15 Best Lightweight Concealers for a Natural No-makeup Look
Concealer is a makeup essential, offering versatile solutions for covering blemishes, and under-eye circles, and achieving an even skin tone without a heavy makeup appearance. The challenge lies in selecting the best lightweight concealer that provides effective coverage without appearing cakey or unnatural. Our experts, drawing on years of practical knowledge, have meticulously tested and curated a selection of user-endorsed concealers. These products ensure your skin looks effortlessly flawless, even under close scrutiny, creating a product-free illusion while effectively concealing imperfections.
When using a concealer, everyone wants their eye area to look even, not covered in cakey concealer that gives an unnatural look. The skin around your eyes is delicate, so it's essential to choose the right concealer. If you're dealing with dark circles, red spots, or visible capillaries, opt for fuller coverage just where you need it. For other areas, a good, long-lasting concealer with light to medium coverage is enough to do the trick.
To help you pull off that "no makeup" look or simply feel like you're not wearing any, we've put together a list of 13 highly-rated lightweight concealers on the market. Take a look below to see our top picks.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer - Light/Medium
E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Physicians Formula Butter Glow Concealer - Light-to-Medium
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
Wander Beauty Dualist Matte And Illuminating Concealer
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer
Kaja Beauty Don’t Settle Flexible & Seamless Concealer
Lancôme Paris Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
In This Article
15 Best Lightweight Concealers
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1Editor's Pick
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Using a tiny bit of this NARS concealer works wonders in covering shine, pores, acne, signs of fatigue, and more. Though it offers medium coverage initially, you can effortlessly build it up for more coverage. You can also easily discover your ideal shade from the diverse range available, ensuring effortless spot concealment that matches your skin tone.
We loved its lightweight and creamy texture, which blends seamlessly for a natural finish. It also instantly brightens the skin and maintains a beautiful, crease-free look. Moreover, it's resistant to sweat, and water, and also transfer-proof, guaranteeing it stays put all day.
- Buildable coverage
- Crease-resistant
- Ophthalmologist tested
- Non-acnegenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
- None
bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer - Light/Medium
Gone are the days when skincare and makeup didn’t go hand in hand to help you achieve the skin of your dreams with just a single product. All thanks to bareMinerals for introducing this mineral concealer that works wonders in not only enhancing your complexion but also nourishing and rejuvenating your skin to make it appear radiant and youthful-looking. Besides, this dermatologically-tested concealer is a wonder product that flatters most skin types, and is available in more than 15 shades to make you look, nothing but the best version of yourself every day.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan
- Buildable coverage
- Brightens skin
- Blurs imperfections
- Limited shade range
E.l.f. Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer
Perfectly striking a balance between matte and dewy, this full-coverage concealer from e.l.f cosmetics offers a smooth, satin finish. It's packed with hydrating ingredients, including rose flower water and sodium hyaluronate, that nourish the skin and come in various shades to match different skin tones. Plus, it effectively conceals blemishes, redness, and under-eye circles with its long-lasting coverage.
During our test, we were really impressed with how it hid blemishes and blended so easily. Honestly, it's one of the best concealers we've ever tried. All you need to do is prepare your under-eye area with some moisturizer and primer. Then, just use the doe-foot applicator to apply the product smoothly and effortlessly.
- Non-comedogenic
- Easy-to-use applicator
- Long wear formula
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Shades can be tricky to match
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
This concealer serum is super hydrating and perfect for dry or mature skin. As the name implies, it offers the coverage of a concealer while nourishing your skin like a serum, with skin-loving ingredients such as tremella mushroom, cica extract, and green tea.
Unlike other concealers, this NYX product won't make you look cakey, making it great for those no-foundation days. The pump design allows for easy control of the amount you use. Plus, it blends effortlessly with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush, giving you a natural and flawless finish.
- Non-cakey finish
- Blends easily
- Best for stressed skin
- Can be used on the body
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- More product is needed for full coverage
Physicians Formula Butter Glow Concealer - Light-to-Medium
A magic wand to attain a radiant, even-toned complexion, the Physicians Formula Butter Glow Concealer is a must-have for all makeup enthusiasts. Its powerful formula is enriched with the goodness of essential fatty acids and pro-vitamins that condition and moisturize the skin while blurring imperfections and providing high coverage. Adding to that, its potent formula is also infused with murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter to take utmost care of your skin, leaving you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out.
