10 Best Drugstore Concealers To Cover Acne And Blemishes
Minimize breakouts and reduce oiliness with long-lasting and skin-friendly concealers.
Nyssa GreenMakeup Artist
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Experience: 2 yearsShalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashion and makeup to write engaging content related to beauty and lifestyle and has two years of experience.
Read full bio of Shalini Roy
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Concealers are made to hide your blemishes, redness, bumps, and imperfections. But with acne-prone skin, it can become a bit tricky to get smooth skin texture for applying makeup. Hence, we bring you the best drugstore concealer for acne, ideally formulated to prevent clogged pores, minimize oiliness, and reduce further breakouts. They will keep your skin fresh and mattified and cover all skin imperfections like dark spots, acne scars, wrinkles, etc. Read on to know all about the 10 best drugstore concealers for acne.
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Concealers To Cover Acne & Blemishes
1. Best Oil-Free:Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
This high coverage Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer is fade-proof and stays for a long time. It effectively camouflages acne scars, blemishes, redness, under-eye circles, pesky spots, and pigmentation. This blemish-concealing formula is enriched with chamomile that soothes your irritated skin and keeps it refreshed. It has a wide shade range formulated to match all skin tones from light to dark. ”I’m so impressed with the coverage,” says makeup artist and agency owner, Nyssa Green. This video details a tester’s experience with the product. Watch it to gain added insights about the formula.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Natural finish coverage
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might cause breakouts
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 59,268 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
2. Best Transfer-Proof:NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
The creamy NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Concealer has a highly pigmented formula that glides smoothly and delivers a flawless finish. It is a super long-lasting product and stays for up to 24 hours. This color-correcting concealer is ideal for oily skin as it creates a matte effect and reduces shine. This ultra-pigmented formula gives full coverage to brighten the under-eye area, lessen the appearance of spots and pigmentation, and diminish the appearance of pores. Take a look at this video to learn more about the product based on a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Transfer-proof
- Creamy texture
- Long-lasting wear
- Matte finish
- Waterproof
Cons
- Drying
3. Best Matte Finish:e.l.f 16HR Camo Concealer
The long-lasting e.l.f16HR Camo Concealer has a super pigmented formula that does not settle into your creases or fine lines, giving you a seamless finish. It is quick-drying and leaves a natural matte finish. The liquid concealer comes with a large doe foot applicator for even application, cover the flaws and under-eye circles. It is infused with avocado oil to moisturize your skin and kaolin clay that removes excess shine and oil. The concealer comes in a wide shade range of 26 shades. “The shade range is definitely impressive,” says Nyssa Green. You may check more about the product in this video which is based on a tester’s experience with it.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Highly pigmented
- Long-lasting
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Drying
Pro Tip| Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer Best Oil-Free | NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer Best Transfer-Proof | e.l.f 16HR Camo Concealer Best Matte Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Acne ProneColor | AllColor | NormalColor |
| Dimensions | 0.53 x 0.53 x 4.63 inches | 0.63 x 4.53 x 0.63 inches | 2.3 x 2.3 x 12.4 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.86 Ounces. | 0.21 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 59,268 | 26,066 | 17,748 |
| Price | $6.94 | $7.8 | $7.0 |
4. Best Non-Greasy:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer
Indulge in a flawless full-coverage matte finish with the celebrity-endorsed L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer. The versatile formula effectively blurs discolorations, blemishes, hides acne scars, and conceals spots while contouring your face. The product comes with an extra-large applicator for easy application. The concealer is transfer-proof, waterproof, non-greasy, and does not flake or fade. Its lightweight formula covers about 94% of redness and does not feel heavy on your skin. This concealer is available in 25 shades for the perfect match for every skin tone.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting
- Transfer-proof
- Non-greasy
- Matte finish
- Fade-resistant
- Quick absorbent
Cons
- May crease
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 15,768 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin: COVERGIRL Smoothers Concealer Stick
The COVERGIRL Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick is a creamy concealer designed to help cover imperfections and blemishes on the skin while also providing hydration to the under-eye area. The blendable formula is infused with ginseng, vitamin E, and chamomile to help soothe and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
The concealer comes in a stick that is easy to apply and blend and is available in a range of shades to match different skin tones. Reviewers love that the formula is long-lasting and resistant to creasing. It offers flawless coverage throughout the day. Moreover, the product is not tested on animals, which makes it ideal for people seeking ethically conscious makeup options.
Pros
- Easy application
- Fragrance-free
- Blends easily
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Thick
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Almay Clear Complexion Concealer
The Almay Clear Complexion Clonealer has a creamy formula with opaque pigments that can easily cover acne blemishes and scars. It is infused with salicylic acid that prevents new acne breakouts. and reduces inflammation. This easy-to-blend, breathable formula sits over the foundation without feeling cakey or clogging pores, and can also be used alone for a seamless look. The aloe vera and chamomile extracts in the blend soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Matte finish
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-drying
- Non-irritating
- Lightweight
Cons
- Drying
- Expensive for the quantity
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 4,121 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best For A Creaseless Finish:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer
Effectively cover acne, blemishes, and dark circles with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer. It is super lightweight, does not crease and clog your pores, and ensures comfortable wear. The hydrating formula is infused with vitamin E to protect your skin from free radical damage. The peptides in the formula rejuvenate your skin and induce a radiant glow. In addition, the long-lasting and transfer-proof concealer gives you a smooth finish every single time!
