Our Verdict on 3 Popular Concealers Under $30
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Ask anyone in your life which makeup product they can't live without (figuratively, of course) and we guarantee they'll say concealer.
Or mascara. But let's go with concealer.
Concealing dark circles, redness, broken capillaries, shadows, pigmentation and pimples (all of which are very normal), the magic of concealer is how it can make you feel like the best, most well-rested version of yourself.
But with 1,545,890 concealers on the market, how are you meant to know which one to paint over your eye bags?
That's where we come in.
Well, actually, it was beauty content creator, writer, curve model and all-round influencer extraordinaire Ruchi Page who did all the hard work.
Image taken from Ruchi Paige's Instagram.
What's the best affordable concealer?
We tasked Ruchi with road-testing and reviewing popular concealers under $30 to see how they compare to your expensive concealer favourites.
From Nude By Nature's Flawless concealer to the cult classic Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, keep scrolling for her best affordable concealer picks.
You can watch Ruchi road-test these affordable concealers in our YouTube video below, our keep scrolling for the quick(er) version.
Please note: two of the concealers in the video are sadly no longer available, but there's a host of excellent concealers under $50 you can still shop here.
1. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer Review.
A lightweight affordable concealer some say is a pretty good dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer...
Why it's so good:
- Price = $19.99
- Comes in 10 shades, Ruchi's shade is 30 Honey.
- Sheer to medium coverage with a comfortable, natural finish.
- Thin yet creamy liquid consistency that's easy to blend and build up to your desired level of coverage.
Ruchi's final verdict:
"This is a classic. It feels really nice and comfortable on the skin under the eyes. The creamy liquid formula looks quite natural and brightening. Even though the coverage is sheer, I see a big difference when I apply. Plus, it really does look like skin."
And our customers love it too:
"This concealer is amazing for the price and I cannot complain! I honestly don't see much difference with the Fit Me and the Nars Radiant Concealer if you do the same prep and setting." - Bri
2. Nude By Nature Flawless Concealer Review.
A stick concealer that promises long-wearing full coverage for dark circles, blemishes and pigmentation. This is the best under eye concealer for a more natural finish.
Why it's so good:
- Price = $26.95.
- Comes in seven shades, Ruchi's shade is 07 Latte.
- A stick concealer with a thicker, creamy texture.
- Full coverage, long-wear concealer with a satin, matte finish.
- Can be used as a face concealer to conceal hyperpigmentation, under-eye concealer and blemish concealer.
Ruchi's final verdict:
"Stick concealers are usually more full coverage than liquids, and this one is no different. It has a slightly tacky stick foundation feeling to touch, making it better suited to oiler skin types than those with drier under eyes. The thick texture can be harder to blend than liquid concealers, so apply using a damp sponge and take the time to blend. Great for if you have an event or want your makeup to last."
3. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer Review.
The Maybelline age rewind under eye concealer is a cult product for a reason. It's an excellent under eye brightener and it's been around for more than a decade and still, it's one of the best (if not the best) budget concealer.
Why it's so good:
- Price = $24.99.
- Comes in nine shades.
- Thin texture is pigmented and luminous, and leaves a natural, non-cakey finish.
- Can be used as an under-eye concealer for dark circles, as well as a blemish concealer and face concealer to conceal redness and/or uneven skin tone.
- Easy twist stick packaging and sponge tip applicator make this concealer unstuffupable to use.
Ruchi's final verdict:
"I love this one because it has the sponge applicator and it's so easy to apply. Straight off the bat, the thin consistency makes it a beautiful skin-like concealer that won't emphasise fine lines or cause crepiness under the eyes. You don't need that much because it has a lot of pigment and provides high coverage."
More concealers under $30 to shop...
- elf Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer - $14. A long-wearing full coverage concealer with a satin finish and hydrating formula.
- Rimmel London Multi Tasker Concealer - $18.95. A buildable concealer with a lightweight feel and long-lasting hydration.
- L'Oreal Paris True Match Concealer - $25.99. A thin and highly blendable concealer, with a radiant finish and buildable coverage.
Now, all that's left to do is to pick the best drug store concealer for you and add it to cart.
You can browse and shop more concealers here. Want more concealer product recommendations? Check out these stories:
