These Ultra-Hydrating Concealers Are Basically Skin Care in a Tube

Pin It
Photo: Stocksy/BONNINSTUDIO
When you think about concealer, "dewy" isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind. Traditionally, the category has been stacked with products that get the job done in covering zits and dark circles, but leave behind a matte (and, okay, sometimes cakey) finish. Now, though, there's an entirely new class of hydrating products that conceal while also acting as skin care to give your complexion looking lit from within.

To find one of these concealers out in the wild, it's important to know what you're looking for as far as formulations go. "When choosing a hydrating concealer, look for ingredients such as vitamin E and oils like jojoba—these types of oils and ingredients allow for smoother application with the texture and slip," says celebrity makeup artist Robert Sesnek. Steer clear of anything that says "mattifying" on the label, has alcohol in it, or is specifically meant for acne, as these products tend to be more drying. 

If you've already got a concealer you love, Sesnek's got an easy hack for adding in some extra hydration. "Sometimes I will add moisturizer or serum sparingly to concealer, which sheers it out it and also makes the product more creamy and hydrating, which will allow the product to just melt into the skin," he says. Or, go ahead and add one of the below concealers to your routine, which have got everything you need for the dewy skin of your dreams.

Catrice Slim'matic Camouflage Stick, $7

Photo: Catrice

Sesnek's go-to hydrating concealer is "very creamy in texture, it has a medium, buildable coverage, and is very hydrating," he says. Plus, "it's got jojoba oil and vitamin E which are very emollient and hydrating, allowing for a smoother more hydrating application."

Tarte SEA Hydrocealer™ Concealer, $42

Photo: Tarte

Thanks to niacinamide and marine plant extracts, this concealer smooths and softens skin, and has even got caffeine in it to help wake up the area under your eyes. It's made with a proprietary "Hydroflex" technology, which allows it to move with your face instead of caking around your natural contours every time you smile.

Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer, $22

Photo: Benefit

Meant for concealing dark circles, this sheer formula is made with vitamin E and apple seed extract to help keep skin hydrated for up to six hours. In a consumer panel, 100 percent of respondents confirmed that it did exactly that. It's got a radiant finish, which will leave you looking wide awake even when you're running on fewer than eight hours of sleep.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer Stick, $9 

Photo: Neutrogena

Concealer sticks tend to be the worst offenders when it comes to that dreaded cakey finish, but this product stands out thanks to its infusion of purified hyaluronic acid. It goes on smoothly, and will leave skin feeling both covered and quenched.

Armani Luminous Silk Concealer, $38

Photo: Armani

Armani recently released the first ever concealer version of its cult-fave Luminous Silk Foundation ($64), and the super smart formula is truly one of the best of the best on the market. With glycerin, caffeine, naturally-derived emollients, and vitamin E, it hydrates skin for 24 hours, and will stay on as long as you need it to. It's easily blendable thanks to its Micro-fil technology, which will never crease, and has soft-focus pearls that'll give skin a subtle opalescent glow.

ELF Hydrating Camo Concealer, $6

Photo: E.L.F.

With 25 shades ranging from fair to deep, this stuff was designed specifically with dry skin in mind (the brand's OG Camo Concealer, $6, is meant for oily types). You can choose your color based on both your skin tone and undertones, which means there's a perfect match for everyone, and the satin finish will stay on for up to 16 hours.

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Join Well+Good's Fine Print Facebook group for must-know tips and tricks.

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

Loading More Posts...