I've tried countless concealers - but I always go back to this £27 one (2025)

A few weeks ago, I was getting my make-up done for a shoot in YOU magazine when the make-up artist pulled a tube of theLaura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer (£39) out of her kit. As someone who doesn’t wear foundation – my minimalist makeup routine comprises a few dots of concealer, some clear brow gel, a lick of black mascara and a swipe of blush and bronzer – my interest was piqued.

As the name reveals, this concealer has a serum-infused formula for a skin-like finish. It promises buildable coverage, a natural finish and long-lasting, waterproof and crease-proof wear.

I was having, as some would call it, a ‘good skin day’ that day. There were no blemishes or dark under-eye circles that needed to be covered up, so the make-up artist placed a few dots of the Laura Mercier concealer around my nose and on my chin to cover up some redness, and worked the product into my skin with a brush.

Immediately, I was impressed by the formula. It went on smooth, looked natural and offered just enough coverage to take away the redness whilst still showing my freckles. I took a picture of the label to remember the shade and placed my Boots order later that night.

That was nearly a month ago and I’ve been reaching for the Laura Mercier concealer on my ‘good skin days’. On days I have to cover up the odd breakout, however, I can’t help but go back to the tried and true Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (£27).

It’s the number-one selling concealer in the UK – and for good reason. I’ve repurchased more tubes of this product than I can remember because I just haven’t found a concealer that offers the same full coverage (one dot and the spot is gone) and staying power (it really lasts all day). And it’s not for a lack of trying.

A few concealers that have been reduced to my ‘good skin day’ pile include the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Concealer (£39; pricey but the finish is truly flawless) and the Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer (£23; I’d say this is more of a brightener than a concealer).

Now, don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t not recommend any of the aforementioned concealers – they all offer light-to-medium coverage and a radiant finish. But let’s just say this: if I had to play favourites, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer would always come out on top.

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