While melasma disappears on its own for some, others may require professional help. Hence, alongside a good skincare routine to treat melasma, it is important to get your hands on the best concealers for melasma. 

Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, consists of discolored patches that can be caused by many reasons such as hormonal changes, sun exposure, stress, thyroid diseases, and birth control pills. While the skin condition does not cause any irritation or inflammation, it is natural to want to cover up those pigmented spots with some makeup. Melasma is often seen on one’s cheeks, forehead, upper lips, and nose, but may also occur on the body. 

It can be tempting to go for a really light concealer shade to cover up melasma. However, instead of covering it, the light-colored product will give a new tone to the discoloration, making it worse. Professional Makeup Artist Claire Ashley, who has battled melasma for several years says, “I like to go for a nice peachy shade (concealer) to counteract any brown tones and pigments that might come through with melasma.” It is important to find a color that neutralizes the discoloration. And in addition to buildable coverage,  the concealer should have a moderately thick texture that lasts long, without uncovering imperfections.

To help you make the right purchase, we have curated a list of the best concealers for melasma here. Take a look-

• 1
  Best Overall

  MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Instant Age Rewind Eraser

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This age-rewind concealer by Maybelline New York has a unique cushion applicator that evenly distributes the product for an airbrushed look. The product is available in eighteen shades to suit every skin color and works as a concealer, color corrector, and contour. You can use the lightweight concealer over or under your base foundation and cover dark circles and age spots without making it look unnatural or patchy. It not only gives an even-toned look but also brightens and lightly moisturizes your skin. 

Shades: 18

Formula: Silicone-based

2

Highest Shade Varieties

COVERGIRL TrueBlend Undercover Concealer

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This concealer by COVERGIRL is available in various shades and can be mixed with other shades of its kind to achieve the right blend. This liquid product comes with a good old doe-foot brush applicator to precisely target the areas of discoloration. It has a lightweight formula and a matte consistency that glides easily and evenly to give you a natural finish. Also, it doesn’t feel cakey and conceals all imperfections effortlessly. This full-coverage concealer can also be used as a makeshift foundation, making this one of the best melasma concealers. 

Shades: 30

Formula: Liquid

3

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Face Studio Master Conceal

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Often when we apply makeup, our dark spots, eye circles, or brown patches manage to gain visibility under the translucent layer. Luckily, this concealer does an incredible job camouflaging the imperfections underneath it and giving your skin an even-toned look. Despite its creamy texture, it glides smoothly for full coverage and becomes invisible under the foundation. It has a luxurious water-based texture that is non-greasy and does not clog your pores. The product is one of the best concealers for melasma, dark circles, and dark spots as it gives a natural, no-makeup look. 

Shades: 4

Formula: Cream-based

Quick Tip

Apply concealer of a lighter shade than your skin tone using a stippling brush or concealer brush on the high points of your face to highlight and define your forehead, bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and chin.

4

Best High Coverage Concealer

DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer

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While many concealers do a decent job of covering melasma, a slight smudge or sweat is often enough to uncover them. This full-coverage liquid concealer by DERMABLEND is an exception as it is waterproof and transfer-resistant. All you need is a single coat to effectively cover brown patches, dark spots, and eye circles. The product has a natural matte finish that feels like a second skin. The water-based texture also provides intense hydration and care while sitting comfortably on your skin. 

Shades: 16

Formula: Liquid

5

DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL Quick-Fix Concealer

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If you want a thick, opaque concealer without the hassle of blending too much, then this stick concealer by DERMABLEND PROFESSIONAL is the perfect pick for you. The product has a moisturizing and non-drying formulation that glides evenly on your skin. Its dense consistency works incredibly to cover bruises, dark spots, brown patches, acne scars, and blemishes. What’s more? It stays on your skin for up to 16 hours, doesn’t clog pores, and is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. Plus, the product does not cause any breakouts and stays low-profile on your skin, making it one of the best concealers for melasma. 

