11 Best Water-based Concealers to Pick for a Flawless Finish (2024)

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Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer

Updated on May 15, 2024

11 Best Water-based Concealers to Pick for a Flawless Finish (2)

Water-based Concealers to Pick for a Flawless Finish

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Prepare for a transformative beauty experience as we introduce you to the enchanting world of water-based concealers. The best water-based concealers, picked based on our observations and as per our expertise, offer a refined touch of elegance to your makeup routine, brilliantly accentuating your natural beauty while providing lightweight, breathable coverage that sustains throughout the day.

Imbued with hydrating properties, these concealers are a hidden treasure for individuals with dry skin. Yet, they don't discriminate – those with oily skin can equally reap the benefits as these concealers, with their non-pore-clogging character, keep skin-related concerns at bay. Our purpose is not just to introduce you to makeup that enhances your beauty but also caters to your skin's health.

Anticipate a joyride through the lanes of beauty and makeup as we unfold the top water-based concealers that span a range of budgets and preferences. With the right high-end concealer at your fingertips, you're set to initiate the journey to perfecting your ideal makeup routine.

Our top picks

Best High-end Coverage

e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

Best for Acne-prone Skin

FOCALLURE Matte Concealer

In This Article

What Is a Water-based Concealer? How to Keep Your Concealer from Caking And Creasing? 11 Best Water-based Concealers How to Choose a Water-based Concealer? How to Use a Water-based Concealer? FAQ's Why Trust Pinkvilla

What Is a Water-based Concealer?

A water-based concealer is a type of makeup product that has water as its primary ingredient. This kind of formulation makes it weightless on the skin and gives a flawless finish without clogging pores. Water-based concealers are usually less thick and provide more natural coverage compared to oil-based or cream-based concealers. They are best for lightweight coverage and keep your skin hydrated. And this skin hydration is particularly beneficial for under-eye application where skin tends to be thinner and drier.

How to Keep Your Concealer from Caking And Creasing?

Preventing your concealer from caking and creasing requires a few important steps. First, always begin with well-moisturized and primed skin. This will provide a smooth, hydrated base for the concealer to adhere to. Next, remember that less is more. Applying too much concealer can lead to a cakey finish and crease. Dab a small amount of concealer and build up if necessary. Use a damp beauty sponge or your ring finger to blend it out for a seamless finish. Lastly, set your concealer with a light dusting of setting powder to lock it in place and save yourself fine lines and wrinkles.

11 Best Water-based Concealers

  • 1

    Best Anti-aging Properties

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Instant Age Rewind Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

Now it is easy to erase dark circles and blemishes with this water-based Maybelline concealer that brings your skin a youthful glow. Its sheer, matte finish is perfect for brightening dull skin, creating a radiant, well-rested appearance. Adding to that, this concealer is infused with Haloxyl, effectively reducing the appearance of fine lines. Furthermore, this versatile product can be used in multiple shades for contouring and highlighting, enabling you to create a perfect canvas. Say hello to refreshed and glowing skin with this concealer.

Pros

  • Brightens dull skin
  • Reduces redness
  • Masks blemishes
  • Anti-aging properties
  • Budget-friendly
  • Under eye treatment

Cons

  • None

Buy now

  • 2

    Best High-end Coverage

    e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • This e.l.f. hydrating concealer is designed for high coverage, to perfectly mask those pesky spots and under-eye circles. Not only does it conceal but also corrects and covers imperfections, highlighting the natural beauty of your skin. Infused with sodium hyaluronate and rose flower water, it ensures your skin gets a boost of hydration for a satin finish. The product's lightweight, workable formula avoids creasing, leaving a smooth finish that endures all day. The large doe foot applicator wand is a plus as it allows easy and precise application.

    Pros

    • Suits all skin types
    • Long-wearing
    • Hydrating formula
    • No flaking
    • Multiple shades
    • Cruelty-free

    Cons

    • None

    Buy now

  • 3

    Best Overall

    L’ORÉAL PARIS Makeup Infallible Full Wear Matte Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • This matte concealer by L'ORÉAL PARIS is an exceptional multi-tasker. Serving a dual purpose, it not only conceals imperfections and covers blemishes but also acts as a contour plus highlight product. Experience full face coverage with a flawless matte finish for all day. Its extra-large applicator provides maximum coverage in one stroke, acne scars, and discoloration. It offers 25 unique shades to choose from. Whether you need to conceal imperfections, contour, highlight, or even use on the body, this water-based color corrector does it all.

    Pros

    • Full coverage
    • Dual purpose
    • Hides dark circles
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Waterproof
    • No flakes

    Cons

    • May not suit all skin types

    Buy now

  • 4

    Best Lightweight

    NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Bare With Me Concealer Serum

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Get the best of skincare and makeup with NYX's Bare With Me concealer, a pioneering fusion that offers the hydration of a serum and the coverage of a concealer. It's perfect for under-eye, face, and body application with its natural finish and lightweight feel. In a single pump, you can hide blemishes, redness, dark circles, and dry patches. With the goodness of tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea, this is an ideal choice for a makeup enthusiast.

    Pros

    • Dual-purpose serum
    • Long-lasting hydration
    • Non-cakey finish
    • Medium coverage
    • Vegan formula
    • Cruelty-free

    Cons

    • The amount could be more

    Buy now

  • 5

    Best Long-lasting

    IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Full Coverage Concealer
  • Boasting a skin-loving cream form, IT Cosmetics' Bye Bye Under Eye concealer confidently masks skin imperfections without cracking or creasing. Formulated for acne-prone skin, this concealer combats wrinkles and acne spots, leaving your complexion looking youthful. Addedly, this water-based concealer for oily skin effortlessly covers dark circles, redness, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration. Its ease of application transforms your routine — simply dot, tap, and blend. Even more, it doubles as a foundation, serving as a versatile addition to your beauty regime.

    Pros

    • Highly pigmented
    • Long-lasting
    • Wrinkle-reducing
    • Imperfection-covering
    • Easy to blend
    • Dual-functioning

    Cons

    • None

    Buy now

  • 6

    Best Value for Money

    L’ORÉAL PARIS True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Championing customizable coverage, the L’oréal Paris True Match crayon concealer steps up to meet all your concealing needs. Ideal for all skin types, it comes in a convenient stick form, delivering a seamless, sheer finish. This innovative product offers buildable coverage that won't flake, tackling both small blemishes and larger imperfections with ease. Plus, its design facilitates both precise and broad application, making this water-based drugstore concealer a great addition to your makeup collection. Blend effortlessly, achieving an unblemished, natural look.

    Pros

    • Customizable coverage
    • Precision application
    • Versatile use
    • Easy blending
    • Non-cakey finish
    • Multiple shades

    Cons

    • Coverage may be sheer for some users

    Buy now

  • 7

    Best for Combination Skin

    CATRICE | True Skin High Cover Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Amp up your look with this concealer from CATRICE. This water-based concealer has a hydrating formula crafted specifically for normal to dry and combination skin. Adding to that, its warm beige shade effortlessly masks dark circles, redness, fine lines, and blemishes without caking into crevices. The light matte finish, infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, maintains a fresh look for every occasion. As a conscientious beauty brand, it ensures adherence to a cleaner standard, eliminating gluten, silicones, oil, fragrance, phthalates, alcohol, and micro-plastic particles.

    Pros

    • Waterproof
    • High coverage
    • Long-lasting
    • Budget-friendly
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free

    Cons

    • May not suit oily skin

    Buy now

  • 8

    Best for Dry Skin

    JOAH Perfect Complexion Under Eye Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Infused with ceramides and firming peptides, JOAH's under eye concealer is the ideal fusion of skincare and makeup. Suitable for all skin types, this water-based concealer has a creamy consistency that imparts a natural finish. The shade brightens the under-eye area, eliminating dullness and fine lines. Its hydrating formula plumps and leaves your skin smooth while minimizing puffiness and dark circles, without appearing cakey. Notably, this K-beauty innovation does not crease, even on oily skin.

    Pros

    • Non-creasing
    • Budget-friendly
    • Cruelty-free
    • Skin brightening
    • Hydrating formula
    • High-quality ingredients

    Cons

    • None

    Buy now

  • 9

    Best for Oily Skin

    PHYSICIANS FORMULA Natural Defense Total Coverage Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Providing a sheer and perfect color for cheeks, eyes, and lips, Physicians Formula's Natural Defense concealer is your ally in the fight against signs of aging. Designed for sensitive skin, this lotion-formulated concealer merges effortless beauty with potent protection against harmful sun rays (SPF), blue light (RPF), and pollution (PPF). Its ultra-blendable feature ensures a natural, all-over look that blurs imperfections. As part of the brand’s commitment to healthy beauty, this product, like others in their extensive makeup line, is hypoallergenic.

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Multi-use color
    • Sunray protection
    • Blue light defense
    • Pollution shielding
    • Harsh-ingredients free

    Cons

    • Sheer finish

    Buy now

  • 10

    MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Fit Me Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • With its ability to provide natural coverage, Maybelline's Fit Me concealer is designed to perfect your skin by concealing redness, flaws, and blemishes. Developed for acne-prone skin, this liquid concealer brings you a step closer to a flawless complexion. What's more? This oil-free formula is geared to match all skin tones. In easier words, it is more than just a makeup product. It can be your partner for achieving an even complexion with zero flaws and blemishes.

    Pros

    • Does not dry out the skin
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Ophthalmologist tested
    • Oil-free formula

    Cons

    • Little pricey

    Buy now

  • 11

    Best for Acne-prone Skin

    FOCALLURE Matte Concealer

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • FOCALLURE Matte Concealer, a full coverage solution, is a great choice for makeup lovers. With a flawless natural finish, it matches all skin tones providing an even complexion. Whether you need to cover redness, blemishes, or under-eye circles, this is your go-to product. This concealer is long-wearing with a creamy, water-resistant formula that lasts up to 12 hours without creasing. It is also enhanced with vitamin E to replenish your skin's hydration, ensuring coverage that survives through sweat and oil.

    Pros

    • Natural looking coverage
    • Zero pore clogging
    • Long-lasting formula
    • Suits acne-prone skin
    • Vegan product
    • Cruelty-free

    Cons

    • The shade could be better

    In this list, we've gone through an array of options for water-based concealers. Each of them is formulated to provide a natural, long-lasting coverage that hides imperfections and accentuates your facial features. Here's to embracing a makeup routine that celebrates you!

    How to Choose a Water-based Concealer?

    No skin is perfect, and that's why concealers are there to cover those imperfections. So, before choosing a water-based concealer, there are some important factors that you need to remember:

    • Understanding Your Skin Type

    Your skin type plays a huge role in your choice. Every skin has separate needs, whether dry, oily, sensitive, or combination. Water-based concealers can work for all skin types but are especially good for oily and sensitive skin.

    • Perfecting the Shade Match

    Always choose a concealer shade that matches your skin tone or is one shade lighter, depending on where you plan to apply it. This ensures a natural, flawless look.

    • Coverage Needs

    If you have dark circles or blemishes you'd like to cover, opt for a concealer offering full coverage. For minor imperfections, a medium-coverage concealer will do.

    The selection of the best water-based concealers comes down to understanding your skin, knowing what you need the concealer for, and finding a product that meets these requirements.

    How to Use a Water-based Concealer?

    Optimal utilization of your water-based concealer can significantly enhance its effect, gifting you a seamless skin tone. Here's how to extract the maximum potential from your chosen product:

    1. Prime Your Base

    Initiate your makeup routine by getting your skin ready. A well-hydrated facial skin forms a perfect platform for your concealer, facilitating smooth application and improved durability. Use a trusted moisturizer or a primer to build an ideal foundation for your makeup.

    2. Remember Less Is More

    While deploying the concealer, remember that moderation is key. Take a minute quantity on a small brush or your fingers, and administer it judiciously on targeted zones. The usual application areas include beneath the eyes, surrounding the nostrils, and on any imperfections or pigmented spots.

    3. Blend Carefully

    After positioning the concealer, it's time to merge it into your skin. Employ a moist makeup sponge or your fingers to gently fuse it out, ensuring the elimination of conspicuous edges.

    4. Secure the Concealer

    Lastly, stabilize it with a setting powder to prevent your concealer from folding or eroding. Sparingly scatter the powder or spray over the zones where the concealer has been applied to aid its endurance.

    The secret to getting adept with water-based concealers lies in suitable skin readiness, measured application, and skillful blending strategies. Adhering to these guidelines will ascertain a faultless finish that persists throughout the day.

    Ask any makeup enthusiast what concealer means for them and the answer will be that concealers are the ultimate savior and beauty hack. We trust our list of the best water-based concealers has been insightful, and hopefully, made your decision-making process easier. No matter what your skin type or budget is, there's a product here for you. Water-based concealers are more than just makeup. They are tools that enhance your natural beauty, provide lasting coverage, and bring a healthy glow to your skin. The best concealer is the one that fits you perfectly and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Your radiant complexion is right here!

    FAQ's

    What concealer is water-based?

    Any concealer that has water listed as one of the first ingredients on its label is considered water-based.

    Is water-based concealer better?

    Water-based concealers are great for providing lightweight, breathable coverage and are often ideal for those with oily or sensitive skin types.

    Is Two Faced concealer water-based?

    Two Faced offers a range of concealers, some of which are water-based. Always check the product description to be sure.

    Is Tarte concealer water-based or silicone-based?

    Tarte offers both water and silicone-based concealers. For instance, their Shape Tape concealer is silicone based.

    Where can you use concealer?

    Concealer can be used on any area of the face to hide imperfections like blemishes, dark circles, or redness.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, an eloquent makeup and beauty writer, seeks to reconcile vanity with vitality in her words. As a beauty enthusiast, she turns her lens to water-based concealers, inspired by a desire to unite makeup, comfort, and skin health. She has meticulously experimented with the use of these innovative products for their lightweight, hydrating properties, promising an immaculate finish that also nurtures the skin. With this exploration, she invites her readers to know more about the best concealers for flawless skin in no time.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO

    Sayantani Deb

    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More

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