While finding that "perfect" concealer is never an easy task regardless of skin type, finding one specifically for oily or acne-prone skin presents its own unique set of challenges. Whether your main concern is correcting redness, concealing blemishes and hyperpigmentation, brightening dark under-eye circles, or some mix of the few, the best concealers for oily skin strike the balance of feeling weightless while having enough staying power to hold up despite any sabotaging oils that may want to help your makeup migrate down your face.
According to Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist Kamani Alana — who works with the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Christina Milian — people with oily skin should steer clear of any oil-based products, or those with pore-clogging comedogenic ingredients, and instead look for oil-free and water-proof formulas.
"If you have oily, or very oily skin, this means that your sebaceous gland is over-producing an oil secretion called sebum," says Alana. "In turn, adding any product that is oil-based will not adhere to the skin well and can clog pores." If a product isn't outright labeled as "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic", some of the most common, easy-to-spot ingredients will include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, and acetylated lanolin, according to a report from Self. See any of those on the ingredients list, and it's a safe bet that you should put the product down and move onto the next shelf at Sephora.
While this might feel like a lot of information to take in, finding a concealer that actually works on oily skin isn't impossible, with tons of great options on the market today formulated for multiple concerns. Even better? They're coming in more shades than ever before. To get your search started right, check out (and shop!) 9 concealers below, from L'Oreal to Nars.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Concealer
It Cosmetics, Bye Bye Breakout Concealer, $19, available at Ulta.
For those with acne-prone skin, this It Cosmetics concealer offers full coverage while working as a healing treatment for troubled skin. Designed with an oil-absorbing formula — complete with ingredients like zinc oxide, witch hazel, tea tree, and AHA/BHA complex — the concealer even contains collagen and anti-aging peptides for skin health.
Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
Hourglass, Hidden Corrective Concealer, $34, available at Sephora.
While a creamy formula isn't typically recommended for oily skin, Alana recommends this weightless option saying it offers "opaque coverage and keeps oils at bay while keeping the skin hydrated." What's more, it comes complete in an easy-to-apply, twist-up stick applicator.
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer
L'Oreal, Infallible Pro-Glow Concealer, $10, available at Ulta.
This lightweight, ultra blendable concealer works overtime, making it easy to not only correct and conceal, but highlight and sculpt the face for a serious glow. Top reviewers on Ulta say that it offers "great coverage" without being "heavy" or caking on the skin.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Nars, Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $30, available at Sephora.
"The formula is a solid cream concealer but has the blend-ability of a liquid," says Alana, noting that its velvet texture provides a super-matte finish that comfortably bonds to the skin for long-lasting wear. Reviewers share that a little product goes a long way, allowing for long-time use.
Milk Makeup Flex Concealer
Milk Makeup, Flex Concealer, $28, available at Milk Makeup.
Fans of this vegan concealer love how natural it looks, and weightless it feels, while still being buildable enough for full coverage. The doe foot applicator makes it easy to target areas of concern — be it blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation. The product has over 90 near-perfect reviews, with one customer saying, "It never creases and sets down for all day wear, it's exceptional! Sort of similar to the Tarte Shape Tape, but not drying, so it's better!
Urban Decay Stay Naked Concealer
Urban Decay, Stay Naked Concealer, $29, available at Urban Decay.
For a dewy, natural finish, this lightweight crease-resistant formula is a strong contender. It features a patented wave tip applicator to make it easy to get the exact level of coverage you're looking for — use the flat side for precise, light application, and the curved side to smooth over a significant amount of product. It's racked up nearly 800 five-star reviews on the brand's site, with many claiming it doesn't a particularly good job at covering dark spots and blemishes.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer
Kevyn Aucoin, The Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer, $48, available at Sephora.
This pot of cream re-writes all the rules of what a concealer for oily skin should be and look like — but this full-coverage, waterproof, and highly pigmented formula works to cover, correct, and conceal while wearing comfortably on the skin. "I've been looking for a good everyday foundation that looks natural but can hold up to my oily skin and this definitely takes the cake," says a reviewer. "It doesn't budge, settle into my smile lines, barely transfers, and looks flawless for hours."
E.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer
E.l.f. Cosmetics, 16HR Camo Concealer, $6, available at Ulta.
For $6, this full-coverage, long-wear, and crease-resistant concealer from drugstore favorite e.l.f.packs a punch. Its formula was designed to focus on concealing dark circles and blemishes, but it can also be used to highlight and contour the face. What's more? Top reviewers on Ulta liken the tube to a perfect dupe for Tarte's popular Shape Tape concealer.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
Fenty Beauty, Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer, $26, available at Sephora.
Like most Fenty Beauty products, this concealer is one of the most inclusive on the market in terms of shade ranges, counting 50 nuanced options across the spectrum. Best for a full coverage, full-face look, it's oil-free, and formulated without any pore-clogging or skin-irritating ingredients. Unsurprisingly, it's popular amongst beauty lovers. "Dark circles who?! I freaking love this concealer," shared one five star reviewer. "I have super oily skin and I don't feel this made me greasy at all!"