- Skin-loving ingredients
- Flawless complexion
- High coverage
- Buildable formula
- Buildable formula Cruelty-free
- Pricey
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer
You can now achieve radiant skin effortlessly with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Cream Concealer. Infused with a blend of peptides and antioxidant-rich vitamin E, it not only provides coverage but also strengthens your skin's barrier. This non-comedogenic concealer offers buildable medium coverage that can flawlessly conceal pigmentation and blemishes.
The lightweight formula will also instantly brighten your complexion, giving you a natural glow and a fresh look in no time. Plus, we really like how its nourishing formula is gentle on sensitive skin while blurring imperfections and creating a flawless base.
- Long-lasting
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formulation
- Buildable coverage
- Transfer-proof
- Some might not like the thin texture
CoverGirl Clean Invisible Concealer
Say goodbye to dark circles and redness with this CoverGirl Concealer. Its soft-tipped applicator allows effortless application under the eyes or on imperfections and melts seamlessly for a flawless finish. This full-coverage option boasts a natural-looking creaminess that lets your skin shine through.
Moreover, the formula is enriched with titanium dioxide, a reliable filter against UVA and UVB rays, as per a recent scientific study published in the National Library of Medicine. Thus, you can count on its sun protection benefits. Plus, it comes in a range of shades, from light to medium to deep, so you can easily find the one that matches your skin tone perfectly.
- Creamy formula
- Soft tip applicator
- Blends easily
- Protects from UV rays
- Budget-friendly
- Needs reapplication
Kosas Cosmetics Revealer Concealer
This medium-coverage concealer by Kosas Cosmetics boasts a super creamy texture, making it perfect for spot treatment while visibly brightening your skin and improving its quality over time. This is because its blendable formula contains pink algae and caffeine to brighten the skin. Plus, the formula is packed with arnica and provitamin B5 that calm redness, while peptides and hyaluronic acid make your skin look plump and dewy.
What's great is that a little goes a long way, providing excellent coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. We also like how it doesn't dry out your skin and gives a true skin-like finish. Plus, it holds up even when you're sweaty, and we highly recommend it.
- Non-irritating formula
- Allergy-tested
- Easy to blend
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Slightly expensive
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
With its lightweight creme formula, this concealer by Estée Lauder ensures a natural, flawless look that lasts a solid 24 hours. Not only is it long-lasting, but it also provides medium, buildable coverage, leaving you with an even matte finish that stays intact without any smudge.
Infused with glycerin, it plumps the skin, while rosemary, calendula, and lotus extracts, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, enhance its skin-friendly qualities. The oil-free formula ensures easy blending, effortlessly correcting hyperpigmentation without creasing. Moreover, we appreciate its waterproof and sweat-resistant qualities, making it a seamless and durable solution for your makeup needs.
- Long-wear
- Skin-friendly
- Transfer-resistant
- Fragrance-free
- Non-acnegenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- It might feel dry for some
Wander Beauty Dualist Matte And Illuminating Concealer
Next on our list is a dual-ended concealer by Wander Beauty. It features a full-coverage 360 precision tip that effortlessly blurs imperfections, leaving your skin flawless without any creases. One end boasts a matte stick, perfect for minimizing acne marks and discoloration, while the other end holds a lightweight illuminating liquid, ideal for covering under-eye circles and highlighting the forehead's center.
What's great is that these formulas can be used separately or together, giving you the perfect complexion. Our experts loved the hydrating ingredients in the lightweight liquid, including hyaluronic acid for skin hydration, chamomile to soothe the skin, and green tea extracts to prevent environmental stressors.
- Full coverage
- Two-in-one product
- Hydrating formula
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- BPA-free
- Cruelty-free
- Slightly expensive
Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer
You can now tailor your look effortlessly with this lightweight concealer from Urban Decay. Its highly pigmented formula allows for customized coverage — use it traditionally to conceal dark marks or blemishes, or opt for lighter or deeper shades to highlight and contour your facial features, including cheekbones. It's packed with antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E (tocopherol) to fight free radicals. Plus, it keeps your skin moisturized with humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate.
This concealer is not just kind to your skin; it's also super easy to apply. The user-friendly wave-tip applicator helps cover every nook and corner of your face, making imperfections vanish with a natural finish. It's also waterproof and sweatproof, lasting a solid 24 hours.
