15 Best Concealers for Hyperpigmentation That Work Like Magic

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 02, 2024
Concealers For Hyperpigmentation That Work Like Magic
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Concealers can help us hide a multitude of imperfections, ranging from under-eye bags and fine lines to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. But finding the best concealer for hyperpigmentation can be rather time-consuming, as you need to consider factors such as shade accuracy, consistency, blendability, coverage, etc. Based on our first-hand experience, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite products to save you the trouble. However, before you jump into purchasing a product, it is better to understand this skin condition better!

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that cannot be precisely described due to its inconsistent nature, appearance and varied causes. To put it simply, you can consider any irregular pigmentation, dark patches or freckle-like spots accumulated in a specific region on the skin as hyperpigmentation. “Whenever there’s any kind of irritation in the skin, it can lead to upregulation and pigment production and subsequent dark spots that can take a very long time to fade”, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez.

Besides, hyperpigmentation has several types:

1. Melasma (pregnancy-induced pigmentation)

2. Sun spots (also referred to as age spots or sun spots)

3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (triggered due to sensitivity from external aggressors)

And while hyperpigmentation can be treated or reduced with the use of active ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, retinol, niacinamide, etc., their results are very gradual. Hence, people with hyperpigmentation must find solace in products such as foundations and concealers to smooth out their appearance. 

Fortunately, covering up hyperpigmentation is now easier than ever with the increasing variety of concealers for different skin types, areas, and concerns; leaving us spoilt for choice. Balmy and lightweight formulas of concealer deliver a seamless and natural finish, providing glowing coverage and smooth, even base. 

As the ‘clean girl’ makeup trend carries on, many people continue to forgo foundation in favor of a great concealer, specially the full-coverage formulations that visibly hide imperfections. Keep reading to discover the best concealers that will banish even the most stubborn hyperpigmentation.

15 Best Concealers for Hyperpigmentation

This cult-favorite concealer by Maybelline is an all-rounder product that everyone needs – it hydrates, conceals, contours, and corrects in a click! It gives up to 12 hours of moisturizing wear for crease-resistant coverage on hyperpigmented areas. The sponge-tip applicator makes it super easy to evenly apply and retouch. This buildable concealer is easy on pores and does not clog them. Its vegan formula gives it brownie points, in addition to the absence of talc, minerals, and parabens. Fulfilling its promise of removing dark circles and fine lines, it leaves your under-eyes refreshed, brightened, and hydrated.

Pros
  • Hydrating
  • Sponge-tip applicator
  • Vegan formula
  • Crease-resistant
Cons
  • Might feel a bit dry
  • Best for Non-Creasing

    e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

    e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
  • Covering up hyperpigmentation and dark circles has never been more easy on the pocket like this drugstore concealer by e.l.f. This full-coverage product gives your skin a healthy boost of moisture while helping control any excess sebum production in oily skin, thanks to quality ingredients like kaolin clay and avocado oil. The lightweight and highly pigmented formula perfects and corrects hyperpigmentation without settling into any creases and fine lines. It offers thick and full coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin, making it perfect for summer!

    Pros
    • Full coverage
    • Crease-proof
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Might feel a bit dry
  • Most Luxurious

    Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette

    Stila Correct And Perfect All In One Color Correcting Palette
  • This color-correcting palette from Stila is the secret to flawless and radiant skin – it will become your go-to solution for neutralizing skin imperfections and discolorations. Consisting of five lightweight and buildable creams and two translucent finishing powders, it allows you to customize your coverage and achieve a perfect complexion by getting rid of redness, dark circles, and uneven pigmentation. Additionally, it comes with a booklet that has makeup artist-inspired tips and tricks which make it easy for the user to make the most out of the palette.

