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Best Clinique Concealers

Updated December 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
Clinique
Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
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Multipurpose Product
Bottom Line

Acting as both a foundation and concealer, this product provides suitable coverage while looking natural.

Pros

Comes with a sponge tip applicator that can be used at various angles for more placement control. Has lightweight moisturizing benefits. Designed to last throughout the day.

Cons

A few reviews felt that the consistency was too thick.

Best Bang for the Buck
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear
Clinique
Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer Camouflage + 24-Hour Wear
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Long-wearing Formula
Bottom Line

Choose this concealer if long wear is your top priority. A good choice for consumers with active lifestyles or those who spend a lot of time in wet, humid conditions.

Pros

Earns praise for wearing all day without fading, caking, or creasing on most users. Easy to blend, and isn't drying like some long-wearing concealers by competing brands. Feels comfortable and lightweight on the skin.

Cons

Although buildable, the thin consistency won't work well for covering some major blemishes or scars. Some shades appear darker on the skin than in the tubes.

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector
Clinique
Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector
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Minimizes Pores
Bottom Line

A popular Clinique concealer that's designed for minimizing the look of enlarged pores, but is also effective at covering other imperfections.

Pros

Creates a matte finish that makes pores look less noticeable for up to 12 hours, even in hot, humid conditions. Feels soft and smooth on the skin. Only takes a few drops for excellent coverage. Fans also praise how well it covers blemishes, freckles, and small lines.

Cons

Somewhat difficult to blend to get the best results. A few repeat customers are concerned that the formula has been changed, as they found it less effective than previous tubes.

Clinique Airbrush Concealer Illuminates, Perfects
Clinique
Airbrush Concealer Illuminates, Perfects
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Sheer Coverage
Bottom Line

This concealer won't work for everyone, but those who can use it will love the illuminating effect it provides as well as the sheer, lightweight coverage.

Pros

Contains ingredients that diffuse light and minimize fine lines and shadows. Doesn't contain oil, and is easy to blend. Sheer formula doesn't feel heavy on the skin. We love the brush applicator that makes it easy to apply just the right amount of concealer to specific areas.

Cons

Too sheer to cover dark circles or blemishes. Consistency is on the thin side. Looks chalky on some skin tones.

Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser
Clinique
Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser
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Great for Under Eyes
Bottom Line

With ingredients that brighten, plump, and smooth, this full-coverage concealer works well anywhere, but is especially effective under the eyes.

Pros

Formulated with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine to energize and boost radiance. Lightweight but long-lasting. Smooths fine lines, blurs imperfections, and reduces puffiness under the eyes. Moisture-resistant for optimum staying power.

Cons

Some reports of oxidizing into a different color than when first applied.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best Clinique concealers

Clinique is a makeup and skincare brand dedicated to providing gentle, dermatologist-tested products that aren’t likely to irritate the skin. Its concealers definitely fit that bill, containing many ingredients that are good for the skin while hiding the imperfections you don’t want to be visible.

Clinique concealers are available in several different formulas designed to address specific skin issues. Whether you have acne you want to hide or dark circles that need brightening, you can find a concealer that not only covers your blemishes but contains ingredients designed to treat them too. Clinique also offers concealers for all skin types and in a wide range of shades, making it easy to find the ideal option no matter what your skin looks like.

Our buying guide delivers the tips you need to find the best buy for your makeup bag. If you want the easiest shopping possible, check out our specific product recommendations.

Clinique concealers
All Clinique concealers are free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance.

Key considerations

Concealer type

Concealers are available in a few different types, but Clinique offers mainly liquid options.

Liquid concealers are the most versatile option because they can work for nearly every skin type. They also have a buildable formula, which allows you to customize the coverage to suit your needs. A liquid concealer can work well to cover breakouts, dark circles, hyperpigmentation, and other blemishes. Clinique liquid concealers are also available in several finishes, including matte, dewy, and satin.

Cream concealers are thicker than liquid concealers, and Clinique offers a few. These usually provide medium to full coverage. Most have a dewy or satin finish and work particularly well for very dry or mature skin. However, because of the creamy texture, they don’t last as long on the skin as liquid concealers, so you might need to set the formula with powder.

Skin type

While most Clinique concealers can work for most skin types, some formulas are targeted for specific skin issues.

Oily or acne-prone skin does best with an oil-free, non-acnegenic concealer. It’s less likely to clog the pores and cause additional breakouts.

Mature or dry skin should opt for a formula with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to prevent it from settling into fine lines or clinging to dry patches.

Normal skin can wear nearly any Clinique concealer formula. The concealers are dermatologist-tested too, so they’re safe for sensitive skin.

Coverage

When shopping for a Clinique concealer, it’s essential that you consider how much coverage you need. If you only have a few blemishes and slightly dark circles, a light-coverage concealer is probably all you need. For darker blemishes and discoloration, you may need a medium- or full-coverage concealer to fully cover the imperfections.

The great thing about Clinique concealers is that most are a liquid formula that allows you to build up coverage. You can apply a small amount to get light coverage for minor blemishes or add extra layers if you need more coverage to hide a stubborn breakout or dark circles.

Some Clinique concealers contain ingredients that help boost moisture in the skin, soften fine lines, and fade dark spots over time.

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Features

Usage

It’s important to think about how you plan to use your concealer if you want to choose the right Clinique formula.