- Long-lasting formula
- Blends easily
- Sweat-proof
- Water-resistant
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Less quantity
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer
When considering top-quality luxury products, Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer was our immediate choice for the list. This lightweight longwear liquid concealer truly stands out, offering medium to full coverage that conceals, hydrates, and blurs imperfections. It's a multitasker, reducing under-eye dark circles and ensuring all-day hydration.
What sets it apart is its undetectable lightweight formula that seamlessly blends into the skin. Further, the addition of blurring powder diffuses light, smoothing out fine lines effortlessly. The magic doesn't stop there; it features innovative Skin Fusion Technology that binds the concealer to your skin, guaranteeing a flawless look that stays put for a solid 12 hours.
- Lightweight
- Leaves skin hydrated
- Long-lasting
- Conceals dark circles
- Crease-resistant
- Oil-free
- Shades could be confusing
Kaja Beauty Don’t Settle Flexible & Seamless Concealer
This K-beauty product will help you achieve a flawless complexion. The Kaja Don't Settle Concealer is known to expertly cover blemishes, dark spots, and dark circles just with its light to medium coverage formulation. Further, its liquid, buildable formula feels light-as-air, delivering a natural-looking finish without creasing. Our experts highly recommend it for those with fair to neutral skin tones, along with pinkish or neutral undertones.
Moreover, with 8 types of hyaluronic acid complex and aqua ceramides, your skin gets deep moisture. It also has panthenol to soothe and strengthen your skin barrier, leaving it soft and supple.
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Natural finish
- Hydrating formula
- Affordable
- Limited shade range
Lancôme Paris Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer
Many makeup artists highly recommend this Lancôme concealer for good reasons. Its highly pigmented formulation offers excellent shades for brown and ebony complexions, making it a favorite choice among makeup enthusiasts. What's more, it's super hydrating, thanks to the blend of moringa seed extract and water lily, providing hydration and moisture. We're impressed with how effortlessly it blends into the skin, and the precise tip makes the application even easier.
During our trial, the product's full-coverage formula amazed us. It didn’t cake or crease, staying flawless for up to 24 hours. This breathable liquid settles comfortably into the skin, leaving it smooth, even-toned, and naturally matte.
- Soothes skin redness
- Wide range of shades
- Smoothes fine lines
- Sweat-resistant
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
- None
Alleyoop Game Face Second Skin Concealer
If you're after a natural, flawless complexion, then this Alleyoop concealer is truly a game-changer. Our experts tried it, and with just one swipe, they knew it could handle under-eye circles and blemishes effortlessly. What's even better is that it boosts skin health, too. Thanks to aloe stem cell extract, it soothes dry patches and redness, while rosehip oil promotes a youthful complexion. Additionally, sea buckthorn oil packs a punch with vitamin C, vitamin E, and amino acids, rejuvenating your skin.
We love products that multitask, and that's why this one made it to our top picks. It's a must-have for anyone aiming for a natural radiant finish.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrating formula
- Buildable coverage
- Gives a natural glow
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- None
How to Select the Best Lightweight Concealer?
Choosing the perfect lightweight concealer is essential for flawless makeup. In this buying guide, our experts share their knowledge to assist you in selecting the perfect product from our recommendations tailored to your needs.
1. Skin Type
Consider your skin type as well as skin concerns. If you have oily skin, go for oil-free options like Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Concealer, which is also suitable for acne-prone skin. For dry skin, choose hydrating concealers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, such as Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer.
2. Coverage
Determine the coverage you need. Lightweight concealers like Kaja Don’t Settle Flexible & Seamless Concealer usually offer light to medium coverage, giving a natural look. If you need to cover blemishes or dark circles completely, opt for medium to full-coverage concealers like Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer.
3. Type of Concealer
Liquid concealers work well for various skin types, while stick concealers, with their creamy texture and high pigment, are perfect for normal, to dry skin. When uncertain, choose a 2-in-1 product like Wander Beauty Dualist Matte And Illuminating Concealer, offering versatility and convenience.
4. Choose the Right Shade
Pay attention to the shade choice. Match your skin tone or go slightly lighter for highlighting areas like under the eyes. Be cautious not to over-correct as concealers more than 2 shades lighter than your skin tone may create unnatural shadows. Finding the right shade ensures effective coverage without leaving a ghostly appearance.
