When it comes to makeup, I’m the first to say that some products genuinely are worth the splurge—a luxury foundation with a beautifully matched pigment, a bronzer that blends like butter, or a lipstick formula that lasts for hours every time you apply it. But concealers are one category where I truly believe you don’t need to spend more to get incredible results. In fact, the high street is full of formulas that rival (and sometimes outperform) their high-end counterparts. Whether you’re looking for a concealer for dark circles, covering breakouts, brightening pigmentation or simply evening out your complexion, the drugstore shelves offer textures and finishes that cater to every need and skin type, without the hefty price tag.
What makes drugstore concealers so impressive today is how far formulations have come. Brands are now incorporating skincare ingredients, long-wear technology and inclusive shade ranges, all while keeping prices accessible. Many have become genuine staples in professional makeup kits, proving that performance doesn’t have to equal premium pricing. And because they’re so affordable, you can experiment more freely—try different undertones, finishes and coverage levels until you find your perfect match. Seriously, there's a great drugstore option for everyone—whether you're looking for a full-coverage concealer or a dewy concealer for dry skin.
Below, we’ve put the most popular and best-rated drugstore concealers to the test to find the formulas that really stand out. Whatever formula you're looking for, these more affordable favourites show that good makeup doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to work.
What You Should Look For
A good drugstore concealer should offer reliable coverage, blend smoothly and stay put throughout the day without creasing or caking. Since affordability is a major advantage, you want a formula that performs consistently and feels comfortable on the skin. Start by considering the level of coverage you need: full coverage for acne or scarring, medium for dark circles, or lightweight for brightening and everyday wear. Texture is also important—creamy formulas suit dry or mature skin, while more matte options work well for oilier complexions.
Shade range matters too. Look for brands that offer multiple undertones, not just light, medium, and dark, so you can find a more accurate match. Added skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or calming ingredients can make the formula more versatile and suitable for all-day wear. Finally, consider how it applies: does it blend easily with fingers, brushes or sponges, and does it layer well with your foundation or skincare?
How to Shop for a Drugstore Concealer
Choosing the right drugstore concealer starts with identifying your main concern. If dark circles are your biggest issue, look for a brightening formula with peach or pink undertones to counteract blue and purple tones. For spots and scarring, you’ll need something more pigmented, matte and long-wearing to stay put throughout the day. Under the eyes, consider a hydrating or satin finish that won’t emphasise fine lines or dryness.
Next, think about your skin type. Oily skin benefits from long-lasting, self-setting formulas that resist movement, while dry skin may prefer something creamier with hydrating ingredients. Those with sensitive or reactive skin should choose fragrance-free options with simpler ingredient lists. Undertone matching is crucial too—warm, cool or neutral shades can dramatically change how natural your concealer looks.
I also like to consider application style. Wands are great for precision, sticks work for high coverage and serum textures are ideal for light, flexible wear.
Finally, don't underestimate wear-testing. Try applying in different ways—thinner layers, spot application, or a brush or sponge versus fingertips—to see how the concealer adapts to your routine. The right one should feel light, match your skin tone, and deliver the exact level of coverage you need.
The Best Drugstore Concealers
- Best Overall Drugstore Concealer: Erborian Super BB Concealer (£27)
- Best Drugstore Concealer for Dark Circles: Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Concealer (£10)
- Best Drugstore Concealer for Breakouts: Glow Hub Under Cover High Coverage Zit Zap Concealer Wand (£14)
- Best Drugstore Concealer for Shade Range: e.l.f. Cosmetics 16hr Camo Concealer (£8)
- Best Full-Coverage Drugstore Concealer: Makeup Revolution Conceal Define Concealer (£5)
1. Erborian Super BB Concealer
Pros
- Lightweight serum texture
- Doesn’t cake or crease easily
- Contains skincare actives and SPF
Cons
- Price is still quite high
- Shade range limited
I am so sorry to kick this off with a semi-expensive product, but I would like to highlight that this concealer is something you can pick up on the high street, despite its slightly higher price tag. This concealer ticks a lot of my boxes—a skincare-makeup hybrid, with a smooth medium coverage and a finish that keeps skin looking like skin. The lightweight texture blends effortlessly, brightens without caking or settling into fine lines and it has the added bonus of SPF protection and niacinamide to brighten. It’s a reliable, all-round performer that works well for everyday wear and suits a wide range of skin types.
2. Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer
A cult favourite for tired under-eyes, this concealer brightens impressively well. The formula melts into the skin, muting dark circles with a natural-looking coverage that doesn’t feel heavy. Plus, the sponge applicator makes application easy and mess-free, so it's especially suited to those in need of a quick morning routine.
