11 Best Concealers For Melasma, According To A Makeup Artist – 2024
Cover up uneven Melasma discoloration with these blendable and buildable concealers.
Vesselina RaltchevaMakeup Artist
Vesselina Raltcheva is a professional makeup artist with over a decade of experience in wedding styling and makeup. She offers makeup trials, consultations, and group appointments to ensure that her clients look and feel their best while wa... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
krati darakMBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of ... more
Image: From Shutterstock
Melasma is a skin condition with uneven hyperpigmentation. While makeup can help even it out, getting your hands on the best concealer for melasma might help you deal with it better. Dark patches on your cheeks, forehead, chin, or upper lips commonly found in melasma, could be due to certain underlying hormonal imbalances. While changes in your diet and lifestyle may help improve conditions internally, a good concealer can help cover up your skin irregularities in the meanwhile.
Just like regular concealers, the ones for correcting melasma also come in various shades, textures, formulas, and ways of application. Choose one that best suits and color corrects your skin tone. While covering up uneven skin tone and dark patches might seem a tedious task to do every time you step out, a good correcting concealer would essentially help save a lot of time and effort. To help you choose the right one, we have curated some of the best concealers for melasma for a flawless makeup look. All these products have garnered positive reviews from various customers online. Scroll down to check them out!
In This Article
11 Best Concealers For Melasma For Flawless Makeup
1. Best Long-Wearing:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer- Oatmeal
For the ultimate matte finish, use L’Oreal Paris’ concealer for melasma, as it not only covers up skin imperfections, but is also suited for everyday wear. The applicator ensures maximum coverage in a single stroke to hide the occasional dark spot, dark circles, acne scars, and skin discoloration. With a non-greasy formula that’s also resistant to water, this full coverage concealer for melasma doesn’t budge for upto 24 hours! As it’s available in a range of 25 shades, we bet you can find one that’s the perfect match. You can check this video out if you need to know more about the product. You can check this video detailing a tester’s experience of using this concealer to learn more about it.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Doesn’t fade or flake
- Long-wearing
- Can be used to contour or highlight
- Non-greasy
- Effectively conceals hyperpigmentation
- Gives a matte finish
Cons
- Might make fine lines and wrinkles apparent on mature skin
Pro Tip2. Best Full Coverage:COVERGIRL TruBlend Undercover Full Coverage Concealer- Classic Ivory
A stellar melasma concealer comes to you from COVERGIRL, which features a doe-applicator for an even and smooth application. Super lightweight, this makeup to cover melasma glides easily over troubled skin, and conceals imperfections flawlessly. The velvety formula gives a soft matte and natural finish that stays put all day long, without getting cakey. And with a range of 30 shades that cover almost all skin tones, it’s not going to be hard to find your 1 true hue! To find out more about this makeup routine must-have product, check this video that features a reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Offers full coverage
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Doesn’t cake or crack
- Easy to apply and blend
- Can also be used to highlight and contour
Cons
- Might not be crease-resistant
3. Best Buildable:Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Concealer- Light
The perfect camouflage for blemishes, spots, and hyperpigmentation is brought to you by Maybelline, a brand that specializes in budget-friendly beauty. Master Concealer is a good concealer for melasma as it ensures even-toned skin, and you can rock it every single day. Without a heavy or cakey feel, it glides on your skin to seamlessly conceal discolored skin. Many reviewers also love this concentrated formula as it offers full coverage for a flawless base for all-day wear. With its natural-looking finish, we think this is one of the top concealers for melasma out there! If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Buildable formula
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight
- Non-cakey
- Provides full coverage
- Concentrated formula
- Affordable
Cons
- Might be drying on dry skin types
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 6,438 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
| L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer- Oatmeal Best Long-Wearing | COVERGIRL TruBlend Undercover Full Coverage Concealer- Classic Ivory Best Full Coverage | Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Concealer- Light Best Buildable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Acne ProneColor | AllColor | Acne ProneColor |
| Dimensions | 0.79 x 0.79 x 4.31 inches | 0.8 x 0.8 x 4.35 inches | 0.63 x 0.98 x 4.42 inches |
| Weight | 0.8 Ounces. | 0.33 Ounces. | 0.35 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 15,596 | 8,941 | 6,438 |
| Price | $11.97 | $7.94 | $16.59 |
4. Best Transfer-Proof:Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer- 35c Medium
Dermablend’s got the best concealer to cover melasma in the form of this versatile stick that you can carry around for on-the-go touch-ups. Its high-performance pigments deliver well, and were formulated by a dermatologist, and a makeup artist. This expertly crafted melasma upper lip concealer hides dark spots and discolorations caused by sun damage and excess melanin production without any hassle. With a staying power of 16 hours, the ultra-creamy formula won’t clog your pores, or cake up by the end of the day. It is allergy-tested and is safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Transfer-proof
- Dermatologically-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- 16-hour wearing power
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- May contain sulfates
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 4,384 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
5. Best Crease-Proof:Revlon ColorStay Full Coverage Concealer- Light Medium
Revlon’s concealers make for the best melasma makeup, as their super creamy consistency makes them a dream to blend in. The medium coverage can be easily achieved with a doe foot applicator, and you can hide away dark circles and hyper-pigmentation for a natural-looking finish for up to 24 hours. The salicylic acid in this formula helps heal common skin conditions like acne and fades blemishes for smooth, even-textured skin. When you’re on the move, this is the best concealer for melasma on your upper lip, due to its easy application.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Allows for easy blending
- Crease-proof
- Lightweight formula
- Long-wearing
- Buildable coverage
Cons
- Might get patchy throughout the day
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,475 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
6. Best Waterproof:bareMinerals Barepro 16-Hour Full Coverage Concealer
If you haven’t tried bare Minerals’ makeup that covers melasma, you might be missing out. This creamy stick is ideal to cover up skin imperfections, as it doesn’t drag or tug. With a soft-looking matte finish, the heavy-duty concealer is made with Mineral Lock Longwear Technology that makes it stay put for up to 16 hours. The rich pigments are available in 15 shades for impeccable concealing, or contouring. Not only is this the best cover-up for melasma, but the Barepro Concealer contains bamboo stem extract that blurs pores and fine lines, and raspberry seed oil supplies antioxidants. You’ll also find blackcurrant seed oil and sea lavender, both of which keep the skin hydrated, and protect it from pollution. With this multitasking feature, what’s not to love about bareMinerals’ best makeup for melasma cover-up?