Shades: 12

Formula: Cream-based

6

Best Non-acnegenic Formula

ESTÉE LAUDER Double Wear Stay-in-place Flawless Wear Concealer

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This concealer by ESTÉE LAUDER is one of the best product choices for acne-prone skin as it does not clog pores, is non-greasy, and has a water-based consistency. What distinguishes this product over others is that it has hydrating, emollient properties and is infused with nourishing minerals. The creamy formula is waterproof, humidity-resistant, and transfer-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your melasma getting unmasked. The matte-finished product blends seamlessly and looks natural. You can also use this product by combining a pea-sized amount with a nourishing pomade, for a makeshift BB cream.

Shades: 2

Formula: Liquid

7

Most Versatile

Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick

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The intensely pigmented formula of this concealer stick by Bobbi Brown gives you the power to dramatically change your appearance and cover melasma like it never existed! Its rich color is beautifully emulsified with kaolin and gum resin, so it doesn’t smear easily and stays put for a long time. While not completely opaque, the product does offer a medium buildable coverage, so you can use it at your convenience. And, if you get a shade or two darker, then you can also use this makeup stick as a bronzer or contour! 

8

Best Applicator

HUDA BEAUTY #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Buildable Coverage Crease Proof Concealer

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Oily skin beauties should definitely try out this long-wearing concealer by Huda Beauty as its mattifying properties give a smooth, natural finish to your skin. A small quantity of this liquid formula goes a long way, whereas its chunky applicator brush efficiently covers hard-to-reach areas. The richly pigmented formula miraculously erases dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and age spots, which also makes it a very good concealer for melasma. Plus, the creamy texture of this concealer makes it very indulgent and enjoyable to use.

9

Best Oil-free Formula

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

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As you can probably tell by looking at the jar, the formula of this concealer for melasma is highly concentrated — meaning, a little goes a long way. The full-coverage product consists of a rich, creamy texture that melts onto your skin and is very satisfying to blend. Our research suggests that the formula consists of skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides, that boost hydration and keep your skin from feeling tight. To activate their benefits, we recommend you dampen your beauty blender when applying the product, so it can seal in moisture in your skin. 

10

Best Anti-aging Formula

Pixi by Petra Correction Concentrate

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The best way to conceal melasma is by using a peach-tinted color corrector. And this correction concentrate by Pixi is one of the best melasma concealers, as it comes in two intensely pigmented peachy shades that effectively cover brown patches. The product not only conceals but also gives a brightening finish that is perfect for under-eye circles. It has a low-profile, emollient consistency that blends flawlessly for a natural, no-makeup makeup look. It is enriched with rosehip extract, glycerin, and vitamins C, E, and A that improve skin’s elasticity, hydrate, and rejuvenate it. 

Shade: 1

Formula: Cream-based

11

Intense Color

Catrice True Skin High Cover Concealer

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This full-coverage concealer by Catrice has an intense color that seamlessly covers dark circles, blemishes, fine lines, etc. The dense liquid concealer comes with a doe-foot applicator that glides over the contours of your face for excellent coverage. It comes in several shades and suits all skin types and undertones. Unlike other base-makeup products, its creamy formula is breathable and sits comfortably on your face. The product is buildable and easy to blend, so you can layer up in some areas for better coverage.

Shades: 15

Formula: Liquid

12

e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

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e.l.f 16HR CAMO CONCEALER is an ideal choice to cover age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, as the product does not accumulate on your skin. With aging, your skin becomes dry and dehydrated. Luckily, this liquid concealer is enriched with avocado oil that keeps your skin moisturized while covering imperfections. And for those with an oily T-zone, the Kaolin clay content absorbs excess sebum and moisture for a flawless, comfortable, matte finish.

Shades: 22

Formula: Cream-based

13

Best for Sensitive Skin

LAURA GELLER NEW YORK The Real Deal Concealer

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This concealer by LAURA GELLER is ideal for rosacea, under-eye circles, and inflamed skin as it has a soothing liquid formula, enriched with sea starwort oil and brown algae. These ingredients also protect your skin from pollutants, which enhances the product’s benefits. That’s not all, as this advanced concealer contains nourishing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica and White Tea, which protect your skin from oxidative damage. This water-based product also contains vitamin E to help improve your overall skin quality while covering discoloration.