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Customizable coverage
    • Longlasting formula
    • Easy to blend
    • Travel-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Dermatologist-tested
    Cons
    • Requires careful storage
  • Most Affordable

    L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

    L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer
  • The holy grail of concealers, this product by L.A. Girl has a ightweight texture that provides full, natural coverage. It has a ‘barely there’ feel that provides for easy all-day-long wear. The creamy formula helps to camouflage hyperpigmentation, eliminate redness, and reduce circles in the under-eye area, allowing you to stress less and slay more. The brush tip applicator is great for placement and allows for quick and easy use. It is a multi-use product, which can be used to conceal, highlight, and contour.

    Pros
    • Multi-use
    • Lightweight
    • Long-wear
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Might crease
  • Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Conceal Makeup

    Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Conceal Makeup
  • Consisting of an ultra-concentrated formula, this full-coverage concealer by Maybelline seamlessly camouflages dark circles and hyperpigmentation to reveal a natural, even glow – giving you flawless complexion. Imparting an undetectable finish, it has a lightweight and thin consistency. The formulation is crease-free and lasts all day long. The thin consistency makes it super easy to blend and makes this concealer ideal for daily-use. It is recommended to blend this out using your fingers, as a brush or sponge can suck up too much of the product.

    Pros
    • Full-coverage
    • Long-wear
    • Undetectable finish
    • Crease-free
    Cons
    • Not very hydrating
  • Dermablend Quick-Fix Foundation Stick

    Dermablend Quick-Fix Foundation Stick
  • This multi-use makeup stick by Dermablend has a water-proof, smudge-proof, and transfer-resistant formula that lasts for up to 16 hours. The easy-to-apply stick formula makes touch-ups a breeze, and the buildable coverage makes this the perfect concealer cum foundation for all hyperpigmentation. The creamy texture glides smoothly onto the skin and blends with great ease. The high-performance coverage is perfect even to conceal tattoos, birthmarks, scars, and more. Formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients and free from parabens and phthalates, the concealer is suitable for all skin types.

    Pros
    • Full coverage
    • Long-wear
    • Water-resistant
    • Brightening appearance
    Cons
    • More of a foundation than a concealer
  • Best for Acne Scars

    Dermablend Professional Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

    Dermablend Professional Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer
  • The Dermablend Cover Care Concealer provides one coat coverage that lasts 24 hours. It cares for dry skin and sensitive eyes with 24-hour hydration. The creamy, lightweight, and vegan formula is effective in covering all hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dark spots while keeping the skin soft and supple with its breathable formula. Waterproof and transfer-resistant, this hydrating concealer provides a soft matte finish. Dermatologically tested, it is the perfect pick to cover skin discoloration, even on sensitive skin.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Hydrating
    • Waterproof
    • Long-wear
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Amazing Cosmetics Full Coverage Concealer

    Amazing Cosmetics Full Coverage  Concealer
  • Ranging from hyperpigmentation and dark circles to blemishes and redness, you can count on this color-correcting concealer by Amazing Cosmetics to give a flawless finish to your skin. This creamy formula offers sublime, full coverage and imparts an uber-natural finish. A little goes a long way with the ultra-concentrated formulation, meaning you only need a tiny drop to achieve flawless coverage. Its hydrating formula enriched with vitamin E to moisturize and calm the skin, and cucumber extract to soothe and depuff.

    Pros
    • Full coverage
    • Long-wear
    • Natural-finish
    • Enriched with vitamin E
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Oil-free Formulation

    Hide Premium Liquid Multi-Use Concealer

    Hide Premium Liquid Multi-Use Concealer
  • Through our practical knowledge, we deduced that this full coverage concealer by Hide is suited to all skin types. Due to its ultra-lightweight texture and oil-free formula, it can be worn all day and be used for an undetectable finish. This professional concealer is perfect for covering up any signs of hyperpigmentation, correcting, and brightening seamlessly. The buildable formula is shine-proof and sweat-resistant, making it an apt choice for the upcoming summer months. It sets easily without any additional powders and can be layered for a more potent effect.