All-purpose concealer: Some Clinique concealers are all-purpose formulas, so you can apply them anywhere on your face. You can conceal acne, dark circles, uneven skin, and other imperfections because the formula is lightweight and has a natural or satin finish. It won’t cake up on acne or settle into fine lines around the eyes. Clinique all-purpose concealers are oil-free too.

Under-eye concealer: Some Clinique formulas are meant mainly for use under the eyes. They tend to be more moisturizing to help hydrate the delicate skin in this area and aren’t as likely to settle in fine lines and wrinkles. They offer a dewy or satin finish to brighten the under-eye area.

Shade range

Getting the concealer shade right is vital if you’re going to successfully hide blemishes and discoloration. Some Clinique concealers are only available in a few shades, while other formulas offer up to 42 shades. You’ll have a much better chance of finding the perfect shade for you if you opt for a concealer with the most extensive range available.

Under the eyes: If you’re using the concealer under your eyes, you might want to go one or two shades lighter than your skin to help brighten this area. Concealer shades with peach or orange undertones can also counter the blue and purple tones in dark circles.

Face: When concealing blemishes on the face, choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone. You want to get the depth right in terms of lightness or darkness and choose the correct warm or cool undertone too.

Packaging

Tube concealer that comes with an applicator can be applied directly from the tube to your skin. You can then use a makeup brush, sponge, or clean finger to blend it in. Concealers with a doe-foot applicator aren’t as messy to apply as those in a squeeze tube.

Formulas in a squeeze tube usually require dispensing some on the back of your hand and then using a brush, sponge, or finger to apply and blend it into the skin. It’s generally easier to get all of the concealer out of the packaging with a squeeze tube.

Clinique concealers
DID YOU KNOW?
You don’t have to wear a concealer with foundation. You can apply it on its own to your problem areas for a lighter makeup look.
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Accessories

Clinique foundation: Clinique Even Better Glow
If you have many spots to conceal, you want to even out your entire face with a high-quality Clinique foundation before applying concealer. This one is a favorite because it has a natural, satiny finish and contains antioxidants and SPF 15 to protect the skin.

Makeup sponges: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponges
Makeup sponges are excellent for blending out your concealer once you’ve applied it to the skin. We love these sponges from Real Techniques because the set includes four latex-free sponges that won’t soak up your makeup.

Makeup brushes: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Collection
Makeup brushes can also work well for blending out your concealer. This set from Real Techniques is an excellent option because it includes a specific concealer brush with synthetic bristles that blend makeup well.

Loose setting powder: Givenchy Poudre Premiere Mat & Translucent Finish Loose Powder
If you’re using a hydrating concealer, you want to dust it with a setting powder to help it last all day. We like this one from Givenchy because its sheer, lightweight formula works on nearly all skin types.

Clinique concealer prices

Clinique concealers vary in price based on the formula, coverage, and other features. Most concealers cost between $21 and $36.

Inexpensive: The most affordable Clinique concealers are lightweight liquid formulas. They can be used for the entire face and typically offer buildable coverage. These concealers generally cost between $21 and $24.

Mid-range: These Clinique concealers are creamier liquid formulas. They’re designed for use in specific areas, such as under the eyes, and offer light to medium coverage. These concealers typically include hydrating ingredients and offer a satin finish. You’ll pay between $24 and $26 for these concealers.

Expensive: The most expensive Clinique concealers are all-purpose formulas with a thicker consistency. They offer medium to full coverage and can last nearly all day. These concealers typically cost between $26 and $36.

You can also use a concealer for highlighting. Choose a concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin to draw the light and add dimension to your face.

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Tips

  • Start with a small amount. To prevent your concealer from creasing or looking cakey, always start with a small amount. You can add more if you need extra coverage, but you’ll have to remove it and start over if you apply too much.
  • Apply concealer in natural light. That helps you see how well it is covering your imperfections.
  • Don’t use your fingers on acne-prone skin. If you’re using a concealer to cover acne, don’t apply or blend it with your fingers. You can spread bacteria from your breakout to other areas of the face and cause new acne.
  • Set the concealer with powder. Loose setting powder is the best option because it’s lightweight and won’t cling to the concealer. Pressed powder can make your concealer look cakey.
Clinique concealers
Don’t rub when blending in concealer. Use a patting or dabbing motion to help concentrate the coverage.

FAQ

Q. Can I use Clinique concealer around my eyes if I wear contacts?

A. Some Clinique concealers are ophthalmologist tested, so they’re completely safe for use in the eye area even if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes. Read the product description carefully for the formula you’re considering to see if it's a good fit for you.

Q. What’s the shelf life for Clinique concealers?

A. Like all concealers, Clinique concealers typically last between 12 and 18 months. You can find the exact amount of time for a particular formula because Clinique prints an expiration date on the packaging. Look for a small symbol that resembles an open container and contains a number, such as 6, 12, or 18, which indicates the number of months the concealer will last once you open it.

Q. Should I apply my concealer after foundation?

A. As with most makeup, there’s no hard and fast rule about the order in which you should apply foundation and concealer. If you wear powder foundation, you should apply concealer first because it’s difficult to apply liquid or cream products over powder. If you wear a liquid or cream foundation, you can apply your concealer before or after. Most people choose to apply foundation first because it can partially cover up some blemishes so you don’t need to apply as much concealer.