Blemishes always seem to appear right before an important event, don’t they? Even if it’s not your wedding day or the morning of a major interview, you may consistently struggle with acne, redness, or dark under-eye circles you’d rather not show off to the world. The best concealer for men is your best bet for covering up these troublesome skin imperfections that all of us seem to suffer from in one form or another.
As someone who wears concealer every day, I don’t think I could live without it. Blend a few dabs here and there and suddenly I finally have the flawless skin I’ve always deserved. It brightens my under-eyes, subdues unwanted redness, and makes my pimples virtually disappear. In short, concealer makes me feel better about myself. If that’s wrong, I don’t want to be right.
If you’re wondering whether you can use the same concealer I use as a woman, the answer is yes! There is literally no difference between men’s and women’s skin and products marketed one way or the other. In fact, I would argue that products marketed towards women are better because of all the time, energy, and research women put in to test, share, and compare the best of the very best.
But before we dive into the best concealer every guy needs in their skincare kit, it’s important to understand how to apply concealer properly and find the best shade before you begin.
How to Apply Concealer
Yes, there is an art to applying concealer. But before you begin, you want to moisturize your skin and your under-eyes for smooth application. It’s rough applying concealer on dry, flaky skin—trust me.
When applying concealer to a blemish, make sure to dab the entire area with concealer and blend it outwards so it melts into your skin. You can use your finger or a concealer brush for that. As for your under-eyes, apply it in dots only to the purplish part of your under-eye instead of under the entirety of your eye. This will make your eyes appear larger. You can also apply a swipe at the outer corners of the eye in an upward motion for a super subtle instant lift.
How to Find Your Shade
If you’re like me, you want to reduce the amount of products shoved into your bathroom cabinet, not add to it. I use the same concealer for blemishes as I do for under my eyes, but technically, you should go a shade lighter in concealers for under your eyes. This will give you that lifting, brightening, ‘awake’ look. Blemish, redness, and fine lines concealers should match your skin tone/foundation shade.
If you’re having trouble finding your perfect match online, head over to Sephora. They have tons of tester products and beauty experts who are happy to help you match the correct shade to your skin tone. No point in guessing and wasting time in your hunt for the best concealer for men.
Key Takeaways
For this quest, I began poring over hundreds of photos, customer reviews, and even my own bathroom cabinet until I whittled it down to the 6 finalists you see on this list. Overall, the best concealer for men is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer because it comes in a ton of shades, provides buildable coverage, and conceals well while also feeling light on the skin. Where NARS is radiant, Tarte Sea Power Flex Concealer offers full coverage with a matte finish.
Why it’s great: This is the highest-rated concealer at Sephora, and it’s easy to see why. NARS consistently makes high-quality products that professional make-up artists use, and their creamy concealer is no different. It uses light-diffusing mineral powder to give you a radiant finish with medium, buildable coverage. It conceals dark circles, redness, and blemishes and illuminates the skin, all while blurring fine lines and wrinkles. Think of a soft, super natural glow in a wide range of shades so there’s something for everyone.
How to use it: It might not take as much as you think so start with a little bit, you can always add more. I think people are drawn to this concealer over and over because it doesn’t crease or cake on the skin. It feels nice and lightweight.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you’re going on camera or naturally prefer something more matte, this might not be the choice for you.
Item Form: Stick | Skin Colors Available: 37 | Skin Type: All | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Radiant
Why it’s great: I do love a highly-rated budget find. This one is great for men because it provides medium coverage with a sheer, matte finish. It’s perfect for the guy who doesn’t want it to look like he’s wearing make-up. It works great on dull skin to blur out fine lines, cover redness and blemishes, and brighten unwanted dark circles under the eyes. You can even contour with this one by purchasing a concealer two shades darker if that’s your thing. And for such a low price, it’s easy to buy more than one.
How to use it: All it takes is a simple swipe of the applicator to apply. Be sure to gently dab in with your fingers or concealer brush to blend into the skin. It works on both clean skin and foundation.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While the cushion applicator makes it easy to sponge onto the skin, it may not be the most hygienic option if you suffer from open acne as it can spread bacteria and impurities around.
Item Form: Cushion | Skin Colors Available: 17 | Skin Type: Dull skin | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Sheer, Matte
Why it’s great: All of this sheer, medium coverage is great, but let’s face it, some of us need full coverage. This super-budget buy is powerful enough to cover bruises, not to mention those dark circles or a zit or two. Wearers love it because it lasts all day, never flakes, and also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free. A great affordable option to have in your grooming kit.