    Pros
    • Multi-use product
    • Oil-free formulation
    • Large size
    • Long-wear
    Cons
    • Can feel a bit dry
  • Best for Brightening

    Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

    Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
  • This cult-favorite concealer by Tarte is full of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and licorice root to boost the skin’s natural moisture and elasticity, while also hiding the appearance of dark circles and hyperpigmentation. It offers full coverage with a natural matte finish and a crease-less formula that makes your eyes appear bright and lifted for up to 16 hours. The skin-loving ingredients prevent it from looking patchy on even dry skin, making this viral concealer worth the investment!

    Pros
    • Enriched with shea butter
    • Natural matte finish
    • Long-lasting
    • Crease-proof
    Cons
    • Uneven finish
  • Best Long-Wear

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
  • The lightweight creme formula of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place concealer imparts the look of naturally flawless skin and lasts for up to 24 hours. The transfer-resistant formula gives medium, buildable coverage and an even matte finish that does not melt away. The mineral-infused formula conditions the skin and makes for an easy and natural blending process, allowing it to correct hyperpigmentation seamlessly in a crease-resistant manner. It comes with the added bonus of being waterproof, sweat, and humidity resistant!

    Pros
    • Long-wear
    • Acne-friendly
    • Transfer-resistant
    • Mineral-infused
    Cons
    • Might feel dry
  • Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach Waterproof

    Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate Brightening Peach Waterproof
  • This highly pigmented Pixi Correction Concentrate instantly erases all darkness and hyperpigmentation and softens and blurs fine lines. It leaves the skin looking ultra-fresh, bright, and youthful. It imparts a rested look, often labeled a good night’s sleep in a jar! The ultimate camouflage cream is skin correction in a pot. The formula is paraben-free and free from animal testing. The peach nude color blends into most skin tones to give a brightening and natural finish. It is enriched with skin-loving ingredients like rosehip oil, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Enriched with vitamins
    • Brightening
    Cons
    • Might not suit all skin tones
  • Most Hydrating

    Bobbi Brown New Creamy Concealer Kit

    Bobbi Brown New Creamy Concealer Kit
  • This featherweight, full-coverage Bobbi Brown New Creamy concealer gives a full 16 hours of stellar perfecting power that resists all forms of creasing and settling. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated while masking blemishes, dark circles, and other discoloration. It is also a pro in covering up age spots and freckles. Put this concealer to the test and we can assure you that you will love the results. It has a rich consistency and texture, which means that a little goes a very long way – eliminating the need to constantly restock.

    Pros
    • Hydrating
    • Creamy finish
    • Enriched with hyaluronic acid
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Low coverage
  • Hard Candy Glamoflauge HEAVY DUTY CONCEALER with a pencil (Medium 313)

    Hard Candy Glamoflauge HEAVY DUTY CONCEALER with a pencil (Medium 313)
  • Camouflage your blemishes and uneven skin in seconds with this Hard CandyGlamoflauge Heavy-Duty concealer. This heavy-duty formulation blends well into your skin to provide the ultimate coverage. Perfect for every occasion, this concealer can be used to cover just about anything, from eyebags and tattoos to hyperpigmentation. The pencil that comes with it makes it a breeze to cover dark spots, age spots, and even acne scars. Enjoy bright and blemish-free skin with the help of a single product!

    Pros
    • Multi-use
    • Full-coverage
    • Blends smoothly
    • Comes with pencil
    Cons
    • Not waterproof
  • Best Transfer-proof Formula

    MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35

    MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35
  • After trying out this product by MAC, we conclude that its liquid formula does not appear to be dry or cakey. Instead, it remains totally transfer-proof imparting a comfortable matte finish. With its extensive range of shades and undertones, you are guaranteed to find your match. Suitable for all skin types, and enriched with SPF 35, it is a boon for those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The reliable formulation lasts all day long and can be used in combination with a lightweight foundation or by itself, making it perfect to cover up melasma, and one of the best concealers with SPF.

    Pros
    • Luxurious finish
    • Lightweight feel
    • High color payoff
    • Medium coverage concealer
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best concealers for hyperpigmentation, let’s go through the following guide to help us shop wisely.

