I can’t deny that I am a true makeup enthusiast. I love a great product, and I’ve spent a lot of my money testing out different formulas of every product under the sun to see what works for me. I’ve come to find that after trying both high-end and drugstore makeup, the difference between the two is often undetectable. But when it comes to price, there’s definitely a huge gap that I can’t ignore. Luckily, drugstores contain so many hidden gems in their makeup aisles, so I’ve taken it upon myself to find the best concealers for you to pick up the next time you’re out running errands. Whether you want to brighten up your skin or are in search of a formula that will last all night long, keep reading to find out which drugstore concealer will best fit your needs and budget.
If You Have Sensitive Skin
The Product: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
What It Costs: $7
This oil- and fragrance-free concealer is safe for delicate skin and won’t cause breakouts or clogged pores. If you’re looking for a “no-makeup” makeup look, try wearing this lightweight formula on its own for a natural but even finish. And with a wide shade range, everyone can find their perfect match.
Why We Love It: “I love how Maybelline has a whole Fit Me line so that you can flawlessly match your concealer and foundation. It works wonders.” — Emmaline Potter, University of Kentucky class of 2019
If You Need All-Day Coverage
The Product: Revlon ColorStay Concealer
What It Costs: $11
Need a lasting, full-coverage concealer? This formula is made with time release technology to last 24 hours on the skin. It’s also pigmented enough to mask any discoloration without appearing (or feeling) heavy.
Why We Love It: “It’s just like the foundation Revlon carries, so it matches my other products. It’s also full coverage but doesn’t make me break out.” — Hanna Wiktorowski, Buffalo State College class of 2020
If You Want Extra Hydration
The Product: CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer
What It Costs: $8
This creamy stick concealer is actually beneficial for skin; the vitamin E oil in it helps “prevent redness, puffiness, and other general inflammation in our skin,” according to The Cut. The dermatologist-tested formula is buildable too, so whether you’re covering a small zit or a patch of hyperpigmentation, this product is up for the task.
Why We Love It: “I’m obsessed with the CoverGirl concealer stick. I’ve been buying it for years. I even use it as a primer for eye shadow—it somehow keeps it in place when my eyes get wet.” — Carrie Esser, Kent State University class of 2019
If You're Looking to Protect from Sun Damage
The Product: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Concealer
What It Costs: $10
Extra sun protection never hurts, and this product provides an SPF of 20 to give your skin additional guard from sun damage. The blendable formula also works to cover dark circles and helps to reduce the look of puffiness with natural-looking coverage.
Why We Love It: “I like this product because it acts as an under-eye moisturizer while leaving a dewy and bright look.” — Julia Linares, Ohio State University class of 2019
If You Need to De-Puff Your Eyes
The Product: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
What It Costs: $9
This popular product is known for its ability to cover under-eye bags while giving a radiant finish to the skin. With vitamin C–packed goji berries in the ingredients, it helps to brighten, tone, and calm puffy eyes. The concealer packaging also has a unique sponge applicator that makes for easy, mess-free blending.
Why We Love It: “Maybelline Instant Age Rewind is a must! It’s so easy to blend out and is never too heavy.” — Chloe Anekstein, Kent State University class of 2020
If You Struggle With Finding Your Shade
The Product: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer
What It Costs: $3
This concealer is available in 21 shades and has a lightweight texture with a price you can’t beat. The crease-resistant coverage provides an opaque, long-lasting finish, so you’ll be able to wear it all day long without ever noticing it’s there. If you’re looking for a light, buildable formula in your exact skin tone, you’ll love this product.
Why We Love It: “L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer is great. It’s $3, blends well, and has a great range for different skin tones.” — Kasey Johnson, Kent State University class of 2021
If You Really Want to Glow
The Product: CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Concealer
What It Costs: $4
Another oil-free favorite, this concealer brightens and smooths without congesting your pores. The formula contains pigments that diffuse light for a radiant appearance and allows for easy application. The result? A flawless finish that lasts for hours.
Why We Love It: “This concealer is so smooth and makes my under-eye circles disappear. It also doesn’t dry out my skin when I use it on spots.” — Katie Wood, Miami University class of 2020
If You Want a Natural-Looking, Everyday Staple
The Product: Maybelline FaceStudio Master Conceal
What It Costs: $9
This concealer offers a high-coverage but natural look, and will get you through the day without allowing discoloration to peek through. The best part? You don’t need much—just squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingers and apply for a money-saving makeup look.
Why We Love It: “I feel like this concealer lasts longer and doesn’t make me feel or look overdone. It does its job but is natural and light enough to use with my everyday makeup.” — Jeanette Gardner, Ohio State University class of 2020
If You Need Fuller Coverage
The Product: ColourPop No Filter Concealer
What It Costs: $6
Famed as the drugstore rival of Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, the high-end cult favorite, this ColourPop concealer offers high coverage with an easily blendable formula. This product is both blurring and mattifying but creamy enough for dry or uneven skin.
Why We Love It: “The coverage is comparable to the Tarte Shape Tape, but at a fraction of the cost. The photo quality is also great because it doesn’t create flashback. Plus, ColourPop has a huge shade range, so I can always find a shade that works for me.” — McKinna Kahl, Kent State University class of 2018
If You're Looking to Treat and Cover
The Product: Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer
What It Costs: $9
Get the most out of your concealer with this double-duty product. Not only does it conceal under eyes, but it contains vitamin C, which, according to Byrdie, both brightens and helps protect skin from aging. The medium- to full-coverage formula is perfect for those looking to cover up spots and discoloration while improving skin tone at the same time.
Why We Love It: “It has super-full coverage and its brightening, which are really the only two things I look for in concealers. It’s also not drying at all and doesn’t crease.” — Josie Danardatu, Kent State University class of 2020
What’s your favorite drugstore concealer? Tell us why you love it in the comments below.