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Mineral-based formula
- Made without talc, parabens, SLS, or synthetic fragrance
- Vegan and tree-nut free
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Waterproof
- Crease-proof
Cons
- Might have a thick consistency
7. Best Non-Comedogenic:Tarte Shape Tape Concealer- Light (Fair With Pink Undertones)
This peach concealer for melasma from the celebrity-endorsed brand receives all the hype for the right reasons. Formulated with their unique Tape Technology, this melasma makeup cover with pink undertones helps smooth down fine lines, and wrinkles. As it is enriched with shea butter and licorice root extract that naturally smooths down fine lines and wrinkles, your skin maintains elasticity, and loses all the dark spots by brightening the overall complexion. And to keep your skin deeply moisturized, some rich mango butter works behind the scenes. A 16-hour wearing formula that remains crease-proof for up to 12 hours? We’re not kidding! To seamlessly hide dark and discolored patches, try Tarte’s best makeup for melasma cover up, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Offers full coverage
- Vegan
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Might not be ideal for acne-prone skin, as it contains dimethicone
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,493 reviews claiming its efficacy.
8. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
Nothing like splurging on some luxury beauty to look like a million bucks, you feel us? Estee Lauder’s dermatologist-recommended makeup for melasma skin lasts you all day long, and is armed to protect you from both sweat and humidity. Enriched with skin-nourishing emollients and minerals, this 15-hour long-lasting formula won’t budge until you want it to, and it won’t transfer either! With a gorgeous buildable full coverage, the brush applicator makes it easy to achieve a natural matte finish. Estee Lauder’s color corrector for melasma is non-comedogenic and goes on luxuriously to offer flawless, healthy skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Waterproof
- Suited for combination skin types
Cons
- Slightly pricey
9. Best Semi-Matte Finish:Glo Skin Beauty Oil Free Camouflage Concealer- Natural
The best way to cover melasma is to invest in a quality concealer that won’t let you down, and we recommend Glo Skin Beauty for that! It’ll be your go-to for melasma-related hyperpigmentation, discoloration, blemishes, and spots, as its ultra-rich pigments cover up all skin irregularities. The oil-free, color-correcting palette offers medium-to-full coverage for customized camouflage, and you can use it no matter what your skin type is. Not only will it let your pores breathe, but it also contains skin-friendly ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, with rosemary and green tea extracts for antioxidant and soothing properties. For a glow from within, this is the best makeup for melasma coverage out there and you will not be disappointed with this makeup choice.
Pros
- Contains an antioxidant and vitamin blend
- Offers buildable medium-to-full coverage
- Non-comedogenic
- Gives a semi-matte finish
- Talc-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might cake up
10. Best Anti-Aging:Pixi By Petra Correction Concentrate- Brightening Peach
Pixi By Petra’s Correction Concentrate will amp up your collection of makeup to hide melasma. It reduces dark spots, and blurs out fine lines for an even tone and texture, for that natural lit-from-within look. Enriched with rosehip extract that increases skin elasticity to make it plump, vitamin C for brightening, and vitamin A for anti-aging benefits, this color corrective concealer for melasma offers you full coverage.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Contains rich pigments
- Paraben-free
- Offers buildable coverage
- Gives a semi-matte finish
- Contains anti-aging benefits
Cons
- May not be long-wearing
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 122 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
11. Best Sweat-Resistant:Bobbi Brown New Creamy Concealer Kit- Natural
A setting powder ensures that your concealer stays put all day long, and Bobbi Brown’s New Creamy Concealer Kit comes with just that. With a yellow-base creamy concealer that offers a natural matte finish, the kit is also equipped with a lightweight setting powder to lock in the corrector. The cream formula blends seamlessly and hides blemishes and dark patches effectively, delivering exceptional results. With the presence of emollients that smoothen skin, it also contains silica responsible for the ‘soft-focus’ effect that blurs out skin imperfections. The Natural shade helps correct inconsistencies in lighter skin tones.
