If I had to choose one makeup item as my all-time favorite, it would be concealer. I never leave the house without it. Much more than a product that covers dark circles and blemishes, it’s the backbone of my makeup routine. Because of that, I have several formulas on hand, but serum concealers are the ones I reach for most. These multitasking formulas disguise a sleepless night while infusing skin with ingredients that target concerns like dryness, fine lines and loss of firmness. They strike the perfect balance between makeup and skin care.
On days when you want a fresh, radiant finish over full glam, a lightweight, luminous formula can instantly brighten your complexion. Creamier, buildable textures, on the other hand, pair beautifully with full-coverage looks and still move naturally with the skin. To help you find the best formula for your needs, we tapped two celebrity makeup artists to break down the benefits of serum concealers and share their favorite picks.
Featured Experts
- Tayaba Jafri is a celebrity makeup artist and the global beauty director for Laura Mercier
- Kasey Spickard is a celebrity makeup artist
Serum Concealer Benefits
Serum concealers combine the coverage power of concealer with skin-loving ingredients. Put simply, they’re hybrids. Not only do they cover dark circles and brighten the under-eye, but they also provide targeted care to the delicate area.
Many serum concealer formulas feature ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and nourish, or peptides to help smooth fine lines and crow’s feet. “Hydration is key under the eye and while a light eye cream smooths the area, these formulas blend easily and crease less,” says Tayaba Jafri, a celebrity makeup artist and the global beauty director for Laura Mercier. Others include brightening ingredients like vitamin C and caffeine to invigorate the area.
These ingredients don’t just benefit tired under-eyes—they’re ideal for mature skin, too. “Serum concealers generally have a more fluid-like texture, are a bit more sheer and are more comfortable to wear than standard concealers,” says celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard. The thin consistency makes them easy to apply and blend without tugging or settling into fine lines.
Serum Concealers to Try
