and dry skin, it’s probably best to avoid this one. (Or check out my favorite moisturizer to help with that!)
Do you have a favorite concealer I didn’t list? Let me know in the comments!
I found you on my google page , Home Screen. You have the same coloring I do. I’m 62 mature skin. Glad I saw you , and this post