face makeup The Best Concealers for Covering Dark Spots

If your skin is marked with dark spots — regardless of what you have to thank for them — it can be difficult hiding them. While dark spot correctors can help decrease their appearance over time, changing your skin care routine isn’t an instant fix. That’s where makeup comes in. 

With the right concealer for dark spots, you can cover dark areas completely until it’s time to wash off your makeup. To guide you in the right direction, we’ve rounded up our best concealers for dark spots, since not any old concealer will do. Keep reading for all the details, including how to apply the concealer once you find the right one for you.

The Best Concealers for Dark Spots

We have no doubt that you’re already aware what concealer is for: It covers up — or conceals — imperfections, helping you to achieve a more flawless skin finish. What you might not know is that different concealers can serve different purposes. One type of concealer may be perfect for disguising dark circles but not quite right for hiding blemishes. The same principle applies to covering dark spots. 

The concealer already in your arsenal may not do the job — even if it’s normally one of your holy grail products. To temporarily diminish the appearance of dark spots, here are some of the best concealers for dark spots. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage

Coming in 25 different shades, this full-coverage concealer will instantly erase the appearance of any dark spots. The waterproof, non-greasy formula won't transfer, fade, or flake throughout the day, so your dark spots will be well-hidden.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Concealer with Hydrating Serum

If you have mature skin, consider this concealer that’s formulated with a hydrating serum and glycerin. It works to brighten dark areas, minimize imperfections, and hydrate your skin.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid

Specifically formulated for the under-eye area, this product works as a moisturizing eye cream while providing coverage for dark circles. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and refresh tired, puffy under-eyes — showing results in one week.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon 

Think back to middle school art class, when you learned about the color wheel. You were taught about complementary colors (i.e., those that are opposites on the wheel). Now that you’ve refreshed your memory, you can apply that knowledge to help hide your dark spots. By applying concealer in a color that’s opposite the shade of your dark spots, you can effectively cancel out their appearance.

These color-correcting concealer crayons come in three hues meant for covering dark spots, which typically have a blue tone. Use peach to conceal dark spots on fair to light skin tones, bisque for light to medium complexions, and orange for medium to deep skin tones.

How to Cover Dark Spots With Concealer

Now, you know the best concealers to help temporarily disguise your dark spots. While you wait for them to fade, here’s how to apply your concealer the right way.

1. Prime

Before breaking out your concealer of choice, apply a layer of primer that suits your skin type. If you’re oily, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Makeup Primer. For those with skin that leans more dry, use the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Face Primer Infused with Serum or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer.

2. Color Correct

Using a makeup blender, apply color-correcting concealer to any dark spots. Once your face is marked with blotches of coverage, gently bounce the blender against your skin to buff out harsh lines.

3. Conceal

If you didn’t expect to use more concealer — surprise! If you don’t want to leave the house with an orange complexion, applying a concealer that matches your skin tone can combat that effect.

4. Apply foundation

For a full-face of makeup, follow concealer with foundation. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, which has a medium to full formula to create the perfect canvas. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender to apply it.

5. Set With Face Powder

Don’t step away from the mirror just yet — you still need to set your makeup. Sweep on a setting powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder, to ensure your dark spots stay out of sight.

Next: How to Cover Up Dark Spots with Makeup

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Design by: Crystal Miller