These budget concealers compete with the high end heroes (and win)

You don’t have to cheat on your holy grail high-end concealer, but if you’re tight on budget (aren’t we all around this time of year?!) there are one or two budget options that really compete with the heavy hitters…

When you think of iconic concealers, there are a few names that spring to mind: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Nars Radiant Creamy, Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, Urban Decay’s Naked Skin and of course, Instagram favourites, Glossier Stretch and Tarte Shape Tape. These all have two things in common. They are all incredibly good, and they are all fairly expensive, coming in firmly over €20 in all cases.

But with something like concealer, you have to invest a bit, don’t you? Actually, not really. There are several really great concealers that stand proudly beside their pricier pals and do just as good a job at covering blemishes, makeup mistakes, long nights and early mornings.

Here are five we love, and why each deserves its place on the same list as the spendier icons.

1. L’Oréal True Match The One Concealer, €11.99

This one is impressive based on shade range alone – 14 to be exact. That’s an exceptionally good shade range for the price, and the product itself stands up to a 32-hour day – it was tried and tested on a recent work trip to Asia and no one would’ve known the length of time it was on for.

2. Carter Beauty Cosmetics Covert Concealer, €4.95

A highlight of the Carter Beauty offering, their concealer is a silky soft texture which applies and blends with foundation really well, and doesn’t dry to a caked finish, rather leaves a flexible layer of decent coverage where you place it. For less than €5, it’s working hard.

3. Catrice Liquid Camouflage Waterproof Concealer, €3.95

I have spotted these tucked away in the kits of so many makeup artists I can’t keep count. Makeup artists try so many different products and really narrow things down when it comes to what they’ll actually lug around with them, so this one is a trustworthy option for just €3.95.

4. NYX Professional HD Concealer, €8

This one is another that comes in a massive shade range, and even includes green, yellow and violet ones for colour correction as well as concealing. It dries in place but doesn’t sit in lines (the dream) and lasts for hours. It also layers up quite well if you do ever need a top up for brightening reasons.

5. Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser, €11.99

An oldie but a goodie, Maybelline’s Eraser, with it’s (at the time) very novel squishy sponge top, is still one worth investing in, particularly for slightly older skin. It contains anti-ageing properties so does more than just conceal, too.