How to Apply Lightweight Concealers for Flawless Results?
To achieve flawless results with lightweight concealers, it's essential to apply them with a gentle touch and the right technique. Follow our expert tips for the best outcome.
For dry skin, apply a thin layer of cream first and let it absorb before putting on concealer.
Don't apply concealer over powder foundation; it might cause streaks or clumping. Always apply concealer before powder foundation and after regular foundation.
Use a clean fingertip, brush, or sponge to dab concealer on imperfections, blending until the transition between concealer and skin is seamless.
Both the triangle and dot methods are effective; simply ensure thorough blending for seamless results.
Enhance staying power by lightly dusting loose or compact powder over the concealer. Also, avoid using powder over matte-finish concealers to prevent a dry appearance or feeling.
Creative Ways to Use Lightweight Concealers
Lightweight concealers are incredibly versatile in your makeup routine, offering more than just coverage. Here are some creative ways to make the most of them.
Eyeshadow Base - If you're out of eyeshadow primer, a lightweight concealer works wonders. Apply a thin layer of the product on your eyelids before eyeshadow for long-lasting eye makeup.
Define Lips - Clean up lipstick edges or define your cupid's bow with concealer. It's perfect for creating the illusion of fuller lips.
Cream Contour - Skip expensive products and chisel your cheekbones with a concealer for a sculpted look. You can use a dark concealer shade as a cream contour.
Highlighter - This time, pick a concealer that's a shade or two lighter to highlight your cheekbones and the high points of your eyebrows. It also adds a natural glow to your face.
Tinted Moisturizers - Mix concealer with your face cream or moisturizer for an easy-to-blend tinted moisturizer. Apply the mix for light and even coverage with your fingertips or a foundation brush.
Define Eye Makeup - You can apply a small amount around your eyebrows for a polished look. For a sharp winged eyeliner, use a flat-angled brush with concealer to create a precise line under the edge of your eyeliner, achieving a razor-sharp look.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Lightweight Concealer?
Lightweight concealers hold a special place in the hearts of makeup enthusiasts, and we couldn't agree more. We've found plenty of reasons why they're a game-changer in your makeup routine.
1. Easy Application
Their lightweight texture ensures excellent coverage without the burden of feeling heavy or cakey. Plus, they're a breeze to blend, leaving you with a seamless finish for that effortless natural makeup look.
2. Blur Fine Lines
Fine lines are a natural part of aging, but how you handle them is entirely up to you. We prefer a natural approach, so opting for a good lightweight concealer that blends easily without settling into those lines is our secret weapon.
3. Brightening the Under-eye Area
These lightweight concealers work wonders in brightening the under-eye area and concealing dark circles. Thus they are the perfect eye concealers for a natural, and refreshed appearance that enhances your overall look.
4. Spot Coverage
Their lightweight texture makes them perfect for covering specific spots or areas that need extra attention.
5. Minimal Makeup Days
Most of these concealers provide decent coverage without the need for a heavy foundation. They're ideal for achieving that no-makeup makeup look on days when you prefer a lighter touch.
Moreover, our top picks are enriched with nourishing skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can improve your skin's texture over time. For those seeking both coverage and skincare benefits, lightweight concealers are the ultimate go-to choice.
Conclusion
When it comes to concealing imperfections with ease, the best lightweight concealers are your companions. Whether you're battling dark circles, morning tiredness, or blemishes, these concealers come to your rescue. They're not just for hiding flaws; you can use them creatively as color correctors, spot correctors, or even creamy highlighters. Don't forget to check for a clean ingredient list featuring hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid and steer clear of any harsh chemicals. Our top pick, the Wander Beauty Dualist Matte And Illuminating Concealer, not only boasts clean ingredients but also offers full coverage that seamlessly blends for a natural appearance. When picking such concealers, make sure to check their texture and shade to match your skin tone perfectly. It's also a good idea to do a patch test to ensure it suits you well.
FAQ's
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Sayantani, our makeup and beauty expert, swears by lightweight concealers to hide imperfections flawlessly. With her passion for makeup, she rigorously tests new products and shares her genuine reviews. To bring to you the list of the best concealers, she delved into the world of lightweight concealers, carefully selecting the best of the bunch. Among them, she cherishes the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, her secret weapon for achieving a natural and refreshed 'no-makeup' look.
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 Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More
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