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Offers a glowy finish
- Lightweight
- Creaseless finish
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-tested
- Transfer proof
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Not long lasting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 2,198 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
8. Best Sweat-Proof:Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer
If your skin looks dull and oily, then the Rimmel London Stay Matte Concealer is a must-buy! Its buttery formula glides across your skin and settles into a comfortable soft matte finish. This professional makeup product is humidity-proof, heat-proof, and sweat-proof, staying up to 24 hours. It provides full coverage, controls shine, and hides imperfections, dark circles, and blemishes with ease.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Humidity-proof
- Sweat-proof
- Heat-proof
- Lightweight
Cons
- May settle in creases
9. Best Lightweight:Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer
Indulge in a near-perfect look with the unique skin-blurring formula of the statement-making Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer! The creamy formula delivers a white cast-free finish even under seven different photo lighting conditions. The high-coverage finish leaves your skin looking flawless and radiant by blurring dark circles, scars, fine lines, and pigmentation. Many reviews have praised the product for being crease-proof and non-cakey. They have also indicated that it offers buildable coverage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Drying
10. Best Non-Irritating:Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer
The lightweight Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer effortlessly smoothes your fine lines and pores. It completely corrects the blemishes and evens out your skin tone, giving you a flawless porcelain look. The perfect concealer has a super creamy formula and melts onto your skin to give a smooth finish. Its doe-foot applicator doesn’t drag on the delicate under-eye skin. The matte-finish concealer gives a crease-proof and smudge-resistant makeup look and is available in 50 shades for all skin tones.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- Non-creasing
- Long-lasting
- Non-irritating
- Wide shade range
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Drying
Infographic: Ingredients To Avoid In Concealers If You Have Acne
Concealers help hide acne and blemishes, but they may also cause breakouts if you have acne-prone skin. Therefore, it is necessary to know what goes on in these products before using them. Check out the infographic below to know which ingredients to avoid in concealers if you have acne or oily skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
A good concealer can fix a lot of problems in your life. Expertly crafted concealers are magical makeup products that can camouflage dark spots, blemishes, redness, and imperfections and offer a radiant finish. The best drugstore concealers offer exceptional results in covering up raccoon eyes if you did not get a good night’s sleep. Nowadays, concealers are formulated to prevent clogged pores, reduce breakouts, and minimize oiliness. You can add the Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer to your enhanced beauty routine for its fade-proof and long-stay formula. The NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer is ideal for its ultra-pigmented and matte formula, while the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer comes with a transfer-proof and waterproof formula which is ideal for people performing intense chores every day. The reviewed products have a lightweight and long-lasting formula devoid of all harmful chemicals. They are available in different shades to match your skin tone. Always consider the correct shade while choosing the best drugstore concealers for acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of concealer is the best for acne?
A non-comedogenic, full-coverage concealer is the best for acne-prone skin.
Is concealer good for hiding pimples?
Yes, concealer is good for hiding pimples. However, use a non-comedogenic formula and apply it with a brush to avoid further breaking outs.
Is concealer or foundation better for acne?
Use a concealer to cover acne better. Then, apply a powder-based foundation. This way, you can cover the marks completely. Therefore, concealers are more effective in covering acne.
Will concealer make acne worse?
No. Concealers with non-comedogenic ingredients will not trigger acne. So, skip using formulas with harsh ingredients to avoid clogging the pores.
How can I cover up my acne without looking cakey?
• Cleanse your skin thoroughly but gently.
• Apply a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Sanitize the brushes and sponges.
• Apply an oil-free primer with a sponge.
• Dab the concealer on your acne and other spots. Do not rub the area.
• Apply a light layer of non-comedogenic foundation with a brush.
• Use a brush to apply a layer of setting powder in small circular motions all over the face.
How do you get flawless makeup with acne?
Use a pore minimizer primer to cover your acne scars, then add a tiny amount of translucent powder before applying the concealer. This way, you can achieve flawless makeup with acne.
How to find the best concealer for acne coverage?
Either choose a concealer that is a shade lighter than your foundation or a shade the same as your skin color to cover the acne spots better.
Does concealer go on before or after foundation?
Apply concealers after using foundation if you have multiple acne spots and blemishes. Otherwise, the concealers will get rubbed off, making the blemishes visible.
Can you put makeup over a popped pimple?
No. Applying makeup over a pimple can disrupt the healing process of the acne and reintroduce bacteria into the zit. Therefore, skip using makeup after popping a pimple.
How to cover acne with concealer?
• Wash and dry your palms.
• Take a pea-sized amount of the concealer and apply it to the acne with a clean brush.
• Apply a thin layer of foundation to conceal the concealer.
• Apply a second layer of concealer to the acne spots to make them completely invisible.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shalini Roy, is a makeup and style enthusiast who believes that the trick to flawless-looking skin is choosing products as per your skin type and concerns. She has done an extensive review of the top-rated drugstore concealers to hide acne. These long-lasting and affordable products are formulated with specific ingredients that not only help cover your acne scars and blemishes but also prevent further skin-clogging and acne breakouts.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Read full bio of Shalini Roy
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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