Our concealers are put to the test. They should not only hide the dark circles from a lousy night’s sleep or pesky pimples but also correct skin tone and conceal dark circles with a matte finish. All of this without drying our skin out or making it cakey. You’ll want your concealer to provide all-day coverage if you have oily skin. Heat, humidity, or oil production will not be able to affect it.
Can you expect too much from a tiny tube of makeup? No. We found a wide range of high-quality concealers suitable for oily skin. Keep a few words in mind when you browse. Analisa, a Portland-based makeup expert from The Wildflower Collective, says that you should look for concealers with the following characteristics: oil-free, non-comedogenic, and waterproof. Analisa is a makeup artist who specializes in bridal makeup. She understands that long-lasting formulas are needed for oily skin. The Portland makeup artist says prepping your skin before shopping for the best concealer reduces grease.
We consulted makeup artists to help you choose the right conclear. We also extensively researched the formula, finish, coverage, and color range. Here are some of the best concealers to make you feel luminous, not greasy.
Smashbox Studio Skin Fawless Oil Free 24-Hour Concealer
Smashbox Studio Skin is the best concealer to use on oily skin. The oil-free liquid cream formula (hallelujah!) will not crease, cake, or settle in fine lines. This multi-use concealer is a magic tube that can blur, contour, highlight, and correct.
The concealer has an easy-to-use petal applicator and is available in 26 shades. You’re sure to find one that suits you. This concealer has a thick texture and is buildable so that you can choose between a light coverage or a full one. It stays on your face for 24 hours. You can dance, work, or play all day without it fading or melting.
Estee Lauder Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Double Wear Concealer
Estee Lauder Stay-in-Place concealer is also a favorite. It’s part of Estee Lauder’s Double Wear range and gives you an all-day flawless finish, from when you apply your makeup in the morning to when you wash off your face at night. It can be not easy to blend, but once you’ve mastered it, the concealer feels comfortable and never dry or cakey.
This Oil-Free Show-Stopper provides medium coverage and won’t smudge or transfer, so you don’t need to reapply it if you wear a different outfit or rub tired eyes. This concealer is also resistant to summer’s most humid days. It won’t melt away in the heat or humidity.
L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics infallible pro glow concealer
Marie has an excellent recommendation for those seeking a high-quality and affordable concealer: L’Oreal Paris’s Infallible PRO Glow. This concealer with medium coverage is perfect for covering dark circles, correcting color, or highlighting. It provides smooth, even coverage no matter what you do. You’ll appear luminous, we promise. The product is easy to blend, providing up to 16 hours of selfie-ready coverage. The price is also unbeatable.
What is the only negative aspect of this drugstore choice? There is a limited range of shades, so it’s possible you won’t find the perfect color match.
e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer
Is budget a concern? Choose e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer. The formula is surprisingly lightweight and pigmented for a product that costs only a few dollars. The fact that this option comes in so many shades is both a pro and a con, as matching the right shade can be complicated and overwhelming. This little powerhouse has a matte finish and provides even, smooth coverage for 16 hours.
Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer SPF 25
Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer is an excellent product if you spend a little extra (okay, quite a bit). This famous makeup stick glides effortlessly and instantly airbrushes coverage over blemishes and discolorations. This makeup stick glides on easily without looking dry or cakey. It also contains SPF 27 to protect the health of your skin and keep you looking luminous for years to come. The price of this product is not a joke, nor are its results.
Lancome Effarcernes Waterproof Concealer Under the Eye
So long, dark circles! This small but powerful tube of concealer will help you say goodbye to dark circles under your eyes. The formula is smooth and provides natural color correction and coverage while blurring fine wrinkles around the eyes. Win/win/win. It is waterproof, so it is perfect when you expect to shed happy or sad tears.
This concealer has a few downsides. It doesn’t meet our Byrdie Clean standard, and most of the shades available are lighter.
Makeup Forever Full Cover Concealer
Extreme Camouflage cream is the perfect choice for days you want full coverage. This oil-free concealer hides all imperfections, from dark circles to redness. We think you are perfect just the way you are. This concealer is also not meant to be caked on. This waterproof concealer promises never to crease and will provide a matte, flawless finish throughout the day. The shade range is limited to 10 choices.
How we tested & researched
Our editors, contributors, and researchers spent hours researching and evaluating the best products in this category. They considered their key features, such as ingredients, shade ranges, and designs, and also analyzed reviews from customers and trusted sources. The team incorporated personal experience testing products. Then, we used the insights gained from our research to give a star rating from 1 to 5 (with five being the best and one being the worst).
What to look for in concealer for oily skin
Marie says liquid concealers work best on oily skin because they can be built into a full-coverage product. Look for a formula that is oil-free and possibly waterproof. This will ensure that it stays in place and provides long-lasting coverage.
These creams are often moisturizing and help oily skin produce less oil. They also tend to have a lighter coverage.
Why trust Byrdie?
Theresa Holland wrote this guide. She is a freelance commerce journalist and Byrdie contributor with extensive experience covering cosmetics for different skin types. She has learned to accept her oily skin but also keeps the right makeup products on hand. She uses Smashbox Studio Skin for concealing or highlighting when she feels extra greasy.
Megan McCarty is a full-time freelancer who has written about fashion and beauty for over 15 years. Her work can be found in InStyle and Domino as well as Architectural Digest and Bustle. She has used many concealers to treat her oily complexion and dark circles under her eyes.
