Whether you use it to camouflage dark circles, hide blemishes and acne scars, or as a lazy day tool to even out your skin in certain areas, there's always a time and a place for a good concealer in your makeup bag. Of all the concealers out there that get the most lip service, many of the iconic classics are a bit hard on the wallet (looking at you, Clé De Peau, you radiant and expensive goddess, you). Look, not everyone can conceal like the stars if you know what I mean. However, there are loads of concealers out there that work just as hard, offer skin-care benefits, and feel just as luxurious, at price points that let you live your best life in other departments as well (like paying bills and boring, necessary stuff like that). It's not all just drugstore fodder either — direct-to-consumer beauty brands are also offering some seriously impressive formulas on the web for even cheaper than some drugstore prices. There's always room for fancy beauty products, and we love a good luxury buy, but next time you're saving up for a vacation, your makeup bag was confiscated by TSA (how dare they) or lost in transit (never check those), or you find yourself someplace without your trusted concealer and have to dash into the nearest drugstore, keep this list and a $20 bill handy in your "best cheap concealers" fund.
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E.L.F. HD Lifting Concealer
For just $3, this lightweight concealer can't be beat. The long-wear fluid provides sheer, yet buildable coverage, while the inexpensive formula — infused with vitamin C, green tea, and mulberry extracts — works over time to brighten, smooth, and tighten dull complexions. Our only complaint? The shade range, which includes three colors for light-to-medium skin tones, isn't nearly as extensive as it should be.
$3 (Shop Now)
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Concealer
For under $5 you really cannot do much better than this Wet N Wild pick. Like its wildly popular Photo Focus Foundation and Photo Focus Eye Primer, this concealer functions as concealer and light reflector in one, diffusing light to create a blurring effect on your complexion that works just like a (duh) photo filter.
$4 (Shop Now)
Nyx Cosmetics HD Photogenic Concealer Wand
Don’t let the price fool you: This 2015 Best of Beauty winner stands up against even the priciest department store buys, thanks to its flawless, my-skin-but-better coverage, long-lasting wear, and richly-pigmented formula, which covers even the most stubborn blemishes with ease. The high-quality concealer also scores major points for its shade range, which features 20 "nude" shades for all skin tones, plus green, yellow and purple versions for color-correcting.
$5 (Shop Now)
L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer
If you didn't know, this creamy, ultra-pigmented cover-up was one of Walmart's best-selling color cosmetics last year, which has to say something considering the competition. Nonetheless, this affordable option continues to garner rave reviews, especially amongst beauty bloggers and YouTubers.
$5 (Shop Now)
ColourPop No Filter Concealer
Of the 25 shades in this range, there's even a stark white shade that you can use to blend with your other complexion products (or if you're going for a completely blank canvas). But seriously, this $6 concealer does the most whether you're trying to look more awake, fake a flawless complexion, or cover up a crime scene. It's that good.
$6 (Shop Now)
Almay Smart Shade Concealer
We're generally a bit skeptical about any complexion product that only comes in three colors, but thanks to the special shade-sensing technology in this one, it's a bit more nuanced than at first glance. Think of it as the chameleon of concealers — as you rub it in, the color adjusts to match your skin (don't be alarmed if it turns slightly darker first). Available in light, light/medium, and medium, the light is best reserved for those who are truly pale.
$6 (Shop Now)
Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
After hearing from its customers, Maybelline New York has finally added more shades of its top-rated concealer to the selection, including both lighter and darker hues, as well as more undertones, too. Hallelujah — now even more people can reap the benefits of its lightweight, flawless-finish formula.
$7 (Shop Now)
L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Concealer
If you're stressed about both discoloration and uneven texture on your skin, reach for this multi-tasker. With light-diffusing particles, it creates a soft-focus effect that blurs the looks of tiny lines and wrinkles — ideal for using around the eyes since it makes the annoying crows-feet that crop up when we smile look less noticeable. A tiny bit goes a long way (squeeze gently).