Pros
- Resistant to water, humidity, sweat
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients
- Comes with a setting powder
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Now that we’ve looked at the best concealers for melasma on the market, let’s get you armed to pick the right one for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Concealer For Melasma
- Shade
Make sure to pick out a concealer that matches the shade of your skin, but not your melasma, as this can darken your overall complexion. It’s best to do a patch test on your wrist or neck, and choose a shade that goes with your skin color to cover up the hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone. A tip is to pick a corrector that is the same shade as your foundation so the 2 blend seamlessly for a natural-looking finish. This is a key tip for both light and deeper skin tones.
- Ingredients
Look for naturally brightening ingredients like niacinamide that fades blemishes, vitamin C that reduces the production of melanin and encourages collagen increase. AHAs also gently exfoliate skin, and allow for new skin cells to resurface, resulting in bright and even skin tone. Along with this, avoid ingredients like hydroquinone because it is a carcinogen, and mercury, which might cause kidney damage. Steer clear of mineral oils, parabens, sulfates, GMOs, and SLS as they can be harsh on the skin. The key to ensuring safe ingredients is to read ingredient lists thoroughly before the purchase.
- Coverage
As melasma can be distributed all over the face, a full coverage concealer is better. If you can’t get your hands on one, try looking for a concealer with a buildable formula from medium-to-full. Also ensure that the product has a lightweight formula so it doesn’t end up being cakey or patchy by the end of the day. Cream and liquid concealers have a concentrated formula, and offer maximum coverage.
- Form
Cream concealers give a heavy coverage, and helps easily cover up blemishes and dark patches. As they have a thick consistency, they suit dry and normal skin types better. Suitable for almost all skin types, liquid concealers usually have buildable formulas and are able to provide full coverage. Dry, dehydrated skin types should avoid liquid concealers that give a matte finish, and oily skin types will do well to choose those with a dewy finish. Finally, stick concealers are the ideal option for people that want color-correcting benefits on-the-go, and they usually have a cream formula. The cover ranges from sheer-to-medium, and can be suited for mild melasma. As a lot of melasma occurs above the lips, this concealer form can help correct problem areas above the lip easily.
After you’ve obtained the right makeup, the next best thing to do is to use it for a flawless complexion! Let us show you how.
How To Apply Makeup To Conceal Melasma
- Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly, and follow up with your usual skincare routine. Make sure to not skip moisturizer and SPF.
- Step 2: Use makeup primer to prepare your face for base makeup.
- Step 3: Using the concealer, dab some on the areas covered with melasma hyperpigmentation, spots, blemishes, and dry patches. Start with a minimal product, and then build as needed because it might get cakey otherwise.
- Step 4: Using a beauty blender or just your fingers (your preference), gently blend the concealer to cover all problem areas effectively.
- Step 5: Follow up with foundation, and blend it smoothly for an even coverage.
- Step 6: To prevent transfer, seal with setting powder.
Infographic: Tips For Choosing The Ideal Concealer For Melasma
Concealers are a great way to hide unwanted blemishes and hyperpigmentation, especially for those struggling with melasma. While you might come across multiple options, choosing the best concealer that promises effective results is challenging. Check out the infographic below and bookmark these tips for your next concealer shopping trip.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Concealers are amazing, especially if your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, as in the cases of people suffering from acute melasma. The main point is to carefully pick a concealer that offers great coverage and also possesses long-staying power. Not just that, the concealers should also comprise skin-friendly ingredients that are devoid of harmful chemicals and toxins. The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer provides natural full coverage, while the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer- Light (Fair With Pink Undertones) provides long-lasting coverage for blemishes. For non-cakey coverage, you can go with the Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer – 35c Medium. There are many concealers in the market, and they come in varied shades, types, and finishes, but you should choose products that do not fade easily and conceal hyperpigmentation. For people with mature skin, carefully avoid concealers that do not cover your dark spots, fine lines, or wrinkles. Instead, opt for expert-recommended formulas that are packed with anti-aging ingredients to get the best results. Remember to test the concealer that you have chosen on a small patch of your skin to check for allergies before using it daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best concealer for melasma?
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer is the best concealer for melasma. The product contains non-comedogenic ingredients and lasts on the skin all day long. In addition, it is sweat-proof and humidity-resistant.
Can concealers hide melasma?
Yes. A full-coverage peach-colored concealer can hide melasma spots effectively.
What color concealer hides pigmentation?
Peach or pink color concealers are highly effective in hiding hyperpigmented spots for light to medium skin tone. And, deeper orange or red color concealers can cover the dark spots for people with a darker complexion.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Srijita De, is a beauty and makeup enthusiast who loves trying products that take your makeup and beauty routine a notch higher. After multiple product comparisons and reading through numerous customer feedback, she has put together this list of the top concealers that work best for melasma pigmentation. These concealers come in different shades and formulations to match your skin tone and texture, giving you that flawless look.