    How to Choose the Best Concealer for Hyperpigmentation?

    Choosing the perfect concealer is not easy, luckily we have got you covered with some points to consider before invest in this versatile makeup essential.

    Skin Tone
    Considering one’s skin tone is paramount when it comes to choosing the best concealer for hyperpigmentation. For spot treatment oft discolored areas, experts recommend using a concealer that is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone, so it can offset the darker pigments. But this tip might wash out those with darker skin tones. It takes a lot of swatching and comparing when it comes to finding the best concealer shade suited to your skin tone – eventually, you just have to trust the process and find one that works best for you.

    Primary Concern
    If covering up dark spots is a priority for you, then a concealer with salicylic acid to help unclog the pores should be a good fit. Those with mature skin should look for concealers that give sheer and lightweight coverage so it enhances the skin’s glow and doesn’t settle into fine lines. Dry and dehydrated skin would benefit from a creamy concealer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to finding the right concealer. 

    Finish the Look
    Once you have figured out the right shade and primary concern you’d like to target, it comes down to looking for the right finish. A matte finish concealer often works best with oily and combination skin, it compensates for the overproduction of sebum and helps create a perfect base. Those with dry skin should use creamy, hydrating concealers to avoid drying out the skin any further. Creamy concealers are often easy to blend and offer a dewy glow to the skin.

    How to Use the Best Concealer for Hyperpigmentation?

    Neutralizing hyperpigmentation with the help of concealer can be done quite easily. Post finding the ideal concealer for your skin tone and type, you can start applying it to your areas of desired coverage. Experts recommend not going overboard with the application process as it can result in a  cakey look. Use just the right amount, and begin to slowly blend it out with the help of a beauty blender, concealer brush, or even your fingers. A TikTok hack that we found to work is one which suggests spritzing your beauty blender with a setting spray and that to blend out your concealer – this offers long-lasting and seamless coverage for all hyperpigmentation.

    A concealer is just the magic wand you need to cover up almost any skin imperfection you can think of, from dark spots to acne scars. The best concealers for hyperpigmentation will neutralize the discoloration, conceal blemishes and dark spots, and brighten the area underneath your eyes – making eye bags seem like a thing of the past. A concealer does the most amount of work to give your face that flawless base, making it an essential in any makeup routine. From a ‘no makeup’ makeup look to being a ride-or-die for hyperpigmented skin, the perfect concealer can conquer it all!

    FAQ's

    Does concealer help hyperpigmentation?
    Concealers can help correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation temporarily, but they often need to be used in combination with color correctors or foundations to fully do the job. Just the use of a concealer will give partial coverage to your hyperpigmentation.
    What color concealer is best for hyperpigmentation?
    Coral and peachy shades are often the best to correct hyperpigmentation. They offer a brightening effect that cancels out the dull tones of the pigmentation and allows the areas to match your clear skin tone more effectively.
    What is the main purpose of concealer?
    Concealers have a thick formulation and are used to conceal unwanted dark circles, blemishes, and pigments by blending them into the skin. Concealers are especially used to treat hyperpigmentation and give the face a brighter look.
    How do you hide hyperpigmentation with makeup?
    For blue or purple freckle-like pigmentations, start by using a peach or orange color corrector. Opt for a green one for reddish pigmentations. Next, cover the affected area with a full-coverage concealer that matches your skin color.
    What is a good concealer for dark spots?
    A concealer that offers full coverage, stays on for long hours and doesn’t smudge off easily is ideal for covering dark spots.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our in-house skincare expert Anoushka has made lip scrubs a part of her lip care ritual as they get rid of dead skin cells and make her lips smooth and soft. They usually contain ingredients like sugar, salt, or other natural exfoliants that moisturize the lips while improving their texture. After testing all the products, there was one that she found to be better than the rest. The Ultra Sexy Scrub from Handmade Heroes had a scrumptious coconut sorbet flavor and gave her soft and supple lips. It is also 100% natural and contains no synthetic materials or preservatives, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More