I Hate Wearing Concealer, But These 6 Dewy Formulas Have Completely Changed My Mind
Our take
The beauty landscape is in constant flux, oscillating between maximalist trends and a return to simplicity. This recent piece, "I Hate Wearing Concealer, But These 6 Dewy Formulas Have Completely Changed My Mind," speaks to a broader shift toward embracing a more natural, radiant aesthetic. It’s a testament to the evolving understanding of what constitutes "flawless" – moving away from the heavily filtered, airbrushed ideals of the past and towards a celebration of skin texture and luminosity. The author's initial aversion to concealer, followed by a surprising discovery of formulas that enhance rather than mask, resonates deeply with a growing desire for authenticity and ease in beauty routines. This isn't about eliminating imperfections entirely; it's about finding products that work *with* your skin, not against it, to create a healthy, glowing complexion. We’ve seen this sentiment reflected in recent trends, such as the rise of "skinimalism" and the emphasis on skincare as the foundation for a beautiful makeup look, as explored in [My French Friend Swears By This Polished Outfit for Autumn, Now Stylish Londoners are Adopting it Too]. The focus is subtly shifting towards a curated, considered approach to beauty, prioritizing quality over quantity and prioritizing a feeling of effortless elegance.
The article's emphasis on "dewy" formulas is particularly noteworthy. Matte finishes, once the undisputed standard for concealer and foundation, are gradually yielding ground to products that impart a natural radiance. This aligns with a larger cultural movement towards embracing imperfections and celebrating individuality. It’s a rejection of the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and an embrace of a more holistic approach to self-care. Consider, too, the parallels with our recent feature on a luxurious Hudson getaway [My Long-Weekend Guide to Hudson: The Chicest New Hotel, What to Pack, and Where to Dine], which highlighted a similar philosophy – prioritizing understated elegance and genuine experience over overt displays of wealth or trendiness. Both exemplify a desire for authenticity and a rejection of superficiality. The shift toward dewy finishes also acknowledges the increasing awareness of the importance of hydration and healthy skin barrier function. Consumers are realizing that a truly radiant complexion starts from within, and makeup should enhance, not compromise, that natural glow. The author's personal journey, from concealer skeptic to convert, highlights the power of finding the right products to support this ethos.
The article's success also lies in its relatability. Many women share the author's initial resistance to concealer, often finding it heavy, cakey, or prone to creasing. The revelation that dewy formulas can actually alleviate these concerns is a welcome discovery for those seeking a more natural, comfortable, and effective way to address imperfections. This speaks to the power of honest, authentic reviews and the importance of finding products that genuinely work for individual skin types and concerns. It’s a departure from the often-overhyped and heavily sponsored recommendations that dominate the beauty industry. The piece’s focus on the emotional impact of finding the right products – the confidence and ease that comes with a flawless-looking complexion – is also a crucial element of its appeal. This aligns with the broader trend of brands focusing on the emotional benefits of their products, as we saw with our profile of Carly Rae Jepsen [For Carly Rae Jepsen, Indulgence Is Always In], where the focus was on the feelings of freedom and self-expression inspired by her music.
Ultimately, this article signals a continuing evolution in the beauty industry, one that prioritizes natural radiance, authenticity, and self-acceptance. It’s a move away from the heavily manufactured ideals of the past and toward a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of beauty. The key takeaway isn't necessarily about abandoning concealer altogether, but about redefining its purpose and finding formulations that enhance, rather than mask, our natural beauty. What will be fascinating to watch is how this shift towards dewy, skin-like finishes influences the development of new foundation formulas and the broader conversation around achieving a "natural" look in an increasingly filtered world – will we see a complete abandonment of traditional coverage, or a reimagining of how it can be achieved in a way that feels truly effortless and empowering?
Whether I like it or not, concealer is one of those makeup products I couldn't be without. As someone with chronically dark under-eyes, lots of redness and the occasional blemish, it's always the one product in my makeup bag that comes to the rescue whenever I need it. However, if anyone asks me what concealers I actually enjoy wearing, I struggle to think of more than one or two recommendations. The drying formulas, the creasing, the uneven coverage...there are so many things that get on my nerves when using this product. Plus, as someone who favours a glowy makeup look, I often find concealers create a mattifying effect, which is the opposite of what I want.
