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There are some makeup products that you apply in the morning never to think of again, and then there are some that you apply in the morning… and then have to reapply throughout the day after it fades or melts off with wear. One of the most touched-up makeup products out there? Concealer. That’s why it’s time to shop for long-lasting concealers. (And we mean truly long-lasting.)
Experts in This Article
DeShawn Hatcher is a makeup artist and author of Assisting Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Assisting Makeup Artists and Hairstylists in Beauty, Fashion, & Print.
According to makeup artist and makeup educator DeShawn Hatcher, concealers tend to fade for three reasons. One culprit is your moisturizer application. “If you haven’t allowed the eye moisturizer you applied previously to absorb, always be sure to blot off any excess before applying concealer,” she says. Another culprit? If you applied an extra amount of moisturizer, it’s harder for it to set properly before makeup application. “Use three or four dots and blend with the ring finger and only reapply where needed,” says Hatcher. The last big reason for concealer melt? It wasn’t set, which is why she recommends setting with a dusting powder, regardless of the formula of concealer you use.
The current rule of wearing a face mask whenever you leave your house doesn’t help with your makeup’s staying power, either. Moisture builds underneath a mask, which then leads to concealer melting off. To find a concealer that’ll stay put, the first thing to look for is the right formula. “Look for opaqueness and full coverage,” says Hatcher, noting that upon application, it should maintain its color and not dissolve.
Besides choosing the right shade of concealer to match your skin tone, you’ll also want to pick one that fits your skin type. “For oily skin, look for self-setting, waterproof concealers, and nothing that contains oils,” says Hatcher. “If you have dry skin, look for formulas that are hydrating, emollient, and waterproof.” A-ha. Keep scrolling to shop her favorite long-lasting concealers, plus other options that we love.
8 of the best long-lasting concealers that stay put
1. Makeup Forever HD Light Capturing Self-Setting Concealer
For a satin-like finish and medium coverage, Hatcher likes this one, which she says is great for all skin types. “It stays put and dries within minutes while maintaining a natural look,” she says. “It doesn’t flake or settle into lines.”
Shop now: Makeup Forever HD Light Capturing Self-Setting Concealer, $28
2. Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer
Sweat has no power against this concealer: It’s waterproof, so won’t dissolve into thin air when you sweat. Hatcher likes this full-coverage option because of its healthy, oil-enriching formulation (hello, jojoba). “A rice-size drop is all you need, and the coverage is amazing,” she says.
Shop now: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer, $48
3. Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer
The Uoma Beauty concealer is so creamy, and absorbs instantly into the skin for full-coverage that feels light and looks natural. And you get to reap the benefits of feather-light radiance all day long.
Shop now: Uoma Beauty Stay Woke Luminous Brightening Concealer, $25
4. Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Concealer
This concealer is a self-setting formula, so once you apply it, it’s there for the day. “It’s long-lasting, full-coverage, and waterproof, and it’s great for all skin types,” says Hatcher, who likes this one for both everyday makeup and dressed-up occasions.
Shop now: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Concealer, $29
5. Beautyblender Bounce Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer, $26
Your skin gets a healthy dose of hydration (via hyaluronic acid) and collagen-stimulating peptides as you get long-lasting coverage when you swipe on this concealer. The soft, silky formula evens out your complexion like a dream.
Shop now: Beautyblender Bounce Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer, $26
6. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer
The L’Oreal Paris concealer—aka a true drugstore gem—gives your skin high-definition coverage that doesn’t budge when you sweat, swim, or do anything else, really. Also of note? It’s transfer-resistant, so it won’t come off on your face mask.
Shop now: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer, $14
7. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Hatcher loves the classic Nars concealer, which has been an industry fave for years. “This formula is buildable, and has a beautiful, creamy texture, looks like skin, and when set with powder, it’ll wear all day,” she says.
Shop now: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30
8. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer
Much like the brand’s beloved Luminous Silk Foundation, the concealer delivers serious staying power as it gives you medium, buildable coverage. Not only that, but the formula is spiked with hydrating essentials glycerin and vitamin C, plus caffeine to help quash puffiness.
Shop now: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer, $38
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