How to use it: Even though it’s powerful, this concealer feels surprisingly lightweight on the skin for a glowy, satin finish. Just be sure not to add too much—it gets cakey.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Might be slightly thick for those looking for less coverage.
Item Form: Stick | Skin Colors Available: 25 | Skin Type: All | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Satin
Why it’s great: A concealer that provides medium coverage, is highly blendable, and lasts all day is perfect for everyday use. And considering the dirt-cheap price, NYX holds its own against other high-end concealers. It easily covers blemishes, imperfections, and discolorations thanks to a wide range of inclusive skin tones. There are even green and purple color correctors to choose from. The overall finish is matte without feeling too dry. A great under-eye concealer for men.
How to use it: Just add it where you want it, it couldn’t be easier. Reviewers love its lightweight, buildable coverage that never feels cakey on the skin.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although it claims to be medium coverage, some reviewers find it to be a little too thick and somewhat cakey. Might be a safer bet to consider it full-coverage, and better for oily skin tones.
Item Form: Stick | Skin Colors Available: 24 | Skin Type: All | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Matte
Why it’s great: This is the concealer I use every day. I have oily, acne-prone skin with lovely dark purple acne scars, so I’m obsessed with the full-coverage nature of this concealer. It literally blurs out even the worst of acne blemishes while also concealing dark circles, blurring pores, and tamping down redness. Even though it does some serious heavy lifting, it never feels thick or cakey on my skin. It gives me a flawless matte finish every time. And each tube lasts me at least a year, which my wallet loves.
How to use it: Even though it provides serious coverage, it possesses hydroflex technology, so it moves with your skin, preventing creasing. Use sparingly and this thing will last forever.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: I will say, I have friends with dry skin that find this concealer to be too drying. Something to think about if you also have dry skin. NARS might be a better choice for you.
Item Form: Stick | Skin Colors Available: 27 | Skin Type: Oily, combo | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Matte
Why it’s great: I love this concealer because even though it’s considered luxury, it actually provides pretty good value for the size and price. For many it’s a holy grail because it gives the same stunning finish as the luminous foundation everyone adores. It works on all areas of the skin thanks to ingredients like caffeine that depuffs and awakens, vitamin E that brightens, and glycerin that hydrates for a radiant, flawless finish that doesn’t feel flaky or dry. It provides medium, buildable coverage that works on all skin types.
How to use it: It’s definitely a fan favorite because of its beautifully creamy formulation that never creases on the skin. Should you ever experience creasing, however, simply dab with your (clean) fingertips to re-blend.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While it boasts 22 shades to choose from, I do wish there were more options for darker skin tones.
Item Form: Stick | Skin Colors Available: 22 | Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal | Recommended Use: Fine Lines, Blemishes, Redness, Dark Circles | Finish: Radiant
Buying Considerations for the Best Concealers For Men
Coverage
I think coverage is the biggest concern when it comes to under-eye concealer for men. If you’re like my husband, whenever he wears concealer, his biggest concern is looking like he’s not wearing any makeup. Many of the lightweight, medium-coverage concealers on this list are perfect for that. Sometimes, however, you need full coverage for more serious skin issues, and that’s okay, too. As long as you’re adequately blending, both coverage types are great for men to use.
Finish
Your skin type helps dictate the finish you’re looking for. If you have oily skin like me, or you’re going to be photographed with flash, a matte finish will keep you from looking greasy. If your skin is normal, combo, or dry, a creamy, radiant concealer like NARS is going to give you a very subtle, natural glow. You might think you don’t want to ‘glow,’ but this simply means your skin looks youthful, hydrated, and healthy. Trust me, you want that!
Shade
Matching your concealer to your skin tone is crucial, especially if you don’t want it to look like you’re wearing make-up. You can always buy a few different shades if you’re in doubt and return the ones that don’t work. If this happens to be a gift, you may want to include the receipt just in case you’re off.
Why you should trust us
I’m a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, meaning I compare, test, and research everything you can carry, wear, and use to upkeep your body. For this review, I researched a host of trusted sources and reviewed my own bathroom cabinet to understand what makes a great quality product that meets quality function and current style. I started off with over 50 considerations and narrowed it down to the top 6 that will best fit a range of discerning consumers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best concealer for men for them.
Final Verdict
The best concealer for men should feel light on the skin yet cover and conceal dark circles and blemishes well. A wide range of inclusive shades doesn’t hurt, either. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer does just that while giving skin a beautiful, radiant finish that never cakes or creases.
FAQ
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Guys can absolutely wear concealer, especially if they want to cover blemishes, brighten dark circles, and conceal redness and wrinkles.
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As long as you do a good job of matching your concealer shade to your skin tone and blending in your product, concealer on men can be very subtle.
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