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The best concealers for dark spots do more than simply cover up marks: They correct, protect, and in many cases, actively improve the skin beneath the makeup. Whether you're dealing with post-acne marks, sun-induced hyperpigmentation, or stubborn undereye circles that no amount of sleep (or eye cream) seems to fix, the right concealer can make all the difference. But not all formulas are created equal, and knowing what to look for is half the battle.
Our Top Concealers for Dark Spots
- Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $32
- Best Full-Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer, $38
- Best Medium-Coverage: Kulfi Main Match Concealer, $26
- Best Natural Finish: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $36
- Best for Dark Circles: MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer, $30
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What’s the best application technique for using concealer on dark spots or hyperpigmentation?
- What should you look for when shopping for full coverage concealers?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Coverage is the starting point. Full coverage is ideal for deeper discoloration, while a buildable medium lends a natural-looking finish. But the formulation ultimately determines performance. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, and brighteners such as licorice root extract and vitamin C help improve skin over time. Finish matters, too: A matte formula offers longevity and oil control, while a dewy finish keeps skin looking fresh and dimensional.
Ahead, these nine dark spot concealers are editor- and makeup artist-approved and cover every skin tone, type, and concern.
Best Overall: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
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Tarte
Shape Tape Concealer
Amazon
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Jennet Jusu
Why we love it: Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer keeps coverage smooth and even, with no caking, creasing, or fading all day. It has a matte finish, since a radiant link could inadvertently draw attention to the spot. The waterproof formula is built around licorice root extract, a natural brightener and color corrector that works directly on dark spots and discoloration to help even tone over time. Shea and mango butters, along with olive oil, work in tandem to soften, nourish, and condition the skin beneath all that coverage, preventing the tight, dry feeling that heavier matte compositions can leave behind. Plus, the jumbo applicator makes targeted application on dark spots, blemishes, and under-eye shadows quick and precise.
Jusu before applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Jennet Jusu
Jusu after applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Jennet Jusu
Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu
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“I use Tarte Shape Tape Radiant Concealer in 47H (Tan-Deep Honey) to brighten under my eyes, and the Shape Tape Contour Concealer in 53H (Deep Honey) to cover up hyperpigmentation while subtly contouring for an everyday glow. A little goes a long way, and paired with a touch of blush, it pulls the whole look together effortlessly.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant
More to know
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- Key ingredients: licorice root extract, shea and mango butters, olive oil
- Shades: 48
- Finish: matte
Best Full-Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer
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Estée Lauder
Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer
Jessica Cruel
Why we love it: If your dark spots tend to resurface during the day, try Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Concealer, which stays put even on oily skin. In fact, this full-coverage, Best of Beauty-winning formula targets oil at its source with lightweight silica particles that absorb oil and diffuse light to keep shine in check for a full day. That's also thanks in part to a system of flexible polymers that move with the skin throughout the day, allowing for breathable wear that won't crack or shift through long hours or humid conditions. (It's great for mature skin, too, as it won't settle into fine lines.)
As for dark circles, caffeine (yes, your skin gets a hit, too) helps to depuff and energize the undereye area. The proprietary wand does some heavy lifting on the application front: It has three distinct edges that make it easy to spot-conceal, highlight, or contour.
Cruel before applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“I am a big Double Wear foundation fan, so when this concealer came across my desk, it was a must-try. It is a bit thicker than your average concealer—something the Double Wear formula is known for. What I like is that one swipe erases the panda pads under my eyes. Because it is already full-coverage, I like to use my fingers to blend the formula naturally. That way it's not too cakey or splotchy. I often just use this concealer instead of foundation. This product has a 24-hour claim, but I have never put it to that long of a test. The farthest I have gotten is a marathon day of live TV filming, in-office meetings, and dinner events. It stood up through all of that, which is what a busy woman needs.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: micro silica spheres, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
- Shades: 29
- Finish: natural
Best Medium-Coverage: Kulfi Main Match Concealer
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Kulfi
Main Match Concealer
Sephora
Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer
Sophie Panych
Why we love it: We trust BIPOC-founded brands to get their shade ranges right, and Kulfi is no exception. The Main Match Concealer is available in 22 shades, with careful consideration for South Asian undertones (which are often breezed by). Staying true to its South Asian roots, key ingredients include amla fruit extract (more commonly known as Indian gooseberry oil), which is rich in vitamin C to brighten bouts of hyperpigmentation and protect skin against free radicals (which can fast-track signs of aging). Also noteworthy: Saffron flower extract boosts moisture, and rosehip oil "helps tone, even, brighten, and reduce the signs of redness in the skin," Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure previously explained.
Ingredients aside, the formula itself is incredibly lightweight and seamlessly blendable, yet it provides all of the coverage we need—our editors even forego foundation—and the finish is natural and skin-like. Because it's on the hydrating side, it's a dream for dry skin—but combination and oily skin might want to blot on some powder on top for a bit of shine control.
