This story first appeared on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in The Strategist Beauty Brief, a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign up here. The Strategist Beauty Brief is delivered every Wednesday.
If you’re a regular reader of the Strategist Beauty Brief, you know we’re pretty picky about our products. Yes, we’re always down to try a dupe and test an internet trend. But we’re passionate about our basics, too. So we thought we’d drop in to share a bit about our favorite, tried-and-true products — the everyday face moisturizers, body lotions, and deodorants of it all. This week, we’re sharing our can’t-live-without concealers.
NARS was the first concealer I ever bought, and as the years go by, it’s still my favorite. Blendable, velvety, and comes in plenty of shades. What more could you ask for? —Dominique Pariso
This is a drugstore staple that I’ve used since I was a teenager. I’ve also tried far more expensive brands in the past, and noticed either no difference or a decline in quality. Basically: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s creamy and has good-enough coverage to conceal the redness of the angry acne spots I often have. I buy a lighter shade for under my eyes, so there’s always two on the go in my makeup bag. —Rachael Griffiths
I fully understand that $47 for a concealer is a lot. I’m not sorry about it! It’s everything you want a concealer to be. It’s buildable and blendable, and it doesn’t make you look like you actually have concealer on at all. You can’t tell me this isn’t the prettiest tube of concealer you’ve ever seen, either. —Ambar Pardilla
I was nervous to try this $68 Victoria Beckham x Augustinus Bader concealer pen because I was afraid I would like it too much. I regret to report that it is indeed very good. It blends seamlessly into the skin while still providing a thin veil of coverage with a luminous finish, which I prefer over matte. My skin has been extremely dry and flaky lately, and while other concealers will catch on rough spots and inadvertently highlight them, this one smooths them out and doesn’t settle into the imperfections. I also love the brush-tip applicator, which makes me feel like my face is a canvas and I’m applying the concealer with painterly precision. Yes, it’s $68, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. —Kitty Guo
Kosas concealer is staple for me, especially since I have dry under eyes. It’s hydrating, packed with skin-care ingredients, and so lightweight that I can barely feel it. It provides the perfect amount of coverage for that no-makeup makeup look. A little goes a long way, so a tube tends to last me a while. —Arielle Avila
I’ve been using Kosas concealer for years — it’s smooth and creamy and a great color match (I wear the shade 7.5). I’m low maintenance when it comes to my makeup routine, so I need a formula that can stand on its own without foundation from time to time. —Tembe Denton-Hurst
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
