11 of the best concealers for oily skin
Emma-Jade Stoddart
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
Whether you’re looking to mattify, hydrate or cover dark circles or blemishes, we’ve got you
Concealer is a make-up must-have that, in our opinion, doesn’t get enough airtime. Often overshadowed by foundation, concealer is just as important (if not more) when it comes to creating a beautiful base. Of course, as with foundation, not all concealers are created equal. And when searching for ‘the one’, it’s important to consider your specific skin type.
If your skin is oily, the right concealer will be able to take down shine while camouflaging blemishes and upping the staying power of your foundation. Some can even absorb oil, too. To help you find your perfect match, Bobbi Brown pro artist, Amalie Russell and Nars lead artist, Rachel Hardie share their expert advice. Plus, we round-up the best concealers for oily skin.
For more base must-buys, check out our guide to the best foundations for oily skin.
What are the best concealer formulas for oily skin?
According to Amalie, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a concealer for oily skin. "Seek out oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas that have a matte finish," she says. "This will ensure that excess shine is controlled without clogging pores." These formulas are especially useful if you’re prone to congestion.
As for the texture, "it should feel smooth and silky without looking dewy," Amalie recommends.
If you’re worried about your concealer transferring (sweaty dance floor anybody?), try long-wear formulas for greater staying power.
How do you select the right shade of concealer for your skin tone?
First things first, consider your undertone. "Find a few shades of concealer with the correct undertone – be it cool or warm – then swatch along the cheek, downwards to the jawline to see which shade disappears on your skin," says Amalie. This will be the exact shade for you, that’s perfect for concealing blemishes and dark spots.
"If you have a slight redness, always opt for a yellow-based concealer," says Rachel. "And to brighten under eyes, go for a concealer with peach, pink or red undertones."
What is the best way to apply concealer for oily skin?
There are several ways to apply concealer like a pro. For oily skin, Amalie recommends using a brush or sponge to "spot conceal and build up thin layers for long-lasting results." Rachel seconds this: "I would always encourage light layers for a seamless finish."
Prefer to use fingertips? Note that "using your fingers can add more oil to the skin and prevent the concealer from doing its job," warns Amalie.
"A sheer powder applied on top will help stop your concealer from creasing," she adds. "Just be sure to use a moisturiser or primer first as this will smooth pores and help anchor the concealer before the powder stage." Note that ‘concealer tends to fall into creases when the area has dried out or too much product has been applied – hence why skin prep is key,’ adds Rachel.
Any other concealer top tips for oily skin?
"When applying concealer, it's really important to tailor it to your own needs," says Rachel. "Don’t fall into the trap of following online tutorials as there’s no one-size-fits-all technique." Instead, follow Rachel’s advice of visiting a Boots Beauty Advisor to find out what works for you. With their help, you’ll be concealing like a pro in no time.
11 of the best concealers for oily skin
From oil-free to transfer-proof formulas, and sheer to full coverage, there’s something for every need and budget. Here are some of our favourites:
Find more concealer must-buys for oily skin in our full range.
Try: Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken™ 5-in-1 Concealer
- Size: 8ml
- Available in 19 shades
- Fragrance-free
- Transfer-proof
Erase, perfect, brighten, hydrate and refresh – we know what you’re thinking, is there anything this 5-in-1 wonder can’t do? The cushioned tip gives you control to layer the formula to your desired coverage without looking cakey or weighed down. It’s the perfect addition to your make-up bag, especially when you need to deliver some energy and freshness back into tired skin.
Try: Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer
- Size: 4g
- Available in 50 shades
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan*
- Cruelty-free
This creamy concealer boasts impressive staying power. Seriously, it does not budge. A little goes a long way and we recommend applying it with a damp sponge to really melt the product into skin. Available in 50 shades, spanning warm and cool undertones, there’s a perfect match for everyone. It’s also non-comedogenic, crease-proof and completely matte.
Try: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer
- Size: 12ml
- Available in 26 shades
- Water-resistant
Not only does this best-selling concealer provide long-lasting coverage, it also helps care for skin with its nourishing formula that’s brimming with vitamins, peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. To apply, warm the concealer between your fingertips before pressing it into skin and blending in with a brush. The results? A fresh-faced complexion that looks brighter.
Try: 17. Second Skin Enhancing Concealer
- Available in 10 shades
- Dermatologically-tested
- Highly pigmented
-Contains mineral mix complex
You don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a good concealer for oily skin. This one, from 17., blends in like butter with its creamy formula that’s laced with a ‘mineral mix complex’. As for the results, expect an even, velvety matte finish that stands up to those twice and even thrice its price point.
Try: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer
- Size: 12ml
- Available in 50 shades
- Medium to full coverage
- Long-wearing
- Creamy texture
If you prefer your concealer to feel barely there rather than caked on, try this formula from Fenty Beauty. It has a creamy, weightless texture that delivers a second-skin finish for a natural beauty look, while still concealing dark spots and blemishes. It’s also sweat-resistant and doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines. Tick, tick, tick!
Try: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
- Size: 6ml
- Available in 28 shades
- Medium coverage
- Non-comedogenic
A cult classic, this must-try concealer is a huge hit among make-up artists and beauty editors alike. Suitable for all skin types, including oily, the lightweight texture softens the appearance of fine lines and blemishes, while hydrating skin. Use it under eyes, over dark spots or as a brightening highlighter.
Try: Bobbi Brown Skin Concealer Stick
- Size: 3g
- Available in 18 shades
- Sheer to full coverage
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
If you’re fed up with drying formulas that look caked on, turn your attention to Bobbi Brown’s latest concealer. The creamy, emollient-rich formula layers seamlessly under or over foundation to diffuse the appearance of blemishes, dark circles and discolouration. And while it’s moisturising – it’s not dewy and works well with all skin types, including oily.
Try: M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer
- Size: 9ml
- Available in 16 shades
- Water-resistant
- Fragrance-free
- Non-acnegenic
We can always rely on M.A.C to deliver a brilliant base product and this Pro Longwear Concealer is no exception. Delivering medium to full coverage, the lightweight fluid blends in seamlessly to camouflage dark spots, blemishes and under-eye circles. Skin is left radiant and even with a natural matte finish.
Try: Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer Full Coverage Liquid Concealer
- Size: 5ml
- Available in 14 shades
- Full coverage
- Waterproof
- Easy to blend
This concealer means business. It smooths on effortlessly (thanks to the cushion tip applicator), concealing blemishes and redness, to deliver a full coverage finish that will stick around from desk until dawn. Note that a little goes a long way. And we suggest you work fast while blending as the formula dries quickly.
Try: Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer
- Size: 7g
- Available in 21 shades
- Oil-free
- Sweat and water-resistant
An excellent all-rounder, this incredibly lightweight concealer contains something called a ‘blurring powder blend’ which diffuses light to smooth the look of fine lines. It also helps conceal blemishes and is oil-free – which is ideal for oily skin types. Dot on where desired and press in with fingertips to blend.
Try: Bare Minerals BAREPRO 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer
- Size: 2.6g
- Available in 10 shades
- Non-comedogenic
- Sweat-proof
This nifty stick concealer is a great handbag hero for on-the-go touch-ups. Simply swipe on and blend in with a brush wherever and whenever you want. The creamy texture glides on effortlessly to instantly conceal the appearance of blemishes, dark spots and redness. Oh, and it also boasts a host of skincare benefits. We’re fans!
