Finding the perfect concealer—the right shade, not cakey, long-lasting—is already a tall order. So finding one that isn't expensive may seem borderline impossible. But the best drugstore concealers are up to the challenge.
According to celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm, "Many drugstore brands have really stepped up their game in recent years, offering great formulas with good coverage, blendability, and staying power." And Holm isn't alone in her love for drugstore products: Professional makeup artist Kat James says that "some of my go-to concealers for clients have been under $15, and no one would ever know." Plus, she adds that a lot of the bigger companies own both prestige brands and drugstore favorites. "A lot of the same science and research and development trickles down," James says. "I’ve seen it firsthand—the performance is there, even if the packaging isn’t as fancy."
The Best Drugstore Concealers
Even better, there are great, affordable concealers for every type of coverage and every skin type. Keep reading below to find our list of the best drugstore concealers under $16, including the makeup artists' personal favorites.
Easiest to Use
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer
Pros
Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say the applicator can dry out
"I’ve used this one for years," James says of this cult-favorite concealer with a built-in sponge-tip applicator. "It’s one of those products I always come back to—creamy, brightening, and easy to apply in seconds. It’s my 'rush out the door' go-to."
Number of Shades: 24
Coverage: Medium
Customer Review:
"I've been using this concealer for years and its the best drugstore concealer out there! Just enough coverage so it looks natural but also can be buildable. Will always repurchase" —Mak
Pros
- Won't settle into fine lines or creases
Cons
- Some reviewers warn it dries quickly
Holm says this creamy, hydrating concealer infused with hyaluronic acid and depuffing caffeine is a "beautiful option" for mature skin. "It will give you the coverage and hydration for your under-eye area and face," she says.
Number of Shades: 24
Coverage: Medium
Customer Review:
"Drugstore or luxury, this is a great concealer. It blends beautifully, sits well on the skin, and the shade match is great. I wear C2 and have pretty fair, pale skin. It's so easy to work with." —Arieru
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Best Skincare Hybrid
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Pros
- Lightweight, non-cakey finish
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the pump packaging
Infused with hydrating tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea, this creamy formula "feels like skincare going on," according to James. "I’ve recommended it to clients with drier skin or texture issues, and the feedback has been glowing."
Number of Shades: 16
Coverage: Medium
Customer Review:
"I have dry under eyes and this concealer looks beautiful on me! I still moisturize underneath. A little goes a long way so I usually end up not even using a full pump of product. It also looks nice all around the face so you could use it as foundation/skin tint too. This works better for me when I blend with a sponge."
Best Full Coverage
e.l.f. Cosmetics e.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Very full coverage, and can look cakey if you use too much
"For full coverage days, this one performs like a prestige product," raves James of this $7 concealer from e.l.f. Cosmetics. It's what she opts for herself for days on set: "I wore it through a full day of filming under hot lights and it didn’t move or crease. It seriously holds up."
Number of Shades: 25
Coverage: Full
Customer Review:
"Have used the concealer for about three weeks and I love it! I have used many concealers from drugstore to different concealers from Sephora. This is the best concealer by far! It covers better than any brand I’ve used and I have tried many. It covers so well some times I wear only the concealer as my foundation and it is not expensive! Great product!" —JNC
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Best for Deeper Skin Tones
Black Opal Brightening Concealer
Pros
- Has brightening turmeric, cucumber, and vitamins C and E
Cons
- Some reviewers say the swatches don't match the shades
For non-ashy coverage on deeper skin, Holm also recommends Black Opal's Brightening Concealer "for a full coverage and pretty skin finish," which she says "lays so nice on the skin."
Number of Shades: 12
Coverage: Buildable
Customer Review:
"So glad I tried this concealer! I've tried many concealers but this is the BEST. It goes on smooth, not greasy, and very translucent. Matches my skin tone perfectly and looks bright and clear. Affordable and good quality. Love it!" —Sylvia
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's more light coverage
I personally love this concealer from Versed, which comes in cool, neutral, and warm undertones so it disappears into skin and has caffeine to awaken the under-eyes. It's also self-setting, meaning you can skip the setting powder on mornings you're running short on time (so, every day).
Number of Shades: 14
Coverage: Medium
Customer Review:
"I'm 55 with fine lines under my eyes and it works beautifully. Doesn't crease, with or without powder. You just need to use the smallest amount. A little goes along way." —CynMarie
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Pros
- Has nourishing shea and mango seed butters
Cons
- Reviewers say it's more medium-to-full than full coverage
This buildable, matte-finish concealer is a great tool to have in your makeup bag—and not just because it costs just $5. It lasts all day, but with skincare ingredients like shea butter and licorice root extract, it blends easily and doesn't dry out.
Number of Shades: 13
Coverage: Full
Customer Review:
"I bought this about a year ago and I’m so glad I did! I wear this concealer as a foundation because I cannot find a shade that fits me. I love it so much!! I also have very oily skin so I make sure I use a setting powder right after and I’m set. A little of this product also goes a long way." —Milly5
Pros
- Formulated with soothing and acne-fighting ingredients
Cons
- The texture is quite thick
Not only does this full-coverage formula cover up both acne and acne scars with ease, but it also has salicylic acid, prebiotics, and aloe to help fight breakouts and soothe skin with each application.
Number of Shades: 6
Coverage: Full
Customer Review:
"I like the coverage this concealer provides. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I wish the applicator wand was different. I do not like the angle of the wand and it is a bit hard when applying on your skin. I would prefer it to feel softer and have a more comfortable angle on the tip itself." —Target Mom
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Pros
- Available in color-correcting shades for extra coverage
Cons
- Some reviewers said it can crease after a few hours
This lightweight, easy-to-blend concealer is clutch for even your sleepiest mornings. And while the coverage is on the natural side, it's still buildable so it won't just disappear by your second coffee of the day.
Number of Shades: 24
Coverage: Light
Customer Review:
"The product is such a light butter consistency. It was beautiful and it melted into my skin. It didn't crease in any weird way at all. I've even been using it for quite a bit to test the wear and it lasts so long." —Storm
Best for Oily Skin
COVERGIRL TruBlend Undercover Concealer
Pros
- Velvety texture
Cons
- Needs to be set with powder
If you're oil-prone, you've found your new concealer BFF. It's matte but not drying, and the oversized doe-foot applicator is so easy to use on under-eyes and beyond.
Number of Shades: 12
Coverage: Full
Customer Review:
"I really like this concealer. It is perfect to take to work with you for a midday cover-up as well. The color matches well and really helps cover up." —alluneedistara
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Shade Should Your Concealer Be?
"It depends on what you’re trying to fix," says James. "Under the eyes? One shade lighter for a brightening effect—that’s what I do on myself every day. Covering blemishes? Match your skin tone exactly or you’ll just draw more attention."
Contouring with concealer brings in a whole other shade. "I’ll always go one to two shades deeper to create subtle depth without harsh lines," says James.
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Can You Use Drugstore Concealer for Mature Skin?
"Absolutely. As someone who works with mature skin constantly (and has mature skin myself), I can tell you not all drugstore formulas are created equal, but there are some real winners," says James. Both are fans of the L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer listed above.
Looking for More Drugstore Beauty Recommendations?
- The 43 Best Beauty Products Under $30
- The 10 Best Drugstore Mascaras for Length, Volume, and Curl
- The 13 Best Drugstore Eye Creams, Ranked by Dermatologists
- The 10 Best Drugstore Foundations for Mature Skin Under $20
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Meet the Experts
- Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist and co-founder of Dripology.
- Kat James is a professional makeup artist and beauty expert.
Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
