4 Versatile Concealers That Have You Covered: A Foundation-Averse Beauty Writer’s Picks

March 3, 2025 WSW 3 Views

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Among the beauty writers I know, I’m one of the few who is not fond of foundation. Despite my passion for testing beauty products, as someone with dry, eczema-prone skin, I’ve never enjoyed how foundation feels on my face.

Thus, the concealers I carry in my makeup kit must be truly exceptional: they need sufficient coverage to address my trouble spots but still be sheer and blendable enough to seamlessly blend with my bare skin. Think of me as Goldilocks; I seek a formula that’s neither too thick nor too watery — it should strike the perfect balance. I need a concealer that looks natural and enhances my skin’s appearance, making it look just a touch better.

After extensive searching and testing, I’ve discovered four versatile concealers that I now rely on heavily in my makeup routine. They fulfill all my needs for a concealer, and even better, they’re all easy to blend on the go — ideal for someone like me who aims for a quick makeup look. Here’s what I adore about them.

Hourglass Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer

Hourglass Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer ($38)

I can confidently say that I have repurchased this concealer more than any other makeup product. Its uniquely designed applicator, with a flat side for larger areas and a pointed tip for precision, makes it a dream to use. Although it provides full coverage, it still maintains a natural, skin-like finish due to the microspherical powders in the formula. True to its name, it creates a flawless, airbrushed effect on my skin.

Hourglass Vanish™ Airbrush Concealer

From

$38

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($32)

For beauty enthusiasts like myself who have been watching beauty tutorials for over a decade, this concealer is well-known and a must-have in many makeup kits. Its buildable coverage makes it versatile enough for both everyday looks and full glam. The creamy formula blends effortlessly — even with my fingers when I’m in a hurry — and is infused with botanical extracts to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day, preventing a cakey or flaky finish.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

From

$32

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick ($38)

As someone who frequently applies makeup in the backseat of rideshares, I appreciate stick formulas that are multifunctional. Merit’s The Minimalist combines the best aspects of both a foundation (for easy application) and a concealer (for coverage) in a user-friendly formula. Most of the time, I don’t need to use a brush; my fingers are sufficient. Additionally, using a deeper shade of this stick serves as an excellent contour and bronzer due to its effortless application.

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

From

$38

Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer ($22)

My dry skin leads to complexion products often sitting awkwardly, which is why I love when a makeup product feels like skincare. Infused with hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, and lysine, this sensitive skin-friendly concealer applies like a hydrating serum, yet provides light coverage. It’s a fabulous medium coverage formula that allows the skin to radiate, making it ideal for both subtle glam and days without makeup. It leaves the skin looking fresh, plump, and glowing while lasting throughout the day.