$7 (Shop Now)
Flower Beauty D.B. Daily Brightening Undereye Cover Crème
Thanks to this double-duty cover-up, no one will ever know if you had a late night out or an early-morning wake-up call. The metal rollerball tip (common in eye creams but unique for a concealer) instantly depuffs and feels refreshing and cooling. And while we weren't sure how it would work dispensing concealer, the application was smooth and required just a quick follow-up with a fingertip to blend it in.
$8 (Shop Now)
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
Doubling as either foundation or concealer, this full-coverage formula can do it all and all day and night long, at that. Since becoming one of our Best of Beauty champs, Cardi B's makeup artist caught wind and has said she's used it several times on the rapper.
$10 (Shop Now)
Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
This 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards and Best of Beauty winner doesn’t just cover undereye circles — it treats them. The thick, medium-coverage concealer camouflages discoloration, while the high-tech goji berry and peptide-infused formula works over time to plump thinning skin, erase fine lines, and reduce puffiness for a more rested, youthful appearance.
$9 (Shop Now)
Sonia Kashuk All Covered Up Concealer
To camouflage smaller imperfections (think one particular dark spot or blemish), the thicker cream consistency of potted concealers is ideal. This one not only offers targeted coverage but also has just the right finish — not too shimmery, but also not totally flat matte. It can be tricky to get out the proper amount using your finger, so consider using a brush with this one.
$7 (Shop Now)
Boots No. 7 Radiant Glow Concealer
Time for us to fess up: We normally use a similar eye brightener that costs three times as much, so we were especially curious to test this one out. It not only lived up to its pricier competition, but we actually preferred the slightly more moisturizing feel and spreadable texture. A light-reflecting finish and brush applicator make this ideal for knocking out under-eye circles.
$14 (Shop Now)
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Soft Touch Concealer
This Best of Beauty-winner is an affordable ace when it comes to blurring dark circles away and evening out skin on those days when you just want a little something-something to perfect your complexion. This tiny tube contains a full-coverage formula that can be stacked up or sheered out, depending on your mood.
$12 (Shop Now)
Sephora Collection Make No Mistake High Coverage Concealer
As the name implies, this creamy, full-coverage concealer is packed with lots of pigment to hide even the most stubborn blemishes (or the darkest under eye circles). The semi-matte finish looks natural and lasts all day without melting or settling into fine lines, and the shade range is stellar, especially for those with medium-darker complexions.
$14 (Shop Now)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Concealer
With its innovative hydrating core meant to moisturize the skin while providing weightless coverage, it's a perfect pick for those with dehydrated or extra-dry skin types.
$13 (Shop Now)
Glossier Stretch Concealer
For those committed to a dewy agenda, this medium-coverage concealer has a deliciously creamy consistency that is flawlessly blended just with the warmth of your fingers for a truly natural skin finish — but really well-hydrated and even-toned skin. The five shades are available in a range of "light" to "rich."
$18 (Shop Now)
Clove and Hallow Conceal + Correct
If you've got dry skin, this hydrating, creamy concealer is one to pick. The vegan and cruelty-free concealer is a green beauty pick that offers medium-to-full coverage. Makeup artists love it for its creamy, easily blendable texture and long-wearing formula.
$18 (Shop Now)
Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer
No matter where we swiped it, we were consistently impressed by the even application of this medium-coverage, liquid formula, which never creased or settled into fine lines. Since it claimed to be both humidity- and sweat-resistant, we tried it out during a summer vacation and it did, in fact, offer serious staying power. Plus, because it's oil-free, there's no need to stress if you're using it to conceal a breakout.
$20 (Shop Now)
Cover FX Perfect Pencil
We love this 2016 Best of Beauty-winning concealer pencil for its ultra-thin precision tip, range of shades (10 in all), and multi-tasking abilities. You can use it to conceal small blemishes, as an opaque nude lipliner, or to highlight the waterline for brighter, whiter eyes. For $20, we’re sold.
$20 (Shop Now)
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