Panych before applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer
Sophie Panych
Panych after applying the Kulfi Main Match Concealer
Sophie Panych
Tester feedback from Allure content director Sophie Panych
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"I prefer concealer to foundation, meaning, I typically apply a skin tint or very thin layer of foundation, and let my concealer do all the heavy lifting, i.e., cover up dark spots, soften dark spots, and even out redness in my skin. As I get closer to 40, it's harder to find a full-coverage concealer that doesn't look full-on cakey once it sets, but Kulfi Main Match is one I've found that stays fresh-looking for hours.
Over my base (again, which is either a very light layer of foundation or skin tint), I apply two dashes under each eye, a dot on either side of my nose, and a dash along my chin. Then, I use a small fluffy brush to buff and blend the formula, which is a great way to keep concealer from settling into creases. It's quite hydrating, so you do want to set it with powder, especially if you have combination-oily skin like mine." —Sophie Panych, content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: amla fruit extract, saffron flower extract, rosehip extract, licorice
- Shades: 22
- Finish: radiant
Best Buildable: Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
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Tom Ford
Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
Nordstrom
Sephora
Bluemercury
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: Concealing dark spots is only half the job for the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer. This foundation stick blends buildable coverage with hours of hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid that plumps skin from within and visibly softens the look of fine lines both immediately and over time. Spherical powders ensure a silky-smooth, seamless application that never looks cakey or settles into creases, while vitamin E delivers antioxidant protection throughout the day. Like its Best of Beauty-winning foundation counterpart, Traceless offers a natural-matte finish that's waterproof, transfer-resistant, and humidity-proof. Apply directly from the stick for broader coverage, or use a concealer brush to spot-treat blemishes and dark spots with precision.
Taylor before applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I'm a pimple picker. I know, I know (hopefully my facialist doesn't read this). But whether I pick or not, I always end up with hyperpigmentation. On days when I don't feel like doing a full face, I reach for the Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Concealer in shade 6W0 Terra. One swipe directly on skin, a quick blend with my Beauty Blender or concealer brush (depending on the finish I'm going for), and I'm out the door. Everything is fully covered with a natural finish that's virtually undetectable. And I love how chic and compact it is. It fits in my bag like a lipstick, so touch-ups on the go are a breeze." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Shades: 20
- Finish: matte
Best Natural Finish: Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
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Nars
Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer
Nordstrom
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer
Bianca Richards
Why we love it: When a concealer promises full coverage without settling into fine lines, it's a tall order—but the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer is built precisely to deliver just that. The oil-free cream formula is anchored by spherical particles that absorb and refract light to blur dark spots, redness, and uneven texture without emphasizing the lines and pores that heavier concealers tend to magnify. Collagen-boosting peptides work over time to plump and smooth the appearance of wrinkles, hyaluronic acid hydrates and softens, and a protective cocktail of vitamins A, C, and E shields skin from daily environmental aggressors.
Bicoastal makeup artist Tobi Henney has put this concealer through its paces on film sets. "The shade range is incredible," she says, "and the formula will look like skin when applied well." For best results, apply with a damp beauty sponge using a stippling motion rather than sweeping strokes, which can disturb coverage and leave streaks.
Richards before applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer
Bianca Richards
Richards after applying the Nars Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer
Bianca Richards
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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“I've been using this concealer since 2016 when it was first introduced to the world! I typically apply it with a brush, dabbing it onto any dark spots and undereyes to create a seamless base. I love how versatile this product is for my skin type. Although my skin leans dry, as long as it’s properly prepped with my hydrating skin-care essentials, this concealer stays put throughout the day. I also reach for it on both minimal-makeup days and full-glam moments because it truly does it all. On lighter days, I dab a bit onto key areas to even out my complexion. When I’m going full beat, I use it as a base to help my other complexion products apply smoothly and seamlessly.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins A, C, and E
- Shades: 30
- Finish: matte
Best Shade Range: Fenty We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
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Fenty Beauty
We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Fenty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why we love it: 50 shades is not a flex every brand can pull off, but for Fenty Beauty, inclusivity has always been at the center of the brand, and the We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer delivers both range and a top-tier formula. Split across cool, neutral, and warm undertones, the buildable, medium-coverage liquid melts into skin, making dark spots, discoloration, and under-eye circles virtually disappear.
The ingredient lineup champions prickly pear cactus extract, which draws moisture into the skin and provides a rich source of vitamin K to support elasticity, while Persian silk tree extract targets signs of fatigue. Sodium hyaluronate rounds things out, hydrating and conditioning skin while you wear it. The formula is also transfer- and waterproof, resisting creasing, fading, sweat, and humidity without settling into fine lines or accentuating texture.
