When you have an oily complexion, sometimes it feels like your makeup application efforts are in vain—especially when you’re working with foundation and concealer. The latter is all but essential when applying a full face of glam and any time you want to hide under-eye circles, correct discoloration, cover blemishes, blur imperfections, or highlight your best features.
If your skin tends to be greasy but not necessarily glowy, you want something that not only does what it’s supposed to but also stays put for longer than a few minutes. So, what products are up for the task? “‘Oil-free, non-comedogenic, long-wear, waterproof, and lightweight’ are all descriptors to look for when shopping for a concealer for oily skin,” says Portland-based makeup artist Analisa Marie of The Wildflower Collective. You’ll want to choose a concealer in the format you prefer working with, with a matte finish and a shade that works with your skin tone. While liquids are the standard, there are other options that work well, too. The finish should be one that prevents further oiliness, and the correct shade is imperative for a natural look.
Scroll on for the best concealers for oily skin.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Smashbox Concealer at Sephora
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Runner-Up, Best Overall:
Esteé Lauder Double Wear Waterproof Concealer at Sephora
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Best Drugstore:
L’Oreal Pro Glow Concealer at Amazon
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Best Budget:
e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer at Amazon
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Best Splurge:
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 25 at Cledepeaubeaute.com
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Best Under-Eye:
Lancôme Effarcernes Under-Eye Concealer at Ulta
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Best Full Coverage:
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer at Sephora
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Best Light Coverage:
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer at Amazon
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Best Complexion-Boosting:
Beauty Bakerie Instabake 3 in 1 Concealer at Ulta
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Glo Skin Beauty Concealer at Amazon
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In This Article
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Our Picks
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Final Verdict
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What to Look For
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How We Researched & Tested
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Why Trust Review2Coupon?
Best Overall:
Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless Oil-Free 24 Hour Concealer
4.6
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What We Like
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Available in a mini size
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Gives skin a luminous finish
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Lasts all day
What We Don’t Like
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Has a scent
Another rec from Marie, Vanish Airbrush Concealer is a weightless, waterproof product offering buildable coverage and up to 16 hours of oil-free perfection. We also appreciate that it comes in 22 shades, ranging from deep brown to medium golden to fair.
Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 22 | Size: 0.2 fl. oz | Review2Coupon Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
If we had to pick just one, we’d have to go with Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless Oil-Free 24 Hour Concealer. The all-star formula does everything from blurring and correcting to concealing and highlighting without caking, creasing, or settling. However, if you want something a little easier on your bank account, L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Concealer is a wonderful product for oily skin. The luminous formula enhances your complexion while delivering a full 16 hours of coverage.
What to Look For in Concealer For Oily Skin
Formula
“Liquid concealers are usually best for oily skin and are great for buildable coverage, even if they are a full-coverage product,” Marie says. You might also want to look for a formula that’s oil-free and potentially waterproof, which will help it stay in place and provide you with the longest-lasting coverage.
That said, there are some really great cream formulas out there that come in little pots or sticks. They’re often a little more moisturizing, which can actually help oily skin produce less oil, and typically offer slightly lighter coverage.
Shade
Concealers should generally be a shade or two lighter than your foundation. This allows you to use it for undereye circles, color correction and highlighting. Plus, it’ll still blend into your skin when used to conceal blemishes or scars.
Finish
If you want something that corrects your skin’s shiny or greasy appearance, look for a matte concealer. (This will usually be indicated in the product description, if not the name.) The best options deliver a flat, shine-free finish that looks smooth and soft and doesn’t feel overly dry or cakey.