I’m sure we can agree, there’s nothing worse than a base that looks beautiful on leaving the house, yet, when you look into the mirror a few hours later, it’s creased, cakey and has settled into all the areas you were trying to camouflage in the first place. I myself have faced this more than once, and, as someone who often forgoes foundation in favour of concealer alone, I know it’s my concealer that’s usually the culprit. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for formulas that deliver, not just in coverage, but also stay smooth, even and crease-free, no matter how many hours I wear them.
It’s here that the best creamy concealers come in, as after many years of testing, I’ve discovered it’s these formulas that truly deliver when it comes to my base (more so than foundation). Rich and nourishing on the skin, creamy concealers work to hydrate as they cover, which in turn offers a more natural, long-wearing base. Also, when applied correctly, there’s minimal chance of creasing or drying as the creamy texture melts into the skin rather than simply sitting on top of it.
So, how do you choose a creamy concealer, and how exactly should it be applied? Well, to answer that question, I asked an expert, makeup artist Katie Daisy. Here’s what she had to say…
How To Choose a Creamy Concealer
Firstly, before choosing a creamy concealer, you may be wondering if the formula is suited to your skin type. “They’re a dream for anyone with normal to dry skin or if you just like a dewy, skin-like finish,” says Daisy.
As an oily-skinned woman myself, I can say from experience that creamy concealers are a great choice for all skin types, simply set with powder after applying to lock them in place. “I also love creamy concealers for mature skin, because they don’t grab onto texture,” Daisy continues, meaning they won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
“[When it comes to choosing a creamy concealer] I'd always say check for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, because they keep the skin looking smooth,” says Daisy, “[Also] anything with a touch of radiance, like light-reflecting pigments, is a bonus for brightening.”
How To Apply a Creamy Concealer
As I mentioned, how you apply a creamy concealer can make all the difference in how it looks and wears. The key I’ve found is to build up light layers, rather than apply it too heavily and allow it to sink into the skin before following with the next layer.
“Less is more with a creamy formula,” Daisy explains when I ask her about her technique. “Dab it on where you need it most, like under the eyes, around the nose or on any redness. I like to tap it in with a fingertip or brush so it melts in seamlessly.”
How We Tested
As I mentioned, I’m a proud "only wear concealer" girl most days, and so, over the years, I’ve tested many formulas to see how they stand up both worn alone and over foundation. Each creamy concealer on this list has been rigorously tested (read: I’ve put it through a full day's work at the office) and every one has since earned a spot in my makeup routine.
So, if you’re wondering which creamy concealers stood up to the test, keep scrolling…
Best Creamy Concealers 2025
- The best overall creamy concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, £28
- The best full coverage creamy concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer, £29
- The best affordable creamy concealer: Maybelline Instant Eraser Eye Concealer, £9.99
- The best brightening creamy concealer: Kosas Relealer Super And Brightening Creamy Concealer, £28
- The best hydrating creamy concealer: By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer, £39
1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Shade range: 26
Pros
- Beautifully lightweight texture
- Super creamy and workable
- Skin-like finish
Cons
- If I had to be picky, some might find it too radiant
If you’re looking for a creamy concealer that still feels incredibly light on the skin, you need to try Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. A favourite with makeup artists and beauty editors alike, the creamy formula applies seamlessly, providing a light to medium coverage suitable for both covering blemishes and dark circles. I like to sweep a small amount onto the skin using the applicator before pressing it in lightly with my finger for a natural-looking finish.
2. Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Shade range: 30
When I want a concealer with a little more coverage, I reach for Tarte’s Shape Tape. Although I’d describe this concealer as relatively thick, it stays smooth and even throughout the day with minimal creasing. The key is to build up those light layers I mentioned above, rather than go in heavily in one fell swoop. And, don’t forget to set it with powder for long-lasting coverage.
Pros
- Full-coverage finish
Cons
- Large doefoot applicator is not great for small areas
3. By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer
Shade range: 12
By Terry’s Hyaluronic Serum Concealer was a relatively new discovery for me; however, it’s quickly risen to become one of my most used concealers. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as caffeine to brighten and calming magnolia flower, the skincare-infused formula works to provide a multitude of skin benefits as it covers. Add to that, the texture is silky smooth and applies flawlessly, and you’ll begin to understand why I reach for this concealer nearly every day.
Pros
- Infused with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Could do with a wider shade range
4. Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector
Shade range: 11
A makeup artist favourite, Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Corrector acts as both a colour corrector and concealer in one, making it great for use on dark circles or skin pigmentation. What I love most about this concealer is its slightly thicker texture. In comparison to traditional concealers, which have an almost liquid consistency, this is more akin to a standard cream product, meaning you can use it much more targeted without fear of it slipping or sliding. I like to apply with a flat concealer brush pressing as I go so it melts into the skin.
Pros
- Pot is great for travelling
- Peach tones are ideal for colour correcting
Cons
- Use sparingly or it can crease
5. Maybelline Instant Eraser Eye Concealer
Shade range: 10
At under £10, Maybelline’s Instant Eraser Eye Concealer is one of the most affordable options out there that doesn’t compromise on coverage or finish. While it’s described as an under-eye concealer, I can definitely say from experience that you can use this on blemishes too, as it feels rich and nourishing, meaning there’s little chance of dryness or patchiness. My only pet hate with this concealer is the sponge, as after a few uses, it can become clogged with product, making it a little hard to use, but aside from that, I’m a big fan.
Pros
- Packed with skincare ingredients
Cons
- Sponge becomes unhygienic after use
6. Dior Forever Skin Correct Creamy Concealer
Shade range: 26
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Extensive shade range
Cons
- Large applicator makes targeted application difficult
Dior describes this as a multi-use product suitable for use as a concealer, targeted foundation or contour, depending on what shade you opt for. For that reason, it can work seriously hard in your makeup bag. As a concealer, it’s rich and creamy with plenty of slip, so it glides across the skin easily. Once applied, the finish is natural with a slight dewy sheen, perfect for achieving a fresh-faced look.
7. Kosas Relealer Super And Brightening Creamy Concealer
Shade range: 39
If dark under-eye circles are your main concern, I’d highly suggest adding Kosas Creamy Concealer to your routine. Alongside offering pigmented colour, it’s also infused with caffeine to brighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the area for a smooth application. On top of that, you’ll also find arnica, which works to soothe the skin and de-puff unwanted eye bags. Basically, this concealer is a wake-up call for tired eyes when you need a product that works double duty on top of simply concealing and correcting.
Pros
- Contains arnica to de-puff
- Great for brightening undereyes
Cons
- Will need layering for a fuller coverage
8. Delilah Farewell Cream Concealer
Shade range: 4
Lastly, we have one of my favourite concealers for blemishes, Delilah’s Farewell Cream Concealer. Featuring a pencil-style applicator, this concealer is so easy to apply, allowing for targeted precision in an easy swipe. The finish is lightweight and buildable and thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid, looks plump and natural on the skin. My only wish is that Delilah would introduce more shades—with just four available, it’s incredibly limited, and more people need to be able to use this product.
Pros
- Targeted pencil applicator
- Infused with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Poor shade range
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