I Faced Issues with Dark Circles and Creasing Under My Eyes—Then I Discovered These Hydrating Concealers.

      I have a complicated relationship with concealers. Although I truly appreciate how they can elevate your base makeup from decent to exceptional, I often find that after a few hours, I’m faced with a trio of concealer issues: caking, cracking, and creasing. As a responsible beauty editor, I've taken it upon myself to solve this dilemma and discover which concealer formulas can provide excellent coverage while looking just as good at the end of the day as when I initially applied them. After consulting some experts, it’s no surprise to hear their recommendation: you need a good hydrating concealer.

      Hydrating formulas aren’t only beneficial for those with dry skin; they can actually serve all skin types, depending on your preferred finish. They deliver pigmented coverage, making them ideal for targeting spots and under-eye areas, and they're enriched with skincare ingredients to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. This means the concealer applies more smoothly and is less likely to dry out or settle into wrinkles throughout the day, helping it maintain a fresh appearance. “Hydrating concealers help the skin stretch and move without causing dryness,” noted makeup artist Katrin Rees when I sought her insights. “This ultimately reduces the formation of wrinkles and creasing. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are particularly beneficial in concealers, especially around the eye area, where they can diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness.”

      To test this advice, I embarked on a journey to try various hydrating concealers to see if they lived up to the claims. It turns out Katrin was correct. When I choose a concealer with hydrating properties, my makeup not only applies more smoothly and evenly, but I also notice minimal to no creasing by the end of the day—something I previously could only hope for. Fortunately, I'm eager to share my findings, so here are the best hydrating concealers I've discovered...

      1. By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer

       Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, magnolia flower

       Coverage: Medium

       If you try only one hydrating concealer, make it this one. By Terry’s formula is unmatched. It's lightweight, creamy, and blends effortlessly while covering dark circles and blemishes. In addition to full coverage, it contains eight types of hyaluronic acid for hydration, caffeine for brightness, and magnolia flower to soothe and reduce puffiness. I prefer to use a small fluffy brush to buff it into the skin for a natural, seamless finish.

       Pros: Contains hyaluronic acid for plumping hydration, super creamy, has buildable coverage.

       Cons: The shade range definitely needs expansion.

      2. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer

       Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide

       Coverage: Medium

       A makeup artist recently introduced me to this concealer, vowing that it provides buildable coverage with a bright, dewy finish. After testing it, I concur. Not only does it effectively cover dark circles, but it also leaves the skin with a healthy glow resembling a full night’s sleep. In addition to hyaluronic acid, it includes vitamin C for brightness and niacinamide for skin soothing, making this a hardworking formula fulfilling both coverage and skincare benefits.

       Pros: Luminous finish, beautifully creamy texture.

       Cons: The dewy finish may not suit everyone's preferences.

      3. Fenty Beauty We’re Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer

       Key ingredients: Glycerin

       Coverage: Medium

       I'll admit, even though I'm a fan of Fenty’s products, I found their foundations slightly dry, so I didn’t have high expectations for this concealer. I was completely mistaken. It’s actually quite creamy and hydrating, without settling into fine lines. With 50 shades available, there are numerous options for every skin tone.

       Pros: Extensive shade range, angled applicator for precision, very long-lasting.

       Cons: The extensive shade variety might complicate the selection process.

      4. Nars Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer

       Key ingredients: Multi-Active Botanical Blend, Vitamin E

       Coverage: Light/Medium

       This is a product I repeatedly purchase, rare in my routine. With a blend of multiple botanicals, including grape seed extract and vitamin E, it offers light/medium coverage without feeling heavy or drying. While it can be set with powder, it isn't necessary since it remains long-lasting even on its own, delivering a natural, soft-matte finish. A standout product!

       Pros: Universally adored, super-creamy consistency, buildable coverage.

       Cons: It’s not as full-coverage as others on the list.

      5. Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating Concealer

       Key ingredients: 20+ skincare ingredients, Arnica

       Coverage: Medium

       This formula promises to conceal and cover