Pros
- Easy to use sponge applicator
- Brightening effect under eyes
- Good buildable coverage
Cons
- Requires careful blending
- Some find shade match inconsistent
3. Glow Hub Under Cover High Coverage Zit Zap Concealer Wand
Designed for breakout-prone skin, this concealer targets blemishes with high coverage that stays matte and in place. The formula includes spot-friendly ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree, helping conceal redness while simultaneously treating breakouts. It sets quickly in place, holding up well against oil and texture.
Pros
- Targeted spot coverage
- Matte finish
- Contains tea tree and salicylic acid
Cons
- Dries quickly (requires fast blending)
- Not suited for undereyes
4. e.l.f. Cosmetics 16hr Camo Concealer
Known for its impressive shade and undertone selection, the Camo Concealer makes shade matching accessible and inclusive. The formula delivers intense, long-lasting full coverage that dries down to a matte finish, so it’s excellent for creating a seamless base that withstands long days.
Pros
- Full-coverage
- Long-wearing
Cons
- Can be drying or too matte for very dry or mature skin
5. Makeup Revolution Conceal Define Concealer
This concealer offers immediate full coverage that smooths over imperfections with ease and holds up throughout the day. With an extensive shade range and versatile use for highlighting and contouring, it’s a standout makeup-bag staple that rivals high-end formulas at a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Full coverage
- Large shade range
- Multi-use
Cons
- Some users experience dryness on very dry skin
6. Sculpted by Aimee Brighten Up Concealer
Brighten Up is designed to lift dullness and dark under-eyes with soft, luminous coverage that looks fresh and natural. The lightweight texture smooths effortlessly, adding radiance without emphasising fine lines. It's ideal for giving a tired complexion an instant, healthy boost.
Pros
- Lightweight formula doesn't crease
- Blurring and brightening finish designed for under-eye area
Cons
- Light-medium rather than full coverage
7. NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
This serum-textured concealer melts into the skin with a hydrating, featherlight feel. It's by no means full coverage, but it does suit those who prefer a natural, skin-like finish—it's perfect for everyday wear or no-makeup makeup days.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Very lightweight serum texture
Cons
- Not a full-coverage concealer
8. Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer
Fit Me! is well known for its natural finish and impressive staying power. The formula is smooth and blendable, offering buildable coverage that never feels heavy or turns cakey. It's a dependable choice when you need all-day reliability without the full-coverage feel.
Pros
- Natural-looking finish
Cons
- Can require layering for full coverage
9. Rimmel Multitasker Concealer
With its oversized applicator and versatile formula, this concealer works beautifully for spot concealing, under-eyes, and even full-face coverage. It offers a smooth, radiant finish that blends easily, making it ideal for quick, multi-use application. A great all-in-one product for streamlined routines.
Pros
- Blurring and illuminating finish
- Easy-to-use oversized wand applicator
- Transferproof and long-wearing
Cons
- May be patchy on dry skin types
10. No7 Pro Artist Touch Up Concealer
Packaged in a sleek click-pen applicator, this No7 concealer is perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day. The creamy formula brightens and smooths without needing much blending, making it practical for travel or handbags. It offers natural, comfortable coverage that refreshes makeup in seconds.
Pros
- Creamy, hydrating formula
- Click pen is good for quick touchups
Cons
- Light coverage
11. Natural Collection Concealer
This ultra-affordable concealer provides surprisingly smooth, blendable coverage that works well for daily brightening. Its lightweight finish gives a natural look without feeling heavy or chalky, and while coverage is lighter, it performs reliably for quick freshening up—a reliable choice for those wanting quality on a tight budget.
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Creamy and easy to blend
- Gives a natural-looking brightening effect
Cons
- Light coverage
12. Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Color Corrector
Depending on the shade you choose, this colour corrector neutralises everything from dark circles and redness to discolouration with a thin, easy-to-blend formula. It melts into the skin instantly, allowing any foundation applied on top to look smoother and more effective. The lightweight texture won’t pill or feel heavy under layers.
Pros
- Neutralises appearance of discolouration
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Some users experience creasing within a few hours
13. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Full Cover Concealer
This high-performance concealer offers intense, precise coverage, so it is ideal for camouflaging scars and more stubborn marks. The formula is long-wearing, flexible, and resistant to creasing, making it especially suitable for long days or special occasions. Plus, despite its high coverage, it maintains a skin-like finish without looking heavy.
Pros
- Very high/full coverage
- Waterproof
Cons
- Can settle into fine lines for some users
- Higher price point than other drugstore concealers
How We Tested
To find the best concealers, we tested each product across a range of skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and mature skin. Every concealer was worn for full days to assess coverage, blendability, crease-resistance and longevity. We also compared how well they tackled specific concerns such as dark circles, acne, discolouration and scarring. Shade range, texture and ease of application were considered, alongside value for money and customer reviews.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.