If Your Concealer Always Looks Cakey, You Need to Know About These Natural-Looking Formulas

I have a love-hate relationship with concealer. Whenever I have dark under-eyes or blemishes, it's my best friend for quickly and easily covering them. However, even after testing hundreds of formulas, I'm yet to find a concealer that doesn't look dry or cakey after a few hours of wear. So, when I saw more and more brands creating a new wave of "blurring" formulas, I was immediately intrigued.

All I want is a lightweight, hydrating concealer that beautifully blurs my under-eyes. I'm a big fan of blurring skin tints and foundations, and often refer to them as a filter in a bottle. If my concealer could have the same effect, then I know my makeup would immediately be taken to the next level.

Therefore, I've taken it upon myself to test some of the best options on the market. From brand new launches to a couple of older classics, below you'll find my concise, tried-and-tested edit of blurring concealers that provide the perfect finish on the skin. What are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling.

The Best Blurring Concealers, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, £31
• Best Full-Coverage Concealer: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, £37
• Best Skincare-Infused Formula: Ilia Beauty Skin Blur Serum Concealer, £30
• Best Drugstore Concealer: TirTir Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer, £13
• Best Luxury Concealer: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer, £34

1. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer

A new launch from Charlotte Tilbury, and definitely one you need on your radar. The Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer is like a blurring skin filter, with a lightweight yet high-coverage finish that expertly disguises any traces of dark circles. Hyaluronic acid and squalane make it feel incredibly hydrating, but I will say, a little goes a long way, so if you don't want it to crease, start small and build up from there. Apart from that, I have absolutely no notes.

2. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

Next up, the OG of blurring concealers. I've written an entire review on the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer because I love it that much. It has a gorgeously creamy, nourishing texture that works well on both blemishes and under the eyes, and the finish it gives is out of this world. It is full coverage, so I tend to reach for it on slightly heavier makeup days, but what I love is that it never feels heavy on the skin. Instead, it simply creates a smoothing effect thanks to microspherical powders that blur and brighten the complexion.

3. Ilia Beauty Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Ilia Beauty puts skincare at the heart of its formulations, so I was really excited to try this concealer. Similar to the Hourglass concealer, it has a creamy, lightweight texture (packed with peptides, FYI) and doesn't cling to any dry patches of skin. The formula also contains microspheres for that diffused finish we all love, and I was really impressed with how it blurred my dark circles and pores. The coverage is ever so slightly lighter than the option above, so although I might not use it for really angry blemishes, I'll definitely be applying it everywhere else.

4. TirTir Glide & Hide Blurring Concealer

This drugstore concealer feels so innovative. The product itself looks a little like lipstick, with a stick format that you can swipe directly onto the skin. But that's not all, as the clever packaging also houses a liquid concealer in the base of the bullet. The velvety balm glides onto the skin like butter, blurring any signs of skin texture in seconds. I like to apply this near the centre of my face where my pores are most noticeable, before using the liquid concealer on my under-eyes and blemishes. Both formulas feel completely weightless on the skin and do not dry it out at all. Since getting my hands on this product, it's replaced multiple concealers in my makeup bag.

5. Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

Whilst this Dior makeup product isn't technically marketed as a blurring concealer, I personally think it's one of the best options out there. It's incredibly lightweight and hydrating, and lasts for hours on the driest parts of my complexion. The creamy formula sinks in like a dream, and while the coverage is definitely on the lighter side, it creates this seamless finish that makes my skin look like my skin, but better, you know? It's expensive for sure, but I can see myself buying this again and again.

6. Merit Beauty The Minimalist

Not quite a foundation, not quite a concealer, this Merit Beauty Complexion Stick technically replaces the need for either. I love using it as a foundation on "no makeup" makeup days, but also use it as concealer with my go-to tinted moisturiser for a tad more coverage. It's buildable, but makes light work of blurring imperfections and creating a second-skin finish. The only downside is that it can cling to dry skin at times, so I always prep my skin with a good serum or primer before using it.

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At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up 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.