Blay-Tettey before applying the Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I'm a no-makeup makeup warrior, so a concealer that I can use to hide dark spots—without having to use too much else—is a must in my makeup bag. I've tried a few that have been a miss, but the Fenty Hydrating Longwear Concealer never fails me. A tiny dot goes a long way to even out my complexion—perfect for days I want to enhance my skin without heavy makeup.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: prickly pear cactus extract, Persian silk tree extract, sodium hyaluronate
- Shades: 50
- Finish: natural
Best for Dark Circles: MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer
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MAC
Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer
Nordstrom
Sephora
Ulta Beauty
Taylor applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: Delivering the best of both worlds, MAC's Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer offers full coverage and maintains a matte finish without drying out the skin. Most long-wearing formulas sacrifice moisture for staying power, but this one doesn’t: Glycerin hydrates to prevent a dry, cakey look, while jojoba seed oil and olive fruit oil condition the skin throughout wear. Caffeine and algae extract target puffiness and dullness, making dark spots and undereye shadows less pronounced over time. Better yet, the sponge-tip applicator is engineered to reach smaller, hard-to-access areas without pulling or tugging, making it especially useful for precise dark-spot concealment around the nose and inner corners of the eyes.
Taylor before applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the MAC Studio Fix 36HR Smooth Angles Hydrating Concealer
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from Taylor
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"I deal with post-pimple popping hyperpigmentation, hormonal acne marks, and pretty dark circles, so I reach for this MAC concealer when I need my base all in one shade. The doe-foot applicator lets me go in exactly where I need it, and it blends out so seamlessly it genuinely looks like I have nothing on (no excess shine or dry caking). It lasts all day with zero touch-ups, and all you need is one swipe since it's full coverage." —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, jojoba seed oil, olive fruit oil, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
- Shades: 44
- Finish: matte
More concealers for dark spots we like
Best Hydrating: Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer
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Make Beauty
Skin Mimetic Concealer
Amazon
Revolve
Why we love it: Lightweight concealer and dark-spot coverage don't always go hand in hand, but the Make Beauty Skin Mimetic Concealer earned its 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award by managing both with a formula so skin-like it barely registers as makeup. The key is in the skin-mimicking pigments, developed to move, reflect light, and blend the way real skin does. Red algae extract draws moisture deep into the skin while adenosine, a naturally occurring component of skin that supports collagen production, simultaneously smooths, soothes, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles over time.
Green coffee extract and caffeine work together to target dark circles and puffiness, making this especially effective for under-eye concealing. Henney swears by one technique that elevates the formula entirely: “It's used best when you tap it into the skin with your fingertip,” she says.
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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“I only use concealer under my eyes, so I look for formulas that offer enough coverage to hide my perpetual dark circles but won’t settle into my mid-30s fine lines. My ideal concealer also needs to last at least through the workday because I simply do not have the time (or fortitude) to reapply. This one hits all those points, with the bonus of a doe-foot applicator that fits perfectly into the inner corners of my undereyes.” —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: red algae extract, adenosine, caffeine
- Shades: 24
- Finish: radiant
Best with SPF: Clé de Peau Beauté The Concealer
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Clé de Peau Beauté
The Concealer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Most concealers cover dark spots; the Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 goes a step further with built-in SPF 27 that guards against UV exposure that can deepen and multiply them in the first place. (That said, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30, so consider the protection here just a nice bonus.) The creamy stick blurs dark spots, redness, and under-eye circles with full coverage that adheres to even raised or textured skin. Hyaluronic acid and argan oil provide continuous hydration and softening while you wear it, while chestnut rosa fruit extract defends against oxidative damage that can worsen dark spots. Henney reaches for this one since it has great coverage and is easy to layer. Plus, she says, “it has staying power, and won’t get too oily and slide [on skin].”
More to know
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- Key ingredients: zingiber aromaticus extract, hyaluronic acid, argan oil
- Shades: 12
- Finish: natural
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best application technique for using concealer on dark spots or hyperpigmentation?
Start with a heavily pigmented formula, says Henney. (In other words, full coverage is your friend.) From there, she uses a two-step approach that combines precision with blendability. "I usually start by tapping on the product initially with a small makeup brush," she says. Once the product is placed, she switches tools entirely: "To make it flawless, I blend using a makeup sponge." The combination of targeted placement and seamless blending is what keeps coverage looking natural.
What should you look for when shopping for full coverage concealers?
A great full-coverage concealer comes down to the right shade and formula. Going slightly lighter in the center and matching your overall skin tone at the outer edges creates a more natural, dimensional result. Beyond shade, the formula itself has to perform. "You want something that can be layered and with strong pigment," says Henney, noting that both qualities become important when covering stubborn discoloration or dark spots, since they require more than one pass.
Meet the experts
- Tobi Henney, a makeup artist in LA and NYC
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best concealers for dark spots, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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