Shades: 9

Formula: Cream-based

14

Best Sweatproof

Milani CONCEAL + PERFECT Longwear Concealer

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For hyperpigmentation and intense dark spots, we recommend using this full-coverage liquid concealer by Milani. The product has an intense color, adequate to neutralize evident pigments on your skin. However, as the color can be too peachy, like a color corrector, it is best to use it under a layer of foundation. This concealer blends like butter and gives an even-toned, natural matte finish. It has a pleasant scent, and hydrating consistency, and is easy to apply with its flat brush applicator.

Shades: 18

Formula: Liquid

15

Most Cost-effective

REVLON ColorStay Full Coverage Concealer

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This concealer by REVLON is formulated especially for dark circles and blemishes. The full-coverage buildable concealer can work wonders even without a layer of foundation. It has an advanced time-release technology that ensures your skin’s imperfections stay concealed for up to 24 hours, without becoming oily. Despite not being overly matte, the product gives an event-toned, natural finish and works incredibly with no-makeup makeup looks. It has a luxurious consistency and glides smoothly with its doe-foot applicator. The best part? It contains salicylic acid to help prevent acne and other skin woes. 

Shades: 18

Formula: Liquid

Now that you know our product recommendations for the best concealers for melasma, let us understand how to make a smart purchase.

Here are some features to look for when buying the best concealer for melasma - 

• Shade: Finding the precise shade should be the first thing on your checklist when shopping for base makeup products. Use Amazon’s try-out filters to check whether a shade matches your skin tone before making your purchase. While most people are careful with the shade for their skin tone, they often overlook the undertone. Ensure the product shade matches your warm, cool, or neutral undertone for a natural finish. Another way is to buy a concealer in the same shade as your foundation for a seamless, natural-looking finish. 
• Ingredients: For guilt-free makeup, it is important to pick products that are vegan and cruelty-free. For safety concerns, avoid parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil if possible. While makeup products do have a lot of ingredients, avoid allergens or chemical compounds that may lead to side effects. Nourishing ingredients, such as avocado oil, shea butter, vitamin E, glycerin, and antioxidants are always an added bonus. Addedly, naturally brightening components like niacinamide, vitamin C, and AHAs in concealers help you attain the even-toned skin of your dreams. 
• Form: After identifying your makeup needs, choose a concealer that offers the required finish and coverage. Cream concealers provide high coverage and effortlessly cover up imperfections, working wonders for dry and normal skin types. Liquid concealers, on the other hand, offer buildable coverage and a dewy finish, making them the perfect pick for all skin types. 
• Skin Adaptability: To know which concealer is ideal for you, you must understand your skin concerns first. If you have acne-prone or oily skin types, always go for non-greasy concealers with absorbing ingredients like Kaolin clay. For rosacea and inflammation, ensure your concealer has minimal ingredients and is mild and fragrance-free, so it does not irritate your skin. If you have dry skin, avoid cakey products with too much talc, as they can worsen the dryness. 
• Resistance And Lasting Duration: There is no point in getting a product that provides excellent but short-lived coverage. Hence, it is best to look for products that are water-proof, sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and long-lasting. Even so, no matter how good your concealer is, it is always recommended to layer it with some compact.
• Miscellaneous Benefits: Some concealer products can be mixed with other shades in the range to achieve the perfect shade for your skin type. Other products work as a foundation too or can be blended into a nourishing cream to make a homemade BB cream. If convenience is something you prioritize, then look for products with such features. Lastly, you must ensure that your concealer is easy to blend and glides evenly on your skin. 

Without precise application, you can get a patchy, uneven look even with the best melasma concealer. To avoid that, let us understand the best way to apply it.

1. Applying a concealer does not require much patience or effort. However, covering Melasma spots with concealer may require different formulations. For a classic liquid concealer, dip the brush in the product and lightly glide across the affected area. For blemishes and spots, all you need is a dab. Then with a sponge blender, dab the product with gentle and swift motion till the product evens out. 

2. Stick concealers have a thicker consistency, and are tougher to blend. Start with gliding the product on the affected area. Then, just like the liquid concealer, even it out with a slightly wet sponge blender. 

3. For creme-based concealers, first, take some product on your palm before smoothing it out with a sponge. 

4. For concentrated jar concealers, a little goes a long way. And all you need to do is dip your ring finger in the product and gently dab on the affected area. You can also use a flat brush for the same.