The 20 Most Undetectable (Yet Effective) Concealers for Barely-There Makeup

All beauty lovers know how amazing that moment is when you finally have that perfect concealer in your hands. It's been selected to address your specific needs and work in tandem with your skin type for that seamless, all-natural finish everyone deserved. Whether you've decided to invest in it in order to camouflage a skin flare-up, redness, or hyperpigmentation; a trust-worthy concealer will 100% have your back (extra points if it's both long-lasting and non-oxidizing).

When I'm searching for my concealer pairing in the seemingly endless aisles of products in my beauty supplier of choice, one of the first things I look for is a lightweight. The last thing I want to do while wearing a concealer is remember it's there. If you're like me, and have struggled for too long to meet your product match, this concealer guide is for you.

"When I'm shopping for a concealer, I'm always looking for something lightweight, buildable, and hydrating! There is nothing that I hate more than a concealer that becomes cake-y and flakey by the end of the day," shares freelance makeup artist and Kite Beauty representative, Morgan Leigh. "My favorite go to is Kite Beauty because their ingredients are beyond hydrating and buildable which is key! The packaging is also made for the on-the-go girls so it's always easy to touch up or build coverage for a day to night look!" When applying concealer, Leigh likes to begin with an very moisturized canvas to ensure easy application of the concealer product.

For skin prep, Leigh's go-to product is Merit's Instant Glow Serum which uses skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to quickly hydrate and visibly plump the skin; lending to a visibly brighter and smoother palette to start with. She then follows the serum with a moisturizer, for easy concealer application that also remains glowy. After your skin is moisturized, Leigh recommends using a damp beauty blender for flawless application and the ability to build up your concealer's coverage.

If you haven't found your holy-grail concealer just yet and are still looking for a versatile lightweight formula, don't worry! I've scoured the internet for some of the best ones out there. Below, you'll fine a variety of concealers offering endless shade ranges, formulations depending on specific skin types, and different types of coverage.

Say goodbye to dark circles—this concealer uses an anti-fatigue complex to lighten the under eye area and reduce puffiness. It also has light-reflecting pigments and botanical-based brightening ingredients to camouflage discoloration and age spots. Customer review: "This concealing Corrector Pen lives up to its name by lightening & concealing under eye shadows as well as lightly moisturizing this area. In addition, it has ingredients that are known for improving skin health. Application is relatively easy once a brand new applicator is pumped a few times to get the concealer moving down the tube. I found keeping it upright in a vertical container helps." Pro: Cruelty-free formula. Con: None

When my tired-looking eyes need a quick and easy pick-me-up, I reach for this light coverage concealer by Milk Makeup. Its skincare-based formula hydrates and refreshes the eyes while the addition of light-reflecting powders illuminate them even more. Customer review: "I have a hard time finding the right products for my skin since it is dry and sensitive, but I was very impressed with this concealer. It did brighten my under eyes and I don't look so tired. Its smooth and light weight and I like the little rolling ball lol. I use it everyday now and I highly recommend this product!" Pro: Offers a dewy, hydrated look. Con: Limited shade availability

While this is a full-coverage concealer, it's also incredibly lightweight. It blurs and smooths the skin using a powerful blend on peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. Customer review: "I have super dark circles under my eyes and this product has been a godsend. Provides very good coverage while not looking cake-y or overdone. It lasts the whole day without settling into any fine lines. Total winner!" Pro: Gently on acne-prone skin. Con: May emphasize dry areas

Out of all of my favorite products from former Victoria Secret model's Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's beauty brand, this ridiculously hydrating concealer has earned a permanent spot at the top of my list. Customer review: "The only concealer I use. It is hydrating, has amazing coverage and is not cake-y on my under-eyes. This has become a staple for me and I don’t even think about other concealers. It is also the perfect pale olive for me. I definitely recommend!" Pro: Applies and blends easily. Con: Not ideal for sensitive skin

This has quickly become one of my favorite brown and black girl friendly multi-tasking products. It offers lightweight, buildable coverage and comes in a variety of shades for natural-looking coverage on-the-go. Customer review: "Love this product!! On lighter makeup days I’ll use it to spot conceal and it blends out beautifully. On full makeup days I’ll use it to conceal and brighten the face. Have used it with various foundation and it still blends beautifully!" Pro: Natural-looking, skin-like finish. Con: Drying formula

One of the best things about this concealer is it has broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection against UV rays. The formula is extremely hydrating and glides on smoothly for a seamless, glowy finish. Customer review: "I've been using Cle de Peau concealer for many years. With previous versions, I struggled with it settling into my pores. The latest formulation has totally changed this, despite the fact that I'm obviously older now. Between the fabulous skin care products, including eye cream. and now the upgraded concealer, my creases are barely visible—which I love!" Pro: Applies smoothly. Con: Limited shade availability

Fenty Beauty's concealer is another one of my favorites, delivering medium to full coverage that's also lightweight. It leaves a matte finish that's crease-proof. Customer review: "I bought this after testing a bunch of different concealers at Ulta. This one was the only one that felt like it melted into my skin. It's lightweight and does a good job with concealing. I have combination skin and there's pretty much no caking going on. It literally looks like I'm wearing a filter." Pro: Water-resistant formula. Con: Not ideal for dry skin

This aptly named concealer moves with your skin instead of sitting on its surface. It's also formulated with mineral pigments for an overall brightening effect. Customer review: "I love natural makeup looks and usually dislike how fuller coverage concealers with my hooded eyes often get creepy but super natural ones don’t hide my dark circles. This is perfect. Warm it up between two fingers and then apply." Pro: Does not shift or oxidize. Con: Not longlasting

This medium-coverage concealer works on a lot of skin types and is formulated with nourishing and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine. Customer review: "Absolutely love this concealer! For the most part, my only face base product is concealer so I take this very seriously. In true Kosas fashion, this concealer offer buildable coverage without sacrificing texture. I have built this up to cover the most stubborn of blemishes and find that is conceals bumps and redness excellently, without becoming patchy. For my acne-prone skin, this is a miracle worker!" Pro: Non-comedogenic formula. Con: Somewhat drying

Nyx's concealer is available in 23 different shades, with color-correcting tones like green, yellow, and lavender. You can also use it for a seamless contour. Customer review: "I love using this concealer. Whenever I apply it the texture it always soft & not harsh on the skin. This is the first time I purchased this brand for eye make up and I totally love it. I am definitely going to buy it again. Also I would recommend it for others." Pro: Natural-looking finish. Con: Settles into fine lines

One of the most beloved concealers out there, Nars' Radiant Creamy Concealer is always reliable. The hydrating formula has light-diffusing technology for a radiant and smooth finish with 16 hours of wear. Customer review: "I started with a light shade under mummy eyes to brighten the area. Then a slightly darker shade was recommended for me to use as a contour on my cheekbones. Very little product is needed to accomplish effects." Pro: Creamy, easy-to-use formula. Con: Minimal creasing

Milk Makeup's multi-use medium-to-full coverage concealer provides a lightweight, crease-proof finish using a unique formula with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe vera, and arnica. Customer review: "First let me say at 37 I had never used concealer on my under eye because I felt it always made me look worse—caking, weird color, and settling in lines. This is the first concealer that matches perfectly and doesn’t cake under my eye. It’s also great for breakouts. I’m obsessed!" Pro: Blends seamlessly. Con: Not ideal for dry, mature skin

If you've been on the hunt for a  concealer that gives you a flawless looking finish, you need to try this one. It's crafted from a high-performance formula with advanced skincare properties. Customer review: "Hear me now and believe me later—you need this concealer. I don't know where I heard this trick for foundation but I put it together with this product and it is magic: Prep your skin, put a swipe or 2 of concealer on the back of your hand, spray a dry beauty blender with setting spray and dab the sponge ever so slightly into a bit the concealer." Pro: Extensive shade availability. Con: Tricky to shade match

Here's another black and brown girl friendly product I've been loving lately. This concealer by Kulfi Beauty offers a radiant finish while keeping your skin looking and feeling hydrated. Customer review: "Best concealer I've ever used. It sets way better than any other self-setting concealer I've used, barely creases, and lasts all day/night without caking. It doesn't clog my pores, and feels so natural on my skin. Blends and layers beautifully." Pro: Layers well with cream-based products. Con: None

Since being introduced to this Tarte concealer two months ago, I've been using it nonstop. It effectively targets hyperpigmentation and dark circles while noticeably brightening the skin. Customer review: "The Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a game-changer in the world of cosmetics. This concealer has an incredibly rich and creamy texture, making it easy to blend and apply. It effortlessly covers dark spots, blemishes, and dark circles without feeling heavy or cake-y on the skin. One of the standout features of this concealer is its impressive staying power. It lasts all day without creasing or fading, keeping your skin looking flawless and radiant from morning to night." Pro: Blendable and buildable formula. Con: Slight oxidization over time

For foolproof coverage, this concealer is a major contender. Resistant to creasing and humidity, this ultra-creamy formula is waterproof and will last for up to 16 hours. Customer review: "This was great just like any of their other products. It didn't cake up and worked well for dry, acne prone skin. It didn't crease or wear off either. The only issue is that I went through it so fast! It covered everything really well though and was super creamy and easy to apply." Pro: Crease-proof and water-proof. Con: Limited shade availability

The super-lightweight formula from Ilia doesn't leave any creases or a cake-y finish. It's also enriched with vitamin C to brighten and smooth the skin. Customer review: "The ILIA True Skin Serum Concealer blends into a creamy, creaseless and it does reduce the appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and blemishes. I chose shade SC2 Yucca and love that it brightens my under-eyes. This does not crease or breakdown. I think this is a great concealer." Pro: Silicone and fragrance-free formula. Con: None

Made for all skin types, this lightweight concealer also works to minimize the appearance of pores and leave the skin looking radiant. The hydrating product is buildable while providing a natural, skin-like finish. Customer review: "I love this skin-like concealer. I’d say it’s an alternative for glossier pot concealer. Don’t expect full coverage or a matte finish, but if you like a more low-key makeup look or something that makes you feel like you’re wearing makeup without feeling cake-y or heavy, I’d recommend this." Pro: Dewy, radiant coverage. Con: Creases when layered with powder

Laura Mercier's weightless concealer will blur any imperfections while providing all-day hydration. In addition to being transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, and water-resistant, it stays put on the skin for up to 12 hours. Customer review: "This concealer is so much better than the many, many I have tried over the years. It glides on, covers what it needs to, but doesn't emphasize tiny lines and wrinkles. It's also not drying, a huge deal for me. Love this one!" Pro: Seamless and even application. Con: Settles slightly in creases

Combat dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and circle by using this concealer packed with active ingredients that protect the skin from pollution and free-radicals while giving a smoothing effect. Customer review: "If you are on the hunt for full coverage, skin-like concealer then you needn't look any further. I have always struggled with dark circles under my eyes and every concealer I tried previously was incredibly heavy and cake-y on the delicate under-eye area, this is a must-have in my opinion." Pro: Enriched with active ingredients. Con: None

Up next, How to Preserve Your Goddess Braids (and the Products That Make a Difference)

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