Call it coincidence, but it seems some of my favourite brands read my mind, as more and more are launching dewy concealer formulas that give me a smooth, radiant complexion without a hint of dryness. Formulas have become more advanced, and much like the wave of new-gen foundations on the market, concealers are now packed with skin-loving ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Since getting my hands on these glow-giving products, I actually look forward to using concealer, so I thought it was only right to share my edit of the best dewy concealers with you.
The Best Dewy Concealers, Tried & Tested
- Best Overall: Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer, £28
- Best Under-Eye Concealer: Nars Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer, £30
- Best Affordable Concealer: L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, £11
- Best Luxury Concealer: Prada Reveal Concealer, £36
- Best for On-the-Go Application: Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen with TFC8, £64
1. Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
best overall
Number of shades: 38
Pros
- Creamy formula
- Instantly brightens and illuminates the skin
Cons
- Might not be the best for blemishes
This concealer is a beauty editor favourite, and for good reason. The serum-like formula glides onto the skin like butter, with a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid and peptides. The formula is impressive, but it's the finish that blows me away every time. Smooth, soft and naturally dewy, it makes my under-eyes (and anywhere else I apply it) look instantly healthier, as if I actually sleep eight hours a night and drink two litres of water a day (because really, who has time for that?).
2. Nars Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer
best for under-eyes
Number of shades: 30
Pros
- Illuminating effect under the eyes
Cons
- Can still cling to dry skin at times
When I think of dewy concealers, this Nars one is always at the top of my list. It has a creamy consistency, delivers a glowy finish and visibly smooths the skin. Oh, and did I mention the light-diffusing technology? Yes, if you suffer from dark under-eye circles like me, you'll love this stuff. Plus, the thin doe-foot applicator makes it a dream to apply. If only I looked this bright-eyed and bushy-tailed naturally...
3. L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer
best affordable concealer
Number of shades: 17
Pros
- More affordable than others on the market
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Applicator can pick up a lot of product, so I recommend applying on the back of your hand before applying to the skin
If you like a dewy finish, a serum-like concealer is probably your best bet, and this affordable L'Oréal Paris one ticks all the boxes. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it doesn't feel drying like other concealers, and it doesn't dry down to a totally matte finish, either. Instead, it makes light work of covering redness or dark circles and creates a naturally dewy, "your skin but better" effect that will earn you so many compliments.
4. Prada Reveal Concealer
best luxury concealer
Number of shades: 22
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Nourishing formula
- Blurring effect
Cons
- Quite expensive
This (relatively) new launch from Prada caught my attention the minute I got my hands on it. It's not actually advertised as a dewy concealer, but in my opinion, it fits the bill perfectly. It's not obviously glowy, but more of an "oh yeah, I just woke up with skin this good" kind of glow that will have people thinking you follow a very strict skincare routine. Peptides and squalane are to thank for the creamy consistency, whilst the buildable, blurring finish is all its own doing.
5. Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen with TFC8
best for on-the-go application
Number of shades: 19
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Chic packaging
- Radiant finish
Cons
- Very expensive
- Light coverage
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes I want a concealer I can keep in my handbag to touch up my makeup whenever I'm on the go. Enter Victoria Beckham Beauty and Augustinus Bader. Yes, these two beauty powerhouses have joined forces to create a concealer so radiant that I've now developed a very expensive makeup addiction. Formulated with Augustinus Bader's iconic TFC8, this concealer improves the look of skin over time, but the dewy effect is instant. The pen format is so easy to swipe on and go, which is why I know this product won't be leaving my side as we enter the busiest period of the year.
6. Caia Dewy Drops Serum Concealer
best serum formula
Number of shades: 18
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and hydrating
Cons
- Would prefer a doe-foot applicator
Last but not least, let's talk about this Caia concealer. I'm going to be totally honest: I don't like the packaging, but the formula is so good that I'm willing to overlook it. My best advice is to apply it to the back of your hand and use a small brush to buff it into the skin. It's incredibly lightweight and glides onto the skin, with a nourishing, dewy finish. It's definitely on the lighter side of things in terms of coverage, but it does a great job of smoothing and evening out my complexion. If you like a weightless, radiant base, you need